Captain Melissa Tetreau ’06 will lead the Andover Varsity Softball team in its anticipated upcoming spring season. Though the team has yet to be finalized, many key players graduated last year, which has further cemented Tetreau’s role as the team’s talented and confident leader. Along with Tetreau, many newcomers look to step up and join the remaining eager veterans. Head Coach Peter Drench and Assistant Coach Douglas Kuhlmann will manage the team this year to what they hope will be quick progress and success. This season’s team will carry a large hole in the beginning of the season as five fantastic players graduated: outfielder Becky Paskievich ’05, outfielder Sam Demetriou ’05, outfielder Natalie McGarry ’05, outfielder Katie Koh ’05, and catcher Megan Winn ’05. The seniors will be sorely missed this year, as they were the foundation of last year’s strong team and the catalysts for the team chemistry. Even with these significant losses, there is a bright future ahead for the team, as veteran players include an impressive group of strong and able girls. These include second basemen Captain Tetreau, shortstop Lindsay Maroney ’07, pitcher Claire Fox ’06, catcher Ariana Wilkinson ’06, infielder Jamie Love ’06, and third basemen and catcher Stephanie Clegg ’08. Said Maroney of the upcoming months, “This year, we look to build upon the team chemistry that was so strong last year. Although we lost 5 seniors, our returners still hold a strong relationship, something that will be important with newcomers to our team.” Last year, the team ended on an impressive note, crushing Exeter ruthlessly in its last double-header 7-0 and 2-1. By the end of the season, this year’s team hopes to reach and surpass the same intensity. Senior Fox and returner Veda Eswarappa ’08 will bring strength and experience to Andover’s pitching staff. The team welcomes new pitcher Sarah Boylan ’09 who shows promising talent in the pre-season practices and will indeed be a valuable component as the season progresses. Said Fox of the season, “This will probably be a rebuilding year for us, but as long as we can bond as a team we’ll do well.” Wilkinson ’06 will catch for Fox, backed up by Clegg and possible newcomer Sara Ho ’08. A great challenge this season will be the catchers’ ability to gain experience rapidly as the regular season starts off immediately. All returning players are infielders, leaving a need for new outfielders this season. Young players are eager to fill the spots, including Nicole Duddy ’08, Veda Eswarappa ’08, Sara Ho ’08, and Lauren Shevlin ’08 all of who anticipate filling the outfield spots with great intensity. On the offensive end, Andover hopes to increase its power this season. Last year Captain Tetreau and Maroney aggressively stepped up to the plate. For a successful campaign this season, the team will need more contributors to follow suit.
