By Chris Parker
Wheaton softball was looking to use the 2020 season as a year of growth after graduating eight seniors and seven starters from the 2019 squad. Now, Wheaton will look to make up for lost time on the field after last season was canceled.
“Losing last season to COVID was tough. The year before last we had lost eight seniors (including) seven who were starters. We were able to get the numbers and had many others join our team. The girls were working hard to prepare for the season as well before our season was canceled,” Wheaton head coach Kaily Harvey said. “Being able to get back on the field is essential. The girls are working hard and improving every day.”
Wheaton will identify team leaders as the season progresses, but juniors Lori McNeill and Monica Hinojosa are two players who have stepped up so far. Hinojosa will be the team’s top pitcher with McNeill settling in behind the plate at catcher.
Jenny Par (sophomore first base), Alissa Mason (freshman second base), Rebecca Zingwai (freshman shortstop) and Zoey Martell (sophomore third base) will make up the infield.
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The projected lineup in the outfield will be Raegan Bell (senior center field) and Giovanna Hinojosa (senior left field) with Karina Hernandez (senior), Amy Cunningham (senior) and Sui Pau (junior) all competing for time in right field.
“The strengths of our team will be our hard work and determination to get better every day. We are still learning a lot but each of our players are coachable and want to learn,” Harvey said. “We will need to improve our outfield by getting better at reading the ball off the bat and tracking the ball down.”
Wheaton opens the season on Mar. 20 at the Verona Invitational.
“My overall expectations for us to improve every game and have fun this season,” Harvey said. “Especially since missing last season, I really just want us to enjoy this season.”
