NTL SOFTBALL: TOWANDA'S UP-AND-DOWN 2021 CAMPAIGN SHOWS PROMISE FOR 2022 (2021-06-09)

Northern Tier Sports Report
It was a roller coaster season for Towanda softball, as they saw several winnable games slip through their fingers, but also pulled off impressive victories over playoff teams.

“With not having a season last year due to COVID, I was very happy with the way our team performed this year,” said coach Caitlyn Doerner. “Every team was in the same boat from missing a season, but I feel like we really progressed, and improved from where we were two years ago. This team meshed well, and everyone got along so well.”

They finished 8-11 on the year, and had six games where they nursed leads through the midway point only to lose them at the end. 

However, they also sported wins over Wyalusing - a district finalist - and, in their best performance of the season, a 9-4 victory over CV - who was a district qualifier.

At one point in early May they had improved to 6-7 after a slow start, and were riding a 3-game win streak, but a slew of losses to tough opponents - Wellsboro, Elk Lake, Wyalusing, and Canton - ended their playoff hopes. All four of those teams made the playoffs, with Elk Lake winning a District II title.

They did finish the year strong, though, with wins over Williamson, and South Williamsport.

“We were very strong at the plate this season,” said Doerner. “I think that was definitely our strong point. I would like to see us improve a bit defensively next season. I think if we do that, we will be an all-around solid team. We played a lot of close games that, unfortunately, didn’t fall in our favor, but they fought, and definitely were not a team that should be underestimated.”

Brea Overpeck was one of the leaders at the plate, with a .421 average to go with four home runs, two triples, and 10 doubles - plus 16-RBI.

Athena Chacona had a strong showing as well, with a .471 average, with one home run, and six doubles to go with 9-RBIs. Maddie Maynard hit .373 with two home runs, and 16-RBIs.

Senior Saige Greenland hit .360 with five doubles, as well.

Maynard got most of the work in the circle, sporting a 4.09 ERA to go with 102 strikeouts, and 47 walks in 75 innings pitched.

Shaylee Greenland threw 30 innings, with 28 strikeouts to nine walks.

“We lose three strong seniors - Saige Greenland, Lizzy Matera, and Shaye Ackley - and have three strong freshmen coming up (Aleah Johnson, TaeLynn Brabant, and Lilly Maynard) so I am excited for what next season holds for us.”

They return three of their top four hitters, and both pitchers, for 2022, so things are looking up.