Finley Softball Struggles
Nancy Conlon knows you need to learn to walk before you can run, so the veteran J. Taylor Finley Middle School softball coach kept this year’s 4-11 record in perspective. There were eight rookies on the roster and several others were new to their positions.
“This year’s team was fun and very hard working,” an upbeat Conlon said. The Falcons were led by eighth graders Melissa Cohen (P) and Laura Ironman (OF/SS) and seventh grader Ryan Bonitz (P/SS). A 13-10 victory over Brentwood South was the highlight of the season. The game featured many spectacular plays. The most memorable one saw Ironman make a diving catch with the bases loaded and then throw from her knees to first base to complete a double play.
Conlon said that Ironman, who batted lead-off and was frequently on base, “was a real leader on and off the field” and “filled in at short, making quite a few amazing plays.” Cohen showed poise on the hill, often displaying impressive control of her pitches. As for Bonitz, well, she turned to pitching halfway through the season and “improved every game,” the coach said. “She also played shortstop and made many great plays. She has a strong arm.”
Finley traditionally produces a highly competitive softball squad so it’s appears safe to assume that the Falcons will return to their winning ways next spring. Eight players are eligible to return in 2010 and Conlon said she “looks forward to seeing them on the field next year.”
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