Delaware Valley softball preview

Not just game by game, but on a day by day basis the Delaware Valley High School softball program is looking to improve in all facets of the game this year.

“We started on March 26 by hosting our multi scrimmage at Airport Park,’’ Delaware Valley head coach Frank Jordan said. “We then go to Minisink, New York, on March 29 for a multi scrimmage before we open the (regular) season on March 31.’’

Among the key returning varsity tested student-athletes for the Warriors this spring are Dakota Jordan (senior, second base), Lauren Donnelly (senior, left field), Shannon Eby (senior, catcher), Ashlynn McCardle (senior, center field), Ava Capici (senior, right field) and Jordan Dickerson (junior, third base).

“We return most of our team from last year,’’ Jordan said. “We expect all six of our seniors to be our leaders this year. Dakota Jordan, Lauren Donnelly and Shannon Eby have four years of varsity experience to lean on. Dakota and Lauren were captains of their soccer and volleyball teams as well so we hope to draw on their leadership experience. We expect all seniors to set the tone in practice and lead by example.

“Not exactly new comers but we have three returning sophomores who played as freshman: sophomore Holly Olcott (pitcher), sophomore Emily Sullivan (pitcher) and sophomore Cecilia Dickerson (short stop).’’

The Warriors will look to compete with team work, determination and skill this season.

“Our main goals are to work hard, improve every day and learn how to compete in an extremely challenging Division,’’ Jordan said. “To accomplish this we need to limit our mistakes and grow with confidence physically and mentally.

“We would like to come together as a team and enjoy the experience while we work hard towards these goals.’’

Delaware Valley does indeed play in a highly competitive Division once again this year.

“I’m not sure if the word is rebuilding because we return so many players from last year’s team,’’ Jordan said. “The Division is a beast with the likes of Abington, Valley View, Wallenpaupack, and North Pocono. We hope to be competitive but understand that these schools are loaded.

“We play the above mentioned teams twice each. The 5A schools come playoff time are Abington and North Pocono.’’