Havey’s softball team is in a bit of a rebuilding mode after the graduation losses of two generational players in Lola Thomas and Alexa Bailey.
The Red Raiders do return four starters and several others with varsity experience from last year’s squad that finished 16-5 overall and earned a share of a second straight conference title with a 7-1 mark in the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division.
“We have expanded our roster with some quality young players,” said Harvey coach Betsy Hada. “The combination of veterans and newcomers gives us a strong nucleus. We will have growing pains, but our team leadership from Alyssia Franklin will get us through those moments. I am enthusiastic about this group of incoming freshmen and new upperclassmen. With so many open positions, this group has an opportunity to come in and make a huge impact right away.”
Harvey’s young roster put in the work in the offseason and Hada is confident her players will rise to the challenge this season.
“The only obstacle holding us back this season is our lack of varsity experience,” she said. “We have the athletic ability and team-first mentality, and we will improve that every turn as the season progresses. Do not underestimate us this year.”
Bailey chewed up most of the innings for the Red Raiders in the circle last spring, but the Red Raiders have a host of players ready to fill her cleats.
Sophomore Patricia Pacheco, juniors Veronica Pacheco and Dana Ramirez, and freshman Payton Robertson all will see time in the circle.
“This spring will be an excellent opportunity for our athletes to show what a great offseason will do for a team’s success,” she said. “Our pitching staff has put in the quality time and effort to be successful. They work as staff, not as individuals. With their varied skills, they will keep opponents off balance. We plan on making vast strides this season. I am excited to see what lies ahead.
Franklin, a senior third baseman, is among Harvey’s most talented and experienced players.
Last spring, she earned first-team All-CVC and honorable mention all-district honors after batting .444 with two doubles, one triple, 26 runs scored, and 20 runs batted in. She also drew 25 walks and posted a .441 batting average with runners in scoring position.
At third base, she committed just three errors in 32 chances.
“She stepped up in crucial pressure situations late in games and came up with the big hit,” Hada said. “She embraces the pressure situations at the plate and plays a tough hot corner. We are looking for her to step up as a go-to leader in our program this season.”
Ramirez will play first when she isn’t pitching, Veronica Pacheco and Robertson will split time at second base, freshman Giselle Moreno will catch, and sophomore Jayla Holloway rounds out the infield at shortstop.
Veronica Pacheco earned second-team All-CVC honors last spring after posting a .271 batting average with three doubles, 13 RBI, 20 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases.
“She brings a wealth of experience producing under pressure both on and off the field,” Hada said. “Because of her size, she can be easily underestimated, but do not take her for granted. She will be a spark for us at the top of our lineup this year. Veronica is well-respected by her teammates and coaching staff. She is willing to hold the rope for our team when we need her the most.”
Sophomores Isla Barajas and Jealeiny Serrano will line up in left and center fields, respectively, and freshman Mia Moreno will split time with Robertson in right field. Sophomore Milli Padron will serve as the team’s designated player.
“Our biggest strength this season is the versatility of our players,” Hada said. “This allows everyone an opportunity to contribute in a way that best suits the team’s needs in a given game, which in turn helps us gain the upper hand over our opponents. The versatility that we will bring to the field comes from the hard work and dedication that everyone associated with the program has put in, both on the field and in the classroom, since the year began.
“We have stepped up the accountability level, and everyone has bought into changing the outlook of the program. With senior leadership and fundamental improvements, we are geared up and ready to take on the year.”
Defending their league title won’t be easy with the addition of West Geauga into the CVC Chagrin Division, but the Red Raiders will do their best to make a run at another crown.
“We feel that we have an opportunity to be at the top of the conference, but we also know that we have some areas to work on to improve and continue our legacy of success over the last several years,” Hada said. “This group’s strength will be its relentless pursuit of success while loving the challenges along the way.”
