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04/23/2017 12:00 AMThe Hand softball team had to replace several key players up the middle this season, but fortunately for the Tigers, they’ve received great production from their offense, along with a few up-and-coming athletes who are filling in those gaps on the field.
Head Coach Mike Niekrash and the Tigers are coming off a 2016 run that saw them go 11-9 for regular season before losing to Lauralton Hall in the SCC Tournament semifinals and eventual champion Fitch in the second round of the Class L State Tournament. Upon the campaign’s conclusion, Hand said farewell to its starting second baseman, shortstop, and center fielder, who all graduated.
While trying to find the right combination of players for those positions, the Tigers have helped their cause at the dish by scoring seven or more runs in five of their six victories en route to an overall record of 6-2. The Tigers’ bats were hot when they prevailed 14-0 at Branford on April 19 to move to 2-0 in SCC Quinnipiac Division action, after which they posted a 4-3 home win over Sheehan in nine innings on April 21 on a walk-off triple by freshman Christina Coric. Coach Niekrash feels that any issues created by last year’s graduations will take care of themselves as long as this group of girls continues to progress on a daily basis.
“I’m very pleased with how this team has come together this year. It is a fun team to coach with some great kids who are enthusiastic about the game and practice hard,” said Niekrash. “If they keep going and keep improving, then anything can happen. We have four freshmen seeing significant time out there and, if everyone follows the lead of the seniors and their leadership, then we’ll be OK.”
After graduating four seniors from last year’s team, Hand only returned three this year, but it’s a quality collection of tri-captains in first baseman Kaitlyn Martin; catcher Lily Geshwind, a 2016 All-State and All-SCC Hammonasset Division selection; and UConn-bound shortstop Hollis Wivell, who also made All-Hammonasset last spring and recently notched her 100th career hit. Thus far, all three athletes have been great both at the plate and with the glove this season.
“All three of these girls are tremendous leaders. They are great kids and athletes,” Niekrash said. “Kaitlyn is a basketball player who is back into softball shape. She’s hitting the ball well, and the girls look up to her. Lily is a great player and one of the best in the state. Hollis also made the move from the outfield to shortstop this year.”
The Tigers also feature some returning underclass athletes and varsity rookies who have quickly hit their stride, including freshman Pamela Engelheart at second, junior Sophie Schreck at the hot corner of third, Hannah Martin and freshman Gina Ciotti sharing center field, junior Kelly Cody in right field, junior outfielder Alyssa Pilla, designated hitter Caroline O’Connor, and fellow freshman Coric. In the circle, Hand has a strong one-two punch with ace Abby Geshwind and junior classmate Caroline Schreck.
“We graduated four players between second base, short, and center field. You build your team up the middle, and defense is always key, so the hardest part of it all is finding those to fill the roles,” said Coach Niekrash. “Many of our underclassmen have been really stepping up. Hannah is hitting the ball well. Christina is doing a great job in the field and with hitting. The new girls have done a great job stepping in as freshmen and have helped us score a lot of runs in each game.”
In last week’s win against Branford, Abby Geshwind tossed a complete game shutout, striking out 12 with no walks, while allowing only three hits. The Tigers’ bats were super hot as they received home runs by Kaitlyn Martin (2-for-4), Sophie Schreck (3-for-3), and O’Connor, along with multiple hits from Wivell (3-for-5), Lily Geshwind (2-for-4), and Coric (2-for-4). Schreck drove home five runs and Lily Geshwind scored three runs. The Tigers also stole six bases in the game with Wivell snagging three of them.
Abby Geshwind then pitched all nine innings of the Sheeahn victory, finishing with 11 strikeouts and four hits allowed. Coric came up big at the plate by going 2-for-4 with two triples to bring in a pair of pivotal runs, including the last one in the bottom of the ninth that plated Wivell for the walk-off win. Hollis went 4-for-4 with three stolen bases and scored three runs, plus Abby Geshwind went 2-for-4. Kaitlyn Martin and Sophie Schreck contributed key singles in the stirring victory.
With so few seniors and a plethora of underclass athletes, the Tigers are eager to learn from what happens one day and then improve upon it the following day. Coach Niekrash hopes that attitude helps carry Hand deep into postseason play this year.
“On the field, this team will get better as the year goes on because it’s so young,” said Niekrash. “We have a chance to win our division, and we can be competitive with anyone in the SCC. We’d like to compete in that tournament and also make a run in states for Class L.”
From the Sidelines
Mike Niekrash is back for his ninth season as the Hand softball squad’s skipper.
Niekrash’s coaching staff features first-year varsity assistant Dave Buller and JV coach Mary Pat Maloney. The coaching duties for the freshman team are split among the three coaches.
This year, the Tigers are a part of the realigned SCC Quinnipiac Division, which also includes East Haven, West Haven, Branford, and longtime Hammonasset Division rival Hillhouse.