The Harvard girls have wrapped up another season in the Cortland Youth Softball League. The softball program offers girls through the age of 12 the opportunity to learn the great game of softball and to compete against girls from local towns such as Littleton, Ayer, Bolton, and Groton. While having fun and enjoying the social aspects of being on a team, the girls must react, make quick decisions, and perform athletically with keen eye-to-hand coordination. The benefits of playing the game go well beyond the game itself. All the girls on both the U12 and U10 teams had a great season and really advanced their skills.
The U12 team, coached by Mark Russell, Larry Hettinger, and JP Stamm, hit the ball very well all season and played strong defense. The team was short on wins, but very competitive. The U12 season ended in a hard-fought game against Littleton in the Cortland playoffs. The U12 lineup included: Grace Delaney, Ali Goldsher, Maya Grant, Audrey Hettinger, Greer Jarvis, Nicole Lemieux, Jordan Manning, India Morrison, Kelly Pickreign, Bryn Pierce, Sacha Powderly, Isabelle Quinn, Kiley Russell, and Hannah Stamm. The U12 team also called up Alicia Bakis and Maddi Drummey from the minors during the season.
The U10 team, coached by Pat Nelson, John Bakis, and Staci Donahue, also had a great season. The U10 league focus is on teaching the game fundamentals in a fun game environment. The team made great progress over the course of the season—making plays and demonstrating strong hitting. The U10 roster included: Alicia Bakis, Maddi Drummey, Elena “Cheese” Junkala, Allie Donahue, Abigale Baker, Hannah Dangel, Faith Massoni, Ellie Barton, Catalina Lora, Helena Justicz, Sophie Thompson, Melissa Mazzu, and Sadie Keiran.
Anyone who would like to learn more about the Harvard softball program can e-mail Pat Nelson at patnelson8239@gmail.com or Mark Russell at mark@russellmarket.com.
Mark Russell
Bolton Road
