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Pine Plains softball improves to 2-0

PINE PLAINS — The Bombers varsity softball team dominated the diamond last Thursday, April 15, shutting out Spackenkill 9-0.

It was Stissing Mountain High School’s second game of the season, and their first divisional match.

Bombers coach Les Funk said his team this year is a mix of returning players (including three named to the All-League team last season) and first-year varsity athletes.

“There’s still a bit of inexperience that shows up once in a while,� he said, “and the rest of the season will be about how quickly we can take care of that kind of stuff. Skill-wise the younger kids can do it, it’s just a matter of coming together.�

The Bombers caught a bit of a break with last weekend’s rain-out of the annual Philip Amelio Memorial Tournament. Pine Plains would have faced Rhinebeck, a tough opponent, very early on in the season. Now, with the tournament rescheduled for the beginning of May, the girls will have a few more matches under their belts before they step up to the plate.

Last year the softball team went 14-6. They lost two of their best players this season, Sara Woodward and Jessalyn Sweeney, but have four returning seniors with starting experience.

The Bombers played a few games earlier this week, after this paper’s deadline, and will compete in a tournament in Red Hook this weekend.

“They’ve got eight very good teams over there,� Funk said. “But they’re all non-league, so it will be good for the competition and our kids will see some real good teams.�

Lakeville Journal

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