By:Ryan Tattersall
Spring is here. The flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, and nature is growing. For Wallenpaupack’s Varsity Softball team, bats are booming, balls are flying, dugouts cheering, and the team will be winning. With winter sports ending and spring sports coming up on the horizon. Coach Babyak and the Lady Buckhorns should be expected to make some loud noise in this upcoming season. They will be looking to write a few wrongs that happened to them last season. Last year was a solid season for Paupack. They held a record of 10-11, with a few freshmen who really stood out. Gabby Hieber (now sophomore) took the eye of the storm last season. She had a batting average of .439, and a 4.20 era as pitcher. She even threw a no hitter against Dunmore on May 1. Their season, however, ended in the first round of the playoffs, against the Shikellamy Braves. Now, it’s a new season for the girls. They’re excited not only to win but to make a statement.
Talent
Wallenpaupack has nearly the same team as last year. They had one senior last year (Dakota Hubbard/first base and a current student at West Chester University). In addition to having familiar faces, the talent on the team is stacked. The Lady Bucks had eight batters last year who hit in the 300 range. Other than Hieber, Hunter Myers (.390), Emily Sterner (.377), Clara Babyak (.372) Josie Leighton (.333), Madison Haberstumpf (.333), Wren Fredrick (.317), and Allie Sterner (.308). Even batters who didn’t hit .300 like Kailyn Kielbasa and Karleigh Weist also contributed greatly for the team. Hunter Myers and Josie Leighton led the team in home runs. Myers with three and Leighton smacked five. Clara Babyak and Wren Fredrick both contributed a dinger. While those aren’t big team home run numbers, it’s just another goal for the team to accomplish this season.
Competition
Like last year, Wallenpaupack has the same schedule this year. Just the games they played at home last year are away, and the away games are home games. Another difference for this year and last year is they don’t play Mid Valley or Dunmore. This is the schedule for the Lady Bucks:
March 19th @ Wyoming Area 4:30
March 27th Tunkhannock 4:30
April 1st @ Honesdale 2:00
April 3rd @ West Scranton 4:30
April 5th Scranton 4:30
April 8th Delaware Valley 4:30
April 10th @ North Pocono 4:30
April 15th Abington Heights 4:30
April 17th @ Valley View 4:30
April 20th Scranton Prep 4:30
April 22nd @ Hazelton 4:30
April 24th West Scranton 4:30
April 26th @ Scranton 4:30
April 29th @ Delaware Valley 4:30
May 1st North Pocono 4:30
May 6th @ Abington Heights 4:30
May 8th Valley View Senior Night 4:30
May 11th @ Scranton Prep 4:30
As for the opponents, a lot of teams had a lot of players who graduated in 2023. West Scranton lost pitcher Mia Butka and catcher Bella Summa. North Pocono lost stud outfielder Ainsley O’Donnell, and Tunkhannok lost six seniors. Even though it still won’t be easy for the Lady Bucks, these games are ripe for the taking.
Conclusion
It’s going to be an interesting year for the Lady Buckhorns. With the talent they have, to having the same schedule as last year, to young players who could show great promise in the future, we could see a contender for districts this year. It’s going to be a great season!
