By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
BRISTOL – Last season, the Bristol Eastern softball squad was a .500 club that lost a of couple head-scratchers while putting together a few impressive outings.
Eastern head coach Scott “Redeye” Redman wants to get his squad over the hump early on and keep that momentum going all season long.
But it’s a new CCC South and some old challengers are back on the docket.
Let’s take a sneak peak at Eastern’s upcoming season:
BRISTOL EASTERN
Head Coach: Scott “Red Eye” Redman (4th year)
Overall Record: 33-31
Last season’s ledger: 10-11 overall, 8-6 CCC South (4th place)
2015 Tournament: Ranked 23rd in the Class L field, the Lancers battled in first round play but ultimately fell to No. 10 East Haven by a 2-0 push.
All Conference Performers from 2015: MaKenzie Jankowski, Charline Plasczynski, Jenifer Tabacco
Strength: Experience, Pitching
Weakness: Depth
Key Losses: Michaela Sassu (1B/OF); Shelby Sanstrom (OF); Bailey Wyrebek; Samantha Bender
Players to watch: Jenifer Tabacco (sr., P); Charline Plasczynski (sr., C/SS); Anna Kelly (sr., OF); Mikayla Martin (jr., C/1B); Nicole D’Amato (jr., 3B); Makenzie Jankowski (jr.; OF); Jillian Maghini (jr.; utility/OF); Jordan Fitzsimons (so., utility); Ashley Redman (jr, utility/OF); Paige McLaughlin (fr, utility).
What to expect from the Lancers: Eastern has most of its critical players back from last season’s squad and in terms of the battery of the group, the team is in very good hands in the form of pitcher Jenifer Tabacco and catcher Mikayla Martin.
The senior/junior duo has seemingly been playing together forever and Tabacco certainly has the ability to be the best thrower in all the CCC South Blue.
Martin is an ultra experienced junior behind the plate who will also contribute offensively
And then there’s the outstanding play of all-conference performer Charline Plasczynski, a tough glove at shortstop and along with junior Makenzie Jankowski – another outfielder with defensive skills – should give Eastern an edge as well.
Senior Anna Kelley and the likes of juniors Jillian Maghini and Ashley Redman will round out that outstanding outfield.
Nicole D’Amato is a feisty junior who was an excellent presence in the infield when called upon as was sophomore Jordan Fitzsimons.
And expect freshman Paige McLaughlin to help Eastern be in each and every game this season in a reserve role.
“We expect to be competitive all year long,” said Redman. “With a very balanced and challenging schedule, we will face difficult tests throughout the schedule but should always be able to challenge all foes.”
The bench, something Redman has been trying to develop one the last couple seasons, will be the key to the success of the campaign and it should be interesting to see who breaks through the junior varsity level.
CCC South Outlook: Is the CCC South Blue a three team race?
According to Redman, it’s going to be the two Bristol schools – along with Newington – in the race for the CCC South Blue Championship.
“The new CCC South Blue division will be highly contested with Newington, BC and us challenging for top spot with Wethersfield not to be overlooked. It will be a battle of attrition and who has the stamina to last through the CCC.
“Outside of our division the same old teams will be tough.”
Comments? Email mletendre@BristolObserver. com.