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07/22/2019 12:00 AMThe Westbrook softball squad had a rebuilding season in 2019 that featured some up-and-coming players mixed with some veterans. The Knights notched four wins as a team with some solid contributions from upper-class athletes, while some other players were still trying to hone their talent. With a some players taking the next step, Westbrook has a chance to be a solid team in the Shoreline Conference in the near future.
While the Knights’ games didn’t always result in wins, Head Coach Caitlin Eichler saw positive results in the effort her team brought every game. Regardless of the outcome, Westbrook refused to give up.
“These girls just never got discouraged. They never checked out of games. They always fought back,” said Eichler. “There were games that we were down by maybe 10 runs, and they would come back and score five runs and keep trying to chip away.”
Westbrook’s never-quit attitude started with its senior captains center fielder Carolyn Bauman and third baseman Jamie Merola. According to Coach Eichler, the pair were effective motivating their squad while also trying to improve their own respective games.
“Both were hard workers and remained positive mentors to the underclassmen throughout the season,” Eichler said. “Carolyn is a gamer, and her competitive spirit pumped up her teammates during games and pushed them to work harder during practice. Jamie improved throughout the season and ended up having a .372 batting average and 21 runs.”
Another major offensive presence for the knights this season was junior catcher Madison Marshall. She had a team-best .404 batting average to go with 10 RBI and 16 runs scored. Marshall was also a sniper to base runners from behind the plate.
“Madison Marshall was a solid catcher for us. She has a powerful throw to second base and keeps runners on their toes,” Eichler said. “She’s not afraid to pick off runners at first or third. She was also dangerous up at bat.”
Along with Marshall and Bauman, Westbrook was solid up the middle thanks to junior shortstop Alivia Ciarcia and fellow junior second baseman Olivia Hartzell. Ciarcia had some pop at the plate as well with a .327 batting average and 15 runs. Hartzell proved to be a steady presence on the field and in the dugout for Westbrook.
“Olivia is a hard worker and competitor. She continues to work and improve her fielding. She had the third highest batting average on our team, as well,” said Eichler. “Olivia is a leader on the field and plays solid defense. Her peers look up to her and she continues to cover more ground in the infield each year. Olivia made solid contact up at bat each time but had some bad luck in hitting the ball into an opponent’s glove.”
One of the biggest challenges that the Knights had to overcome this season was losing their presumptive pitcher Callie Newberg for the season due to injury. This thrust a pair of freshman pitchers into the circle in Mackenzie Marshall and Gabby Cordon. Coach Eichler sees a bright future for the pair as they continue to develop.
“With Callie Newberg out for the season due to a recovering ACL injury, Mackenzie and Gabby had huge shoes to fill. They both improved immensely as the season progressed,” said Eichler. “We hope that both pitchers continue to work hard this summer and during the offseason so they can be even more competitive next year. With Callie returning next season, we will gain valuable depth in the pitching circle.”
Sophomore first baseman Emma Parkurst rounded out Westbrook’s infield. Coach Eichler was pleased with Parkhurst progression from the beginning of her freshman to the end of this season.
“Emma played solid defense, and had the second highest fielding average this season,” said Eichler. “The coaches are excited to have her return. She has improved leaps and bounds each season, and the coaches are excited to see how she performs next season.”
The Knights also had some young players cutting their teeth in the outfield this year in freshmen Nicole Valiante and Juliana Gerena along with sophomore Kylie McCarthy. Eichler appreciated the ground they were able to cover and believes that they all have tremendous potential for Westbrook.
“Kylie is a positive athlete who worked hard at improving her skills. She did a sound job in the outfield and improved her swing during the season. She has a bright future ahead of her in either the outfield or infield,” said Eichler. “Juliana covered a ton of ground and batted .282. She has a lot of potential and we’re looking forward to having her back. Nicole is a team player who did well in the outfield, too. She is quick around the bases and made solid contact up at bat.”
In the end, Coach Eichler believes that this year should lead to more successful seasons in the future. Many of her younger players saw significant playing time this season, and Eichler hopes that experience translates to more wins next year.
“This group of female athletes play with heart. They are the most positive group of girls that never allows losses to get them down,” Eichler said. “They work harder during practices and pump one another up. Hard work during the off season should produce positive results next season.”
From the Sidelines
The Westbrook softball team’s roster featured senior captains Carolyn Bauman and Jamie Merola; juniors Chloe Bugden, Sophie Bugden, Alivia Ciarcia, Maria Dias, Olivia Hartzell, Madison Marshall, Callie Newberg, and Melissa Solis; sophomores Kayla Arevalo, Kiley McCarthy, and Emma Parkhurst; and freshmen Gabby Cordon, Juliana Gerena, Deja Hunter, Mackenzie Marshall, Samantha Nunez, and Nicole Valiante.
Caitlin Eichler completed her eleventh season as head coach for the Knights. Eichler’s coaching staff included assistant coach Joe Campbell and JV coach Kara Lesandrine.
Westbrook notched regular season wins against Career Magnet (12-11), Academy of the Holy Family (26-5 and 27-3), and Whitney Tech (19-9).