Last spring, Beachwood’s softball team played well down the stretch, and with five returning starters, the Bison are ready to show even more improvement this spring.
Beachwood finished the 2021 campaign 10-9 overall and 5-5 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division.
“We return five starters from last year’s team but our remaining roster has limited to no varsity experience,” said Beachwood coach Mike Coreno. “Our biggest challenges are replacing a four-year starter at catcher and getting the new players acclimated to playing varsity in a short time.”
While the Bison lost their catcher, they do return their starting pitcher in sophomore Ari Preston, who also will play shortstop. Preston earned second-team All-CVC honors last spring.
The Bison also return first-team All-CVC performer Nia Brown, who will play center field. Brown batted .400 last season.
Emily Clar, who batted .380 last spring, will be back at third base but she also can play shortstop, and Ryleigh Zabell, who batted .380 last year, will move from outfield to first base.
Riley Parke will catch and Rachel Wolf will play second. Freshman Chengyu Li will provide depth in the circle.
The Bison have yet to finalize their outfield lineup.
“We return our starting pitcher and our top offensive players from last season and most key positions are covered,” Coreno said. “Our veteran players will have to lead us until the younger players get experience in game situations.”
