By: Audrey Lutz
The 2022 varsity softball team played its last game of the season on October 19, 2022, against the Walnut Grove Warriors. Though that was a tough defeat the Lions put up a fantastic effort this season.
The team was led by three seniors, third baseman Libby Stewart, pitcher/center-fielder Ava Vinci, and first baseman Ella Posner. These seniors were terrific role models for the team and, as one of their teammates, I know they will be missed dearly as they leave for college the following fall.
The juniors that will rise to the senior position next year are #3 Mya Palmer 2nd base, #6 Ana Gore center field/pitcher, #18, Avery Arnold left/right field, and #20 Maggie Tucker shortstop. As strong fielders and hitters, they should help make the team unstoppable. this year’s sophomores are #2 Abbey Roads 2nd base, #4 Elizabeth Murray left field, and #15 Ryan Galbraith catcher. They have made an impact on the people around them.
Finally, we welcome the new freshmen #7 Merrit Nalle left/right field, #10 Audrey Lutz catcher, #12 Elle Kauffman right field, and #13 Kate Dubord left/right field. Though they were new, the team welcomed them and sought the opportunity to teach them anything and everything.
The Lion softballers played 27 games, with 13 wins, and 14 losses. Ava Vinci (pitcher) received recognition for pitching her 300th strike as well as hitting her 150th hit. Ana Gore (Outfielder) also received recognition for hitting her 100th hit.
Against Lovett’s biggest softball rival, Pace Academy, Lovett won one and lost one. Energy was high in both games.
Lovett softball went to state last year but unfortunately didn’t make it this year. This year’s team had a total of 13 wins. Hitting was a strength, and the team had a solid lineup. Ana Gore (outfielder) hit more than one home run this season. Along with great hitting, pitcher Ava Vinci (pitcher) excelled on the mound, partnering with catcher Ryan Galbraith. Both of them have shown huge improvements.
At the end of the season awards banquet, Kate Dubord (outfielder) was presented with the “Best Teammate award” The awards were voted on by the team and coaches Bush, Palmer, and Myers. To win this award is a huge accomplishment. Kate Dubord is a freshman and showed huge support to the team, always cheering them on and providing help when needed. The Diamond award was presented to Maggie Tucker (shortstop) for “exemplifying faith over fear” and showing “perseverance through adversity and [building] success” on the team.
As the season ended, six members of the varsity softball team got awards from GHSA. Ana Gore (outfielder) is on the first team and was the offensive player of the year. Maggie Tucker (shortstop) is on the first team. Ava Vinci (pitcher) is on the second team. Libby Stewart (third base) is on the second team. Ryan Galbraith (catcher) and Elizabeth Murry (outfielder) both were honorable mentions.
Now that this season is over, the Seniors have to say goodbye. The girls on the team will be sad to see them go.
One of those is catcher Ryan Galbraith. We talked about the team and her opinions about this year. “I think we really came together as a team, I had a lot of fun this season,” Galbraith said.
