From The Bench: East Haven Softball is Ready!

“Put me in coach, I'm ready to play!” That's right girls softball is coming back and coming back strong in East Haven. The lady yellow jackets are returning six senior captains and they have been working hard the whole off-season to get ready to hit the field. They are Tori Heaphy #18 pitcher / shortstop, Sammy Franceschi #21 second base, Brooke Clancy #99 first base, Kayla Rosario #7 third base, Carly Cordova #17 outfield and Kayla Goodrich #22 outfield. I managed to catch up to them via email and ask them a few questions about the upcoming season and what it was like to train without knowing if you would have a season.

When asked about last year and this year's season Samantha Franceschi said, “With no softball last year I missed playing so much. The entire team and I worked so hard preparing for our season, and then for it to just be taken away was devastating. I am just so ready to get back on the field and playing with my teammates.”

Tori Heaphy is just as excited, “With no season last year, I have missed the game of softball a great deal. Even though I was fortunate enough to play a few travel tournaments last summer, I missed playing with my high school teammates and representing my school. It almost seems surreal to think of stepping on the field in a week. I cannot wait for the season to start, though!”

Talking about the upcoming season Brooke Clancy had this to say, “Our overall goal for the season is to make it to the state championship again, but our main goal for each practice is to just work hard and give our best efforts.”

When the captains were asked what they would give as advice to the younger players, Heaphy said, “A piece of advice that I would offer to the younger players is to never take time for granted. Last year, we all lost an entire season's worth of practices, games, and, ultimately bonding time, with the team. It is crucial that we value our experiences and always be grateful for the opportunity to play sports!”

“Some advice I would give the younger players would be to not be nervous. I remember my freshman year and even some of my sophomore year I was so nervous to even be on the team that my nerves got the best of me and then I did not play as well as I could have.” - Sammie Franceschi.

The lady yellow jackets are ready, their coaches are ready, and their school is ready. The only thing left now is to “Play ball!”

Mark Curcio

From the Bench

Curcio Sports Photos