By KIM NORTH

Times Leader Sports Writer

BELLAIRE — David Menendez inherits a Bellaire softball team that is in the rebuilding process.

The Big Reds lost eight seniors, but return a pair of starters from two years ago after last season was wiped out due to COVID-19.

Back for another season in Red-and-Black are seniors Kaylan Brown (C/INF) and Jayden Lowe (P/INF). The third letterwinner is junior Taylor Menendez (INF).

“Kaylan has been the starting catcher since her freshman season,” Menendez said. “Jayden started as a freshman and sophomore at St. John Central before transferring two years ago.

“The returning girls are excited for the season to begin after losing last year, especially the three seniors,” Menendez said. “We are going to be a young team that will take on a competitive schedule.

Senior Kirsten Boyle (OF); sophomores Sophia Porter (INF), Grace Eller (OF) and Elizabeth McAninch (C/OF); and freshmen Alexis Morgan (OF), Sidney Rowson (OF), Allie Ault (INF), Quinn Boyle (OF), Gianna Schmidt (C/INF), Grace Maupin (P/INF) and Majestique Jackson (P/INF) complete the Big Reds roster.

“The girls are looking forward to the challenge.”

He said the team’s strengths will be inside the circle, behind the plate and their team speed.

Lost to graduation were Katrina Davis, Tenley Hughes, Tayah Frazier, Mia Gavarkavich, Kaitlyn Kosky, Madison Hotlosz, Andrea Booker and Addison Conroy.

Menendez is assisted by Aimee Menendez, Alison Farmer and Amanda Collins.