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Baypath Hosts Softball Tournament
By Richard Trombly | Longmeadow News : April 1998

EXCERPT

On Saturday, April 5th and Sunday, April 6th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Baypath College will host the Baypath College Softball Tournament at the Wolf Swamp Field. Participating colleges include Holyoke Community College, Mt. Ida College, Becker College, and North Shore Community College.

Head Coach of the Baypath College women's softball team Steve Smith said that his team has been playing hard in preparation for this preseason playoff. "The students are really excited about this tournament. We are really looking forward to it," he said. "We have had a good history with these schools. Some small colleges have let their program fall apart but these schools have strong programs and a lot of energy."

He said he is hopeful about the success of this event. He commended the town for its cooperation and said that the Park and Recreation department has been very helpful to the Baypath College athletics department. They have put in concession stands and made permanent backstops as well as allowing the team to use the gym facilities.

He said that it is hard to run a spring sports program in New England. Smith said hopes that the weather this year will allow the tournament to occur. There is no rain datescheduled for the event.

"Two years ago the tournament was called in the middle of the third game on account of snow. We tried to continue but the ball started to look like a snowball when it rolled in the outfield," said Smith. "We are hoping for better weather this year, and the field needs time to dry off. The town is doing everything possible to get the field ready. They've been great."

"The team really great this year," he said. "They have built upon their experience and have added some new talent. This is a real quality team. All of the women have high school experience and there is a strong level of commitment among the 14 player team. We don't recruit high school athletes for our program, so for the players it is a matter of team spirit that brings them together."

Smith, who is also the basketball head coach, will be coaching the softball team for his sixth season and he says that the team has never been better than this year's offering. He said that he will count on the asset of a fourth season with Todd Ditmar as assistant coach. Ditmar is the head coach of the soccer team, son of the Yankees pitcher Art Ditmar, and an accomplished athlete in his own right.

Smith said that the returning seniors are especially strong this year. Shawna Magnant has been a starter and captain for four years. She will be playing second base this season. Smith said that she has a strong influence on the team and is a very strong leader.

Carrie Schlosser is on first and has also started for four years and made her mark in the soccer program. Smith said that she was a strong all-around player.

According to the coach, Maureen Ranger is a strong universal player who holds the hitting record for Baypath College. She plays left and center field. Smith said the returning seniors are an asset because he had a team of primarily first year students in the past.

"These young women have stayed with the team and the program has grown with them," he said.

The sophmores present some great talent as well, said Smith. Kristy "Zinger" LaClair is the third co-captain of the team. Smith said, "Her greatest strength is her personality. She has worked hard to get where she is and that has required discipline and determination. Kristy was not a 'natural' but she has persevered through her superior effort. She has made great accomplishments in baskerball, soccer, and field hockey as well."

"We are expecting great things of our pitcher, Alison Cairns," he said. "At six feet in height, she has great prowess. She's been developing her talent and worked out in Florida this year."

Rebecca Tatro, a basketball captain, is described by Smith as a smart player. He said that she has developed her skills greatly during the last year. He said that he expects her to become a team captain.

He said, "With her intelligence and feel for the game she will be good coaching material."

He also commended one incoming freshman. Melissa Palmer, for her leadership ability.

"She will be the starting short stop and we will be relying on her as the relief pitcher," he said. "She is a talented young athlete. She was also the lead scorer for the basketball team. Her greatest strength is great attitude. She has a strength of character and is very assertive, but not pushy. By her example, she earns the respect of her team members. In every way she has the makings of a leader. we will be counting on her in the upcoming years."