From head softball coach Len Maltese.
Madison Lubin, our catcher and co-captain, played four years on varsity. Madison worked on all facets of our game and was our number 3 hitter, hitting for average and driving the ball. She always knew what her role was and where she was needed depending on the situation.
Lily Calve, who played first base and was co-captain, is a pure power hitter always driving the ball with power. At first base she was always ready for the throw – managing to capture even errant throws – and looked for the next play.
Lucy Martin came on our squad last year and wanted to change her game. She started as a right-handed batter and turned around to a potent “slapper.” She was always able to put the ball in play, leading the team last year in on-base percentage.
Katy Peardon spent this winter working with college pitchers to raise her game to a new level. We were all anticipating her return with a new skill set and multiple pitches.
As a fast pitch softball coach for over 25 years and a ball player for a lot more than that, I can’t imagine the disappointment these players had. Especially after they did so much work in the off season to prepare for the spring and having it cancelled overnight.
But their time with the program made an impact, each one in their own way, and they will always be a part of the Ranney softball family. Thank you to Madison, Lily, Lucy, and Katy for always giving 100 percent, for being such a big part of this program, and for leaving their legacies at Ranney for so much more than just softball.
The article originally appeared in the May 28 – June 3, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
