“Believe” is this year’s motto for the Trinity softball team. Head coach Bob Osborne added, “We believe we’re a Top 10 team in [Class] 3A. We have a good shot to get downstate.”
This is the first year that the IHSA has divided schools from two to four classes. Another change for Trinity is a move up to the top division in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference. Last year, the Blazers posted the program’s best ever record of 22-8 and a third straight regional championship.
Both pitchers, Emma-Leigh Strock and Emily Landa, are now juniors. Strock finished last season with a record of 15-7, and an ERA of 3.34 with 90 strikeouts.
“I’m confident we can be a dominant team,” she said.
Osborne said he’s pleased with her progress in the offseason. “She can be one of the top pitchers in the area.”
Landa is a dependable backup, going 7-1 last season with a 2.47 ERA and 33 strikeouts.
Junior shortstop Monica Albano led the team last year with a .568 batting average, eight home runs and 40 RBIs. Albano is ready for conference play in the top division. “We definitely deserved it [to be moved up],” said Albano. “The past few years we’ve played very well.”
Another impact player is sophomore catcher Laura Eichenold, who batted .495 last year with 25 RBIs and was 21 for 23 in stolen bases. Right fielder Amanda Ramirez returns this season. Ramirez batted .343 with 21 RBIs.
At third base, Lauren Wambach is the lone senior on the team, but she doesn’t feel any pressure. “Everyone is really stepping up this year so it’s not all on me, but there is more expected of me. We’re pumped and excited.”
Junior center fielder Annie Logisz is one of three left handed hitters on the team. Last season Logisz had a .409 average, with 26 RBIs and stole 21 bases.
Other returning players expected to make an impact include juniors Erica LeCoure, Annalis Matta and Cora Tassone, along with sophomores Vivi Castellanos and Taylor Golden. Freshman Erin Balwin rounds out the lineup for the Blazers.
The Blazers are scheduled to travel to Driscoll tomorrow if weather permits. They’ll host Mt. Assisi on Tuesday at Triton College (11 a.m.).