A slew of experience in combination with a 60-20 record helps this year look brighter than ever for Oxford’s varsity softball team. Top that with head coach Sue Roeher and team captains Andrea Olesky and Elise Rendell providing leadership, and the girls are primed and ready to succeed.
“We have two goals for this year,” said Roeher, “to finish in the top three of the league and to repeat as district champs.”
This year’s team is comprised of seniors Danielle Bergum, Jill Milosch, Amanda Mitchell, Andrea Olesky, Elise Rendell and Claire Vernarsky, juniors Ali Belmonte, Megan Bono, Kristi Curtis, Shannon Gerbe, Courtney McGraw and Jenni Rhodes, and sophomore Jessica Anhel.
According to Roeher, the girls will be facing off against some tough opponents including Fenton, Lapeer West and first time match up Brandon. However, the team’s defense is its strength.
“We keep our opponents at zero,” stated Roeher.
Some players to keep an eye on include catcher Jessica Anhel, who was a starting varsity player as a freshman, captains Olesky and Rendell, and first baseman/backup catcher Amanda Mitchell.
Last season Anehl led the team in all categories and batted over 400. Roeher said she expected teammate Mitchell to be offensively strong, while the senior captains give everyone a push with their leadership.
The Lady Wildcats are paired against Davison on April 1 for the first game of the season.