By KIM NORTH

Times Leader Sports Writer

BEALLSVILLE — Despite losing five seniors to graduation following the 2021 season, Beallsville head coach Rhea Pittman likes what she has seen from her squad in the preseason.

“We lost five talented seniors from a year ago, but we are gaining five freshmen and a pair of first-year juniors that are showing amazing potential,” Pittman said.

Seniors Hannah Phillips (2B) and Jaycee Huffman (1B) are three-year veterans returning to the fold, while junior Sydnee Otto (3B) is a two-year letterwinner. Sophomores Kinley Hughes (P/SS) and Leah Trigg (C) lettered last spring.

Hughes earned Division IV all-Eastern District second team honors following last season when she hit a robust .429, while Phillips was honorable mention. She batted .398. Otto hit .254.

Completing the roster are juniors Hallie Bommer (1B/RF) and Emily Crooks (LF); and freshmen Kaylee Hagen (P/SS), Brooke Wells (CF), Breelyn Hudson (RF), Tayla Decker (3B/RF) and Katie Crooks (LF/2B).

“We are joined by a talented pitcher in Kaylee, as well as strong hitters and some good speed,” Pittman noted. “We will be a young team that will get better with every game. We are looking to be that team that plays everyone tough and comes out on top in close games.”

Lost to graduation were four-year letterwinners in Harley Nalley, Trinity Abbott, Makenna Phillips and Terra Shriver, as well as two-year letterwinner Sidney VanHorn.

Nalley was Division IV all-Eastern District first team, all-OVAC first team and all-Times Leader. Abbott and Phillips each earned all-Eastern District second team, and Shriver was all-Eastern District honorable mention.

New teams on the Blue Devils schedule are Steubenville Catholic Central, Magnolia and Clay Battelle. They replace Hundred, Valley and Conotton Valley.

Pittman is assisted by Randy Caldwell.