Freshmen play big role for T-bird softball

SHORELINE

Here come the freshmen.

Six freshmen are on the Shorewood girls varsity softball team and they’ve all earned their spots, rather than being bumped up because of injury or ineligibility.

“They’re (playing) not so much as a necessity for us but (because of) their own talent,” said coach Tom Rizzuto, who enters his 15th season at Shorewood.

Leading the youth movement is freshman pitcher Olivia Jacobs, the Thunderbirds’ ace.

Jacobs made a stellar debut in a jamboree March 10 at Shorewood, Rizzuto said. She gave up only one hit and one walk and no runs in six innings, as Shorewood defeated Bellevue 1-0 and Lake Stevens 2-0 in three-inning games.

“I’m liking the movement on her pitches,” said catcher Robyn Morton, the lone senior on the team. “She’s doing a good job with her rise ball and change-up.”

Also returning for the T-birds is junior first baseman Kayla McCarthy, who moves over from third base. She was a second-team Western Conference South Division selection at third last year. Junior center fielder Anna Ellersick, a second-team all-league choice, returns and assumes co-captain duties with Morton.

The infield includes sophomore Ashley Salazar at shortstop, sophomore Maddy Golden at second and freshman Chloe Pope-Levison at third.

Freshman Matreya Vanous plays the outfield while freshman Ali Hascall is the backup pitcher.

Morton said to expect improvement in the offense.

“This year we’re hitters more so than in the past,” she said. “We definitely can make contact this year and put the ball in play.”

Rizzuto is assisted this year by 2004 Shorewood graduate Shannon Sullivan, a four-year starter, who was an all-league shortstop and designated hitter.

Jackson, the defending Western Conference South Division champions, is the team to beat once again. The Thunderbirds lost several key players but the rest of the league is regrouping as well, with many top pitchers graduating.

Four out of the six 4A teams in the conference make it to the district playoffs, so Shorewood thinks it has a shot.

“I think we’re up for the challenge this year even though we’re young,” Morton said.