By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SALEM, Ore.–  The downside for the South Salem Softball team will be their depth with only 11 girls on their Varsity squad.  But the good news is, they return a solid core of players with some versatility to boot.

“The girls that we do have are good so it’s exciting and I think we’re going to be a good team this year,” said Rowan Thompson.  “It’s really important to have a core to push through.”

“Just knowing everyone knowing their positions and playing other positions if needed are going to help.  We’re just practicing hard every day and playing together,” adds Bella Fleener.

Fleener will anchor the outfield at center field after playing second base as a freshman.  Thompson returns to the circle.  Emma Cordero and Mackenzie Scott each can catch and the infield alongside Hallie Olson and Desirae Hatifeld.

Adding experience defensively and a deep lineup for the Saxons as they look to make a run at the 6A postseason this Spring.

“It’s going to be nice having Rowan pitching for us, it’s going to be a really strong part,” Fleener starts.  “Having those key returning Varsity players from the past few years have been really helping out and it’ll be good for us.”

South Salem kicks off the season at West Albany before hosting Canby Wednesday and traveling to Glencoe before heading to Medford for the North Medford Spring Invitational over Spring Break.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald