By: Sean Moylan
With LCA graduates Sarah Cintron and Jackie Steffen away at college and no longer powering the Warriors’ lineup, the Life Center Academy girls’ varsity softball team may not 10-run rule every other team it plays like it has the last few years.
However, LCA does have its flame-throwing number one starting pitcher Stephanie Reitzel back for her junior season, and that can’t bode well for the rest of the Penn-Jersey league.
"We actually won (the Penn-Jersey championship) last year without her (Reitzel)," said LCA head coach Billy Rhoades, whose top starter was injured late last season and replaced by J. Steffen, who won six straight.
Nonetheless, when she’s onReitzel can dominate like no other pitcher in LCA history.
This year hard-hitting junior Samantha Weer will be LCA’s starting catcher. She’s just a tremendous all-around athlete. Sophomore Ashley Nyul, another good hitter, can play short or second base. Chloe Bercaw, a freshman infielder, is also shaping up to be a strong player.
Freshman Katie Steffen will be used as an infielder and a backup pitcher.
Seniors Corin Wells and Hannah Cintron are already good outfielders. Bethany Hester, who is new to the program, will be used in the infield and the outfield. Senior Stephanie Shaw and sophomores Brittney Reiner and Ashleigh Williams will also see playing time in LCA’s outfield.
Senior Jen Rivera, who is currently out of the lineup with chicken pox, can play multiple positions as well.
Moreover, freshmen Carlee Constanza (outfield) and Amanda Stravinsky (infield) should also find important roles on the club.
Newcomers to the program named Lindsey and Oyen will also vie for playing time. Rhoades is still working on his final roster, though.
"We’re going to miss Sarah Cintron and Jackie Steffen," said Rhoades, whose club was 13-1 last year.
Nonetheless, LCA should be very good gain this yearjust look for more victories of the 4-1 variety rather than the 15-2 wins of the past couple of seasons.
Once again, Tammy Nowicki will assist Rhoades.
