Kirt Manion
kmanion@cherryroad.com

The Sidney softball team was scheduled to open postseason play on Monday after a regular season of growth for a roster that featured underclassmen except for senior Lily Peters.

Players on this year’s team were eighth graders: Alyssa Dowling, Keyana Haggerty, Averie Buttercase, Charli King; freshmen: Ashlyn Hayes, Hayley Mullins, Mackenna Mather; sophomores: Alyssa Melvin, McKenzie Thatcher, Bridget Kromminga; and Gabi Jacobs.

Although the team was not able to record success in terms of wins, Coach Aaron Lang said he feels the evidence of the team’s work is obvious.

“This is a very young team,” said Lang. “We have slowly improved throughout the season. The girls continue to learn.

“Ashlyn Hayes and Gabi Jacobs have been our pitchers and have done a really nice job throwing strikes,” Lang said.

“Alyssa Melvin has done a good job in centerfield to make sure we are getting outs. Gabi Jacobs and Bridget Kromminga and Ashlyn Hayes have been hitting the best.

“Averie Buttercase has had really good at bats for us she was down with an injury but has since come back,” said Lang. “This team has been fun to coach alongside Olivia Larsen (Co-Head Coach).

“The team continues to show improvement every step of the way,” said Lang.