The Riverside Panthers softball team will be welcomed with an onslaught of younger, talented players this year according to head coach Gerilynn Cummings.
The coach expects it to bring in a new wave of success.
“We have a handful of players who want to play at the next level, so it’s a very exciting year for us,” said Cummings. “We expect to be a contender for the section and WPIAL title.”
Fans can expect to see competitive ball and some powerful hitters (including some dingers) for the Panthers and the girls, according to Cummings, will be having a fun time on the field.
Will there be a renewed rivalry or tough out this year for the Panthers softball team?
“It’s hard to say considering we haven’t seen opponents in two years,” answered Cummings. “We must prove ourselves and that means taking no one lightly.”
Class 2A Section 4 features Freedom, Laurel, Mohawk, Neshannock, New Brighton, Shenango, and Riverside. The Spartans (21-3 in 2019) are ranked Preseason #1 in the Class-2A by Trib Live HSSN.
“We lost last season due to the pandemic and we are grateful we have the opportunity to play,” said Cummings. “We follow protocol and the girls respect that knowing that we don’t want to be shut down for a week or two.”
The Panthers blew out New Brighton 18-1 in five innings on Tuesday, scoring in every inning and swatting 15 hits in the mercy-rule victory.
Stormy Fedder, Taryn Schmitt, Hale, Madison Fryer, and Mia Williams each racked up multiple hits for Riverside with Schmitt and Fedder each collecting three hits. Hale knocked in four runs with Schmitt scored five runs and collected three RBIs in the victory.
Aliya Ottaviani was in the pitcher’s circle for Riverside on Tuesday. The fireballer allowed four hits and one run over five innings, striking out seven.
RIVERSIDE BASEBALL:
On Monday the Riverside baseball team fell to Mohawk 8-6 after the visiting Warriors scored three runs in the seventh inning. A Panther rally in the bottom half fell short.
Madden Boehm and Bo Fornataro both collected two hits for the Panthers. Fornataro collected double, triple and knocked in two runs for Riverside. Mitchell Garvin also doubled. Boehm started the game for Riverside Panthers Varsity Baseball. Boehm went five innings, allowing five runs on seven hits and striking out five.
Fornataro took the loss for Riverside. The righty lasted one-third of an inning, allowing two hits and three runs while walking one. Boehm started for the Panthers, going five innings and striking out five Warrior batters.
The Panthers are slated to play its 2021 season in Section 2 with Aliquippa, Laurel, Neshannock, Shenango, and South Side.
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