Softball Preview by Ryan

It finally appears as if spring is arriving! The weather is somewhat nicer, grass is becoming brighter green, and my car is starting again (that's the real way I can tell). Best of all, the sound of metal bats hitting baseballs and softballs can be heard in the afternoon. The American Pastime has returned for another go-round at CCC and I couldn't be more excited.

I've always been jealous of people who were good at baseball or softball. Basketball and football came naturally to me, but I have terrible eyesight and could never track the incoming pitch well enough to hit for a decent average. Some of the players on CCC's teams this year are awesome and both squads are set for great years.

This years softball team looks very good. Coach Stacey Johnson has reloaded the team with a lot of talent, as ten of the fifteen players are freshmen. The returning sophomores, however, will be leading the way. The Lady Barons are coming off a ridiculous season last year, when the team set a school record with 36 wins and a .878 winning percentage. The team will be led by returners Liz Gorges and Gina Brenzo, who blew apart Corning's record book last year. Gorges set school records in home runs (12), runs batted in (69), total bases reached (120), and slugging percentage (896). Brenzo set school records in total at-bats with 137, and singles with 48.

The team has had a strong start already this year, with a 7-1 record, all on the road. Only two wins have come by less than four runs. Tomorrow afternoon marks the first home game for both the softball team, so come on out and have a great time watching the Lady Barons play Erie. I hope to see you there!

-Ryan