Published: May 19, 2008 10:41 pm            

HS SOFTBALL: Niagara Falls softball remains close

When the 2004 Boston Red Sox made their remarkable run to the World Series, they playfully referred to themselves as “a bunch of idiots.”

While the Niagara Falls softball squad makes its run toward a Niagara Frontier League title this spring, the team is referring to itself as “beasts” in reference to its mentality that it can get through anything if it stays strong.

“We all have different personalities and sometimes they clash, but we always work through things,” senior Jessica Peterson said. “We’re like a family I guess.”

Sophomore Holly Conte agreed.

“I think all the unique personalities that we have make up a good team,” she said. “People might have different outlooks on things, but we all have the ultimate goal of winning the championship.”

That closeness was tested last week when one of the Wolverines’ best players, Megan Golden, was dismissed from the team, leaving a huge hole in the lineup and more importantly at shortstop.

In typical fashion, though, other players stepped up to the plate. Senior Lenee Gray, a first team all-Niagara Gazette selection a year ago, moved from third base to shortstop and Peterson came in from right field to third base. Jocelyn Grace, who was primarily a pinch runner, went to right field and Cammie Moyer was inserted into the batting order. In the first game after the shake up, Moyer recorded the game-winning hit.

“No one is weak on this team,” Gray said. “Everyone has gotten their chance to step it up.”

And for the most part they’ve come through, according to coach Beth Bullock.

“Every game someone different does something to contribute to the win,” she said. “It’s never the same one or two or even three people carrying the team. One game it’s the top third of the order, then it’s the middle of the order and in another it’s the bottom portion of the lineup that comes up with a big hit.”

The Falls has a remarkable 10 players with at least one extra-base hit and six players with a batting average over .300.

The balance isn’t just limited to the lineup, though. The pitching staff, which is anchored by senior Katie Syruws and Conte, has also been nothing but solid thanks in large part to the confidence both hurlers have in each other.

“We both want to be the best so I push her and she pushes me,” Conte said.

Don’t forget about the NFHS bench, which Bullock uses as extensively and effectively as any coach in the area.

“They are the fuel that makes this team go,” the coach said of her reserves.

At 9-2 in the league heading into today’s showdown with fellow title contender Kenmore West, the hope is that there’s still plenty of gas left in the Falls’ tank.

“We have not only the physical talent but the mentality to come through and get the job done,” Conte said. “We all just have to stay strong and stay together.”

Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.

        

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