BY SAPNA PATHAK
They spend the better part of their days sitting at desks absorbing information and expanding their minds. For the girls of Derryfield softball, the learning continues outside of the classroom.
When they step on the softball diamond, their minds are truly challenged, their skills and abilities tested. Under head coach Michelle Coombes, who returns to the squad after a five-year hiatus, the Cougars are on pace for a playoff appearance in a season defined by evolution.
“There’s a lot of teaching and a lot of learning going on,” said Coombes. “The experienced players have been so gracious and patient with the ones who’ve never played softball.”
A six-player core brings depth and experience to Coombes’ lineup; the remainder of the roster includes players new to the sport.
Windham native Annie Jenney leads the pack, playing shortstop and center field. In a May-17 doubleheader loss to Class S foe Sunapee, the senior started both games.
Senior Natalie Coviello, whom Coombes described as “unbelievable with her flexible, elastic legs,” played first base against the Lakers.
Junior Kelly Schwarz started the first game on the hill but couldn’t contain the Lakers’ explosive offense. Schwarz, Coombes’ “most versatile and valuable player,” took over for Jenney at shortstop in game two.
Living up to the DS team’s moniker is junior second baseman Sarah Kosofsky.
“She growls to try to throw opponents off,” said Coombes with a laugh. “She once got a yellow card in a soccer game for growling at the other team. She doesn’t even care. It’s so funny. She brings a humor and spirit to the team no one else does, and it’s really an important part of why we’re so positive.”
Anchoring the Cougars’ pitching rotation is sophomore Lauren Bradley, while sophomore Cat DiPastina joins Schwarz in filling out the staff. DiPastina, a Hopkinton native, started the second game against Sunapee.
Freshman Alicia Edwards, who spent time at second and third base and in the outfield, heads up a group of five rookies. She leaves to play for Bedford High School in 2008.
Despite graduating Jenney and Schwarz, next year’s lineup looks both similar and potentially stronger. And with a playoff berth in sight, the Cougars will turn to their veterans to move them through the postseason.
“We’ll make the tournament, but a game at Plymouth (State University) would be the icing on the cake,” said Coombes. “We don’t know how far we’ll go, but to get past the first round would be great. It would definitely be a good learning experience for the younger players.”
The Cougars wrap up the regular season visiting Wilton-Lyndeborough on Friday, May 25.