Softball looks forward to new year

Blazer softball went 11-5 last year while starting six juniors. Now all of those juniors are a year older and, complemented by a strong new crop of varsity players, the team has a legitimate shot at the Montgomery County title.

The team has worked hard this preseason despite the snow at its new small-ball style of play, which will utilize the speed of this year's juniors to get players on base and let the heart of the lineup drive the swifter players home. The key to this style will be the quickness of leadoff batter junior Amy Ernst and the power hitting of senior first baseman Sophie Strike.

Defensively, the team looks very solid, with likely All-County players in right fielder Carly Vieira and three-year varsity pitcher Emma Simson leading a strong field. The greatest key to this year's defensive play will be the success of senior Lily Hamburger's transition from right field to catcher, says Coach Louis Hoelman.

While most of the starting spots are not very much in question due to the strong senior presence, Hoelman stresses that the lineup is not final. "Right now everyone is competing for a starting job and looking for their role on the team," says Hoelman.

Blair's major obstacles in its quest for county dominance this year will be Watkins Mill, Springbrook, Blake and Sherwood high schools, says Hoelman. Despite so much strong opposition, however, Hoelman believes that if his players continue to work hard and gel as a team, the Blazers should have a very successful season.