Hamilton West is scheduled to begin the regular season with a home game against Allentown on Tuesday, April 1.
by Josh Lashley, Special Writer
HAMILTON — Sports fans across the globe can attest to the fact that there are coaches at all levels – from those in charge of youth programs all the way up to the professional ranks – who are not afraid to be grandiose when asked to predict how their team will fare once the season gets underway.
Sometimes these predictions are accurate and other times, quite frankly, they backfire. It’s safe to say that Lindsey Diamond, the head coach of the Hamilton West High School softball team takes a different approach when asked what her hopes are for the upcoming season.
Diamond gave a simple, yet firm response.
”(We want to) win more games than last year and improve in all aspects of the game,” Diamond said.
Student-athletes returning to the roster with varsity letters include senior Haley Fletcher (third/second base), senior Erica Gerstnicker (second base), senior Ashley Gordon (outfield), senior Autumn Sharkey (first base/pitcher), junior Audrey Manion (shortstop), junior Stephanie Turner (outfield/first base), junior Stefanie White (pitcher and first/third base) and sophomore Tracey Mraw (catcher).
”Having a team with several seniors, the leadership will be spread out,” she said. “White will lead us on the mound and be our vocal leader. Turner and Gordon will be our vocal leaders on the field.”
Newcomers hoping to make an immediate positive impact to the varsity lineup for the Hornets include senior infielder Amanda Beym, junior outfielder Shelby Casey, sophomore outfielder and pitcher Julia Lydon and freshman outfielder and infielder Ashley Gerstnicker.
”Ashley Gerstnicker will be used where needed, her speed and versatility will be used,” she said. “Casey, a transfer from William Tennet in Pennsylvania, will be in the outfield for the Hornets.”
Hamilton West is scheduled to begin the regular season with a home game against Allentown on Tuesday, April 1. The Hornets have a quick turnaround hitting the road the next day against Steinert.
From there, the Hornets have three consecutive home games on April 3, 7 and April 8 against Hightstown, Robbinsville and the Peddie School, respectively.
”We will be a team that will surprise people and will fight in every game,” she said.

