By RICHIE HALL
Reporter Sports Editor
With a group of hard-hitting seniors returning to the lineup, this season of Westfield softball could be one of the most successful seasons yet.
Last year’s Shamrocks team finished 12-13, accomplishing that feat while playing a tough schedule that included games in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference. Since last season ended, Westfield has continued to do the necessary work to improve.
“I feel our program has improved overall in the last 10 months or so,” said ‘Rocks coach Bryan Revercomb. “Our players have worked very hard to improve themselves both offensively and defensively and everyone is looking forward to the start of season.”
Three seniors will be among the leaders for Westfield, including their best returning hitter. Dory Thompson had a .389 batting average last season, while leading the team in runs scored (21) and stolen bases (11) and tied for first in hits (28) with the now-graduated Cassidy Ferrer. Thompson also had three home runs.
Right behind Thompson is senior Kelsey Powers, who lived up to her name when it came to hitting last season by cracking 10 home runs. Powers batted .387 while leading the team in RBIs with 33. Another top senior returner is Ashley Swartout, who hit at a .319 clip, batted in 16 runs and hit a couple of homers. Swartout had nine home runs in her sophomore year.
“We have a solid group of seniors leading our program and feel we will be very competitive throughout our season,” said Revercomb.
Sophomore Lexi Martin returns after a very successful freshman year. Martin averaged .333 with 21 hits and 18 RBIs, and two home runs.
Ferrer pitched the majority of games last season, but there will be some experience in the circle. Sophomore Emily Caulfield was 2-2 and totaled 14 strikeouts, while junior Alexis McClure went 2-0. Another sophomore, Emily Revercomb also made a couple appearances.
“We are proud of our 2017 season, however, we are focused and looking to build off of the successes we had last year and make 2018 another successful season,” said Bryan Revercomb.
Westfield is scheduled to open its season Monday by hosting Monrovia, followed by another home game Thursday against Taylor.
Westfield roster
Seniors: Corinne Molter, Regan Nickel, Kelsey Powers, Ashley Swartout, Dory Thompson.
Juniors: Rebekah Davidson, Georgia Haffley, Caroline Maymon, Alexis McClure.
Sophomores: Emily Caulfield, Lexi Martin, Emily Revercomb.
Freshmen: Sara Harmeyer, Reghan Oland, Avery Wagner.