BEACON FALLS — There’s no way to sugarcoat it: Last spring, when the Woodland softball team missed the state tournament for the first time ever, was not up to the high standard the Hawks have set since the school opened.
“Last year was disappointing, losing some games when we didn’t have our full squad,” said Woodland coach Loren Luddy, who’s been at the helm of the Hawks since the program began in 2002. “I’m very optimistic that we’ll improve upon last year.”
That optimism comes despite just three returning players with varsity experience at their positions. Those three will be the team’s captains: senior pitcher Ivy Geloso, junior outfielder Steph Krebbs and senior third baseman Brie Vallejo.
“Steph Krebbs was injured on and off last year, and she’s coming off foot surgery this year. She’s not 100 percent yet, but she will be. She’s comfortable running the outfield,” Luddy said. “Brie is the anchor at third base and runs the infield. She has everyone knowing the situation at all times. Ivy is just nonstop intensity and effort. She’ll play anywhere, including pitcher.”
The captains know what their job will be on a team with so much inexperience.
“There are a lot of underclassmen who will end up stepping up to varsity, so I’m excited to see the new talent,” Krebbs said.
“We definitely have to work together and communicate a lot,” Geloso said. “Only a few of us have ever played together, so we’ll have to adjust.”
Although Geloso can play several positions, she’ll begin the season in the circle after improving throughout last spring.
“She really came around last year as a pitcher,” Luddy said. “She’s learned some new pitches and is confident in her pitches.”
Other players who figure to be starters include senior Izzy Golia, junior Liz Triana, junior Emily Caruso, junior Kate Donovan and junior Alyssa Lukeski.
“The lack of experience in their positions and lack of experience at the varsity level will be hurdles,” Luddy said. “They’ve been working incredibly hard. Some of them are playing the same positions that they’ve played at JV or on travel teams, but never at this level before. They want to do well and they’re working hard every day. They’re all willing to try new positions. We’re still piecing things together now.”
The Hawks will begin their hunt to improve upon last year’s 6-14 mark when they host Ansonia on Tuesday. They’ll visit Sacred Heart Friday and host Brookfield for a nonleague game next Saturday.
