By KIM NORTH

Times Leader Sports Writer

BEALLSVILLE — Rhea Pittman has 11 players out for softball at Beallsville. Seven of those are returning letterwinners from the 2019 season.

Nearly half of the roster is seniors as five return for another campaign.

“I’m very optimistic about the upcoming season,” Pittman said. “We have five seniors back and we are looking forward to tapping into the underclassmen’s abilities.”

Trinity Abbott (P/SS), Harley Nalley (CF), Makenna Phillips (3B), Terra Shriver (P/1B) and Sidney VanHorn (OF/2B) comprise the senior class and five of the seven returning letterwinners. Abbott, Nalley, Phillips and Shriver are 2-year veterans. VanHorn has lettered once.

According to Pittman, Abbott was the Blue Devils Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. She also earned the Heart and Hustle Award which is presented by Beallsville’s 1st-and-Goal Club. Phillips was second team All-Eastern District as a freshman.

Juniors Jaycee Huffman (3B/RF) and Hannah Phillips (SS/LF) are the other returning letterwinners. Huffman was the Most Improved Player in 2019.

The roster is completed by junior Najea Holt (OF); sophomore Sydnee Otto (RF/2B); and freshmen Kinly Hughes (C/INF) and Leah Trigg (INF).

“The girls are excited to be able to play this year,” Pittman noted. “After missing last season due to COVID, they are more anxious to be on the field and compete. They have set goals that they are striving to meet every day at practice.”

Pittman said the team strengths will be the ability to hit the ball, defensive skills and team speed. On the flip side, the weakness will be depth with only 11 players.

Pittman is assisted by Randy Caldwell.