Spring weather in northwest Pennsylvania is unpredictable to say the least and it presents a number of challenges when it comes to outdoor activities like softball, baseball and tennis.
It’s been a particularly big challenge for head coach Chrissy Shumaker and her Cranberry softball players, who are struggling to get games in and build chemistry under a brand new regime.
“We have only been able to play in two games and one of those games was suspended due to darkness,” Shumaker said.
Still, the lack of game experience isn’t lessening the expectations for the first year head coach. (since this discussion the Berries are now 2-0 with pretty convincing wins according to our friends at D9 and 10 Sports.)
It’s been a particularly big challenge for head coach Chrissy Shumaker and her Cranberry softball players, who are struggling to get games in and build chemistry under a brand new regime.
“We have only been able to play in two games and one of those games was suspended due to darkness,” Shumaker said.
Still, the lack of game experience isn’t lessening the expectations for the first year head coach. (since this discussion the Berries are now 2-0 with pretty convincing wins according to our friends at D9 and 10 Sports.)
| “Our expectations include being a contender in the KSAC (Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference),” Shumaker said. “We hope to put ourselves in a position to make the playoffs and hopefully be in contention for a KSAC championship. These are some very hefty expectations as the KSAC softball league is very competitive and anything can happen on any night. So we must take the season one game at a time and make sure we are always prepared.” Shumaker has a pretty balanced squad of experience and youth and several players could be asked to make an impact as the season progresses. As of right now, Shumaker is looking at Alaina Hogue (first base), Riley Coe (second base), Alisha Beggs (shortstop), Keelie Schneider (third base), Jenna Biltz (pitcher), Denali Wenner (catcher), Kendall Findlay (left field), Olivia Plummer (center field) and Reyna Watson (right field) to start. But Cadience Delaney, Ashlynn Collins and Brooke Whitling are also expected to be called upon as could freshmen Cassie Scarbrough, Haylie Gregory and Lexi Reisinger. “Our girls are hardworking and dedicated to the sport they love to play,” Shumaker said. “We have a lot of speed in the outfield and a lot of experience in the infield. We have a lot of talented pitchers and a very knowledgeable coaching staff.” While this is Shumaker’s first year as the head softball coach, she comes with plenty of coaching experience, having coached junior high and elementary basketball for a number of years. Shumaker has also coached youth recreational and travel softball teams. She is currently the 14U Chaos coach. Cranberry finished the 2021 season at 7-10. |  Head coach: Chrissy Shumaker Assistant coaches: Martin Coe, Greg Biltz, Amanda Hess, Ron Shumaker, Merissa Wenner Roster (Year-Name-Number) 12 - Alisha Beggs #15 12 - Olivia Plummer #9 12 - Cadience Delaney #29 11 - Kendall Findlay #34 11 - Brooke Whitling #23 11 - Maddie Wagner #21 11 - Ashlyn Collins #14 11 - Alaina Hogue #11 11 - Katelyn Beggs #10 10 - Jenna Biltz #22 10 - Reyna Watson #1 10 - Taylor Felix #17 10 - Abby Rickard #2 10 - Alaina Olson #18 10 - Riley Coe #7 10 - Denali Wenner #27 10 - McKaylah Smith #24 9 - Haylie Gregory #6 9 - Keelie Schneider #8 9 - Cassie Scarbrough # 26 9 - Lexi Reisinger #13 9 - Morgan McKinley #32 9 - Hanna Kearns #30 |
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