By: John Powers
Most of the players on the South Hunterdon Regional High School softball team have been starting since their freshman year so there’s an opportunity for dramatic improvement this spring.
The Eagles went 3-14 last year, but with players like sophomore left fielder Tory Marley, senior first baseman and pitcher Erin Buchanan and junior pitcher Breanna Fulper back, it should be a much better year.
The Eagles were beaten 6-0 by Hackettstown in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division game, which served as their season opener Friday.
"Our hitting and fielding is the strongest it has been in the past," said fourth-year coach Devon Searfoss. "Our fielding is really top-notch, which could cover some of our weaknesses."
Senior Missy Tauger will start at shortstop, sophomore Cherish Brown is behind the plate, junior Brittany Flynn is at first, senior Lori Barboni is at second, and junior Amanda Garefino is at third.
"Cherish is good on defense as is Amanda and Missy while Brittany and Lori can both hit, and Missy adds strength and a quick bat," Searfoss said.
Outside of Marley in left, the outfield is open. Center and right field will be held down by either Fulper or sophomores Devon Shire and Gloria Slovak. Shire also can play second base. Liz Barboni, a sophomore, will come off the bench and play either first base or serve as the designated hitter.
"Tori can field and hit and will be a huge asset for our team," Searfoss said. "Gloria is very fundamentally sound, and Devon has good speed and is a good fielder."
Sophomore Nicole Sturick look the loss against Hackettstown. She, Buchanan and Fulper will lead the rotation.
"We have a nice core of girls, and a lot of them have been together three or four years," Searfoss said. "But pitching will be a key factor if we are to improve. There is a strong core of girls here. They have grown and improved a lot, but we have to be injury free if we are to go far."
The Eagles were scheduled to host Warren Hills Monday, visit North Warren Tuesday and host Somerville Thursday before visiting Plumstead Christian Friday.
South had five hits in the season opener against Hackettstown. Tauger had a single and stole a base for South. But the Eagles struck out 13 times and couldn’t take advantage of receiving five walks and registering five hits.

