by David Grimes
With six returning starters, the Hidden Valley girls’ softball team has been working hard in the off-season to improve on last year’s 4-6 record in a competitive River Ridge District under new head coach Brett Newman.
Newman takes over the Titans program after spending the last two seasons at Patrick Henry and at Lord Botetourt two years prior to the Patriots’ stint.
Returning for Hidden Valley, who was 11-13 overall and lost in the opening round of the regional tournament last season, are pitchers senior Kelsey Crotty and junior Liz Klussman, catcher senior Amanda Radford, along with junior Savannah Kramer, junior Margaret Lawson and sophomore Maleigh Lombard.
“We graduated nine seniors last year, including the entire outfield,” said head coach Brett Newman. “The six returning players all received significant playing time last year that will serve them well this year.”
Also taking to the field for the Titans this season are freshman Sidney Agee, junior Katy Bell, sophomore Jordan Criss, freshman Madi Cupp, senior Amanda Davis, junior Kristen Perdue, junior MacKenzie Plaia and sophomore Sophia Robinette.
Newman sees his team’s strengths as being experienced pitchers and catcher.
Hidden Valley opened its season on Wednesday, March 14 (after we went to press) when they hosted Northside.
