By Chris Parker
Buffalo softball has a new head coach in Amber Austin coming off a 13-11 season.
“We are young, but we are going to stay together and focus on each other’s strengths so that we can meet our common goal,” Austin said. “We are a family, and we understand that we are in this together and it takes more than one to get to where we want to go. We know there will be rough patches this year, but they will not define us and the culture we plan to build here.”
Six starters return for Buffalo. Jaden Righter (junior shortstop), Madi Sapp (sophomore centerfield) and Marlee Andrews (senior second base) will be the team’s leaders.
Austin on Righter: “Jaden Righter is a strong batter and an even stronger leader on the field. She picks everyone up and they can always count on her to make a big play in a crucial moment.”
Austin on Sapp: “She is always a calm and collected player that is always a play ahead in any situation. She is the best communicator on the field.”
Austin on Andrews: “She has the experience and the work ethic to make everyone around her better and bring them with her.”
Leah White (freshman) and Righter will be the team’s pitchers.
“(White) is a quick pitcher that has a lot of movement and is calm and composed at any moment in the game. She is young but is ready for the challenge. She is able to take control of any game,” Austin said. “Jaden Righter is our workhorse and will help log innings with Leah. She is our controlled and closer pitcher when we need to switch it up to change tempo.”
Brooklyn Righter (freshman), Addie Armstrong (freshman) and Chloe Chyka (junior) are all in the mix for time behind the plate.
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The infield will feature Armstrong (third base), Jaden Righter (shortstop), Andrews (second base) and Olyvia Williams (first base).
Sapp, Kayli Wentz and MaKinlea Mankey will be in the outfield.
“Our strengths of this team are we have a good group that has played a lot of ball together and they are young and are very hungry to be successful,” Austin said. “We all have high expectations for this season, and they have big goals that we all plan on meeting. They feel like we have something to prove and are determined to get to where they want to be. They have bought in as a group and I’m hoping that will carry into how they play.”
Buffalo opens the season on Mar. 20 at Pleasant Hope.
