Huntington JV Softball Shows "Marked Improvement"
The junior varsity level is not about winning championships. So it's easy for Jim Byrnes to look at his Huntington High School JV softball team and see beyond the squad's final record. The Blue Devils' coach termed the season "enormously successful."
"Success is defined not only by the number of wins or losses, but also by the effort exerted, both in practice and in play," Byrnes said. The coach believes Huntington's 7-8 mark "shows marked improvement and leaves room for considerable optimism for the future."
The Blue Devils were captained by Beth Coneys, Kelly Beatty and Megan Boyce. "All three girls were highly regarded by their teammates and led the group by example," Byrnes said. The roster was filled with hardworking players who were focused on improving their skills each day.
Huntington's infield was manned by Alyssa Devoe (first base), Shannon McGovern (second base), Olivia Castillo (shortstop) and Kaitlin Dayton (third base). The outfield was patrolled by Jaclyn Bacik (centerfield), Katie Zimmerman/Giselle Aparicio (left field) and Haley Petrizzi (right field).
Byrnes expects his players will "continue making positive strides next season." Opposing coaches offered their compliments during the season on Huntington's improvement. The Blue Devils were increasingly competitive against even the best teams.
The coach said he has tremendous respect and admiration for the Blue Devil JV "because they worked well as a team, bonded and supported one another through thick and thin."