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Gilbert gears up for spring sports

WINSTED — Gilbert’s spring sports program finds itself in a familiar situation. Last year the Yellowjackets had to struggle with key losses to graduation, youthful inexperience and a handful of new coaches. Gilbert faces similar troubles this season, as well as some question marks throughout the coaching roster.

Gilbert softball, led by head coach Mark Douglass, finished last season with a 5-15 record. Last year’s Lady Jackets lacked experience — just two seniors graduated — but one of the losses included talented third base player Katie LaChance.

However, the pitching tandem of Jess Shotwell and Nikki Mangione return to the mound this year.

Gilbert Athletic Director Mike Gamari said that the team’s solid battery would be a crucial component to a successful season. Gamari added that with strong turnout numbers totaling 28 potential athletes, there is a good chance for an improved season this year.

The Yellowjackets’ baseball roster faces some of the greatest losses to graduation of any squad in Gilbert’s spring program. Notable losses including starting pitcher Nate Lapointe and shortstop Zac Tuozzo.

Baseball head coach Pat Cooke has a pitcher in Austin Brochu, who spent some time working from the mound last season and will be looking to secure a starting position this season.

Gilbert suffered a troubling loss to injury in sophomore catcher Justin Morhardt. Morhardt finished out last season behind the plate and quickly reserved his place there this season with a demonstration remarkable effort and skill. This off-season injury forces the Jackets to find a suitable replacement to complete Gilbert’s battery.

Gamari said that coach Cooke feels that, despite their losses, Gilbert has the potential to be a serious contender this season. Gamari added that their baseball squad is also assisted by high tryout numbers totaling 27 prospects.

The rest of the Gilbert program is riddled with questions and uncertainty. Last season, head coach Mary Ellen Vaccari’s golf team was ravaged by graduation losses and has been rebuilding. Vaccari watched a number of experienced golfers graduate this past year, but better numbers this season gives her plenty of young players to work with.

Gamari said that the girls track squad is expected to have a below-average season, but welcomes back head coach Julian Nichols to try and exceed those expectations. The boys track team sees new leadership under Scott Muller, but low numbers remain a lingering woe for both of Gilbert’s track squads this season.

Last season the Yellowjackets added new coaches to their tennis squads and find themselves with another new coach, Dan Gollan, who takes over as head coach for the girls tennis team this season. But with just two weeks until the season opens, the boys are currently without a head coach.

Despite all these preseason tribulations, Gamari said he is pleased to see such high numbers throughout their entire spring program — a welcome surprise for a school Gilbert’s size.

Gilbert’s spring season starts Wednesday, April 7, when the Yellowjacket baseball squad hosts Shepaug and boys tennis hosts Lewis Mills.

Lakeville Journal

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