As winter ends and the weather gets warmer, the Lady Warriors have started their grind for the season. Last year, the Warriors were ICC North Champions and made it to the District 6 Championship. Their season came to an end with a loss in the Elite Eight of the state playoffs. The Warriors are returning six letterwinners from last year, along with many underclassmen. The Warriors are led by head coach Tim Wesesky and assisted by Kyle Eyerly.

Although it is only Wesesky’s second year as head coach, he has a lot of experience coaching softball in the community. He had been part of the Warriors’ coaching staff before taking over as head coach, and he has coached many travel teams in the area. When asked about this season, Wesesky commented,

Wesesky’s assistant, Eyerly, has similar experience and has moved up from head coach of the junior high team to this new position. The volunteer coaches for the staff are Chad Koleno, Todd Bainey, and Tim Eyerly.

The Warriors team is headed by three seniors: Makena Moore, Layla Thompson, and Kayleigh Woodring. Moore is the team’s star pitcher from last season. Last year, she pitched a no-hitter against Curwensville.

Right behind the seniors is a strong group of juniors: Mackenzie MacTavish, Haley Woodling, Bella Koleno, Gracie Eyerly, and Cheyanne Bush.

The underclassmen for the Warriors also contribute heavily to the team. Elaina Sabol and Shasta Manahan are the only sophomores, but they represent their class well and are crucial parts of the team. There are many freshmen, including Lindsey Bainey, Megan Eyerly, Kaitlyn Bucha, and Bella Nelson. Nelson and Eyerly are also pitchers for the Warriors.

The Warriors got a head start on their season by competing in a winter league. Starting in January, the team traveled to the Windber Sports Complex to compete against other teams. Along with this, the Warriors have had open gyms that they could attend. The Warriors have preseason scrimmages scheduled against Bellwood and Penn Cambria, weather permitting. The Warriors officially kick off their season with their first game on March 20 at Glendale.