The 2019 Panthers are getting ready to spring into action.
Sometimes the weather suggests otherwise, but the 2019 PIAA spring sports season has officially sprung. What that means for the wonderful world of Saucon Valley Athletics is that baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, track and a little coed soccer are now under way. The Panthers are roaring to go!
Starting today, Saucon Source wants to provide our readers with a little Panther preview of their spring sports programs. Today, we offer you a little snapshot of the Saucon Valley high school baseball and softball programs. Check it out!
Panther Athletics Spring sports breakdown (# of participants):
- High School
- BASEBALL: 33
- SOFTBALL: 22
- BOYS LAX : 41
- GIRLS LAX : 43
- BOYS TENNIS: 17
- TRACK & FIELD: 97 (51 boys, 46 girls)
- Junior High/Middle School
- Softball: 15
- Track & Field: 38 (18 boys, 20 girls)
- Coed Soccer: 32
Panther senior Patrick Morrissey getting some preseason reps.
BASEBALL OPENING SHOTS!
- Head Coach: Gary Laub
- Assistant Coaches: Eric Focht, Eric Gough, Bob Frey, Bill Frey, Mike Kiak
- Seniors: Patrick Morrissey C, Jared Thatcher P/OF, Ben Happel OF/Utility, Nick Millets P/1B, Nick Bloch OF, Justin Kyra OF
- Returning Impact Players:
- Sr. Nick Millets P/1B
- Sr. Pat Morrissey C
- Jr. Kevin Schoch SS
- Jr. Thomas Spirk P/3B
- Sr. Jared Thatcher P/OF
- Newcomers:
- Juniors: Brandon Binn 2B, Cole Curtis C/OF, Matt Deibert P, Steve Hlavinka P, Zach Nicholas OF
- Sophomores: Chris Medei, Austin Strunk
- Coach Laub’s Outlook: “Pitching, Pitching, Pitching. We have a lot of new arms and our success will depend on how quickly they adapt to varsity life. We’re looking to find our way into the Colonial League playoffs.”
- Top Competition: Southern Lehigh (2018 Colonial League Champs), Notre Dame and Northwestern Lehigh
- Home Opener: Wednesday, March 27 v. Pen Argyl (4:15 p.m.)
Saucon Valley High School baseball coach Gary Laub making the most out of a preseason practice.
Saucon Valley softball coach Mike Barbera advocating the fundamentals with his young team.
SOFTBALL OPENING SHOTS!
- Head Coach: Mike Barbera (1st year)
- Assistant Coaches: Mark Mixa, Eric Schoch, Nicole Barbera
- Seniors: Melina Hefner
- Returning Impact Players:
- Jr. Megan Patriarca OF
- Jr. Rachel Schoch OF
- Jr. Brielle Sklodowski P
- So. Jaclyn Barbera C/Utility
- So. Ally Frace SS
- So. Morgan Mixa OF
- Newcomers:
- Juniors: Olivia Kacerik
- Sophomores: Aaliyana Mateo, Aleaya Myers, Abigail Wieder
- Freshmen: Jennifer Barbera P/1B, Kellie Boyle 3B/Utility, Kailea Danubio P/Utility, Kelly Johnson OF, Emma Rudolph C/Utility
- Coach Barbera’s Outlook: “I’m looking forward to an exciting season with a new outlook and coaching style. We have a young team and pitching staff with a good work ethic and positive attitudes. Our goal is to stick to the fundamentals, work hard, and be aggressive. Our returning players will play a big role in leadership and game experience this season.”
- Top Competition: Northern Lehigh (2018 Colonial League Champs), Bangor, Palmerton, Salisbury, Southern Lehigh.
- Home Opener: Wednesday, March 27 v. Pen Argyl (4:15 p.m.)
Saucon junior Megan Patriarca showing off her power in the Panther batting cage.
- A.D. EXTRA: Panther Athletics is in need of 6-8 volunteers to work the three Varsity Track meets on April 2nd, 9th and 15th. Volunteers are needed to assist with working events and recording results. No prior experience or knowledge is required. Clearances are free. Please contact Nancy in the athletic office if you are interested!
Good luck Panthers, the Source is with you!