Following a dramatic run to the Class A championship game in 2017, the Eastchester softball team is ready to kick off a new season this week as the young but experienced squad hopes to take the next step in its maturation process. And with an abundance of talent on the roster, Eastchester seems poised for success despite the loss of a few key pieces.

Last season, the Eagles fell to Lakeland in the Section I championship game, but it was the road to that contest—not the end result—that head coach Chris Walpole believes will stick with his returning players. As the Eagles eked out a number of dramatic postseason wins, including an extra-inning victory over reigning champ Pearl River in the semis, Walpole believes that his relatively young squad comes into the year secure in their knowledge about how to play in big games.

“We only have one senior this year, but I think we have a lot of experience despite our youth,” Walpole said. “They’ve been in those tough games, and they’ve seen the importance of playing small ball and what it takes to win those close games.”

The Eagles lost three senior starters from last year’s team, including shortstop Daniella Chiodi, centerfielder Sophia Tiso and ace pitcher Jess Becchetti, but Walpole is confident in his players’ ability to continue to build on the foundation left by the trio.

Sophomore Bailey Hunn, who often spelled Becchetti in the circle last year, will enter the season as the club’s top pitcher, and so far, the head coach has been impressed with what he’s seen.

“[Hunn] got a lot of experience last year and she’s one of the hardest workers we have,” he said. “And that hard work really pays off.”

Hunn will once again be throwing to junior catcher Emilie Olivier who had a breakout season in 2017, hitting .430 and blasting three home runs en route to nabbing conference player of the year honors.

“She’s tremendous, she calls all the pitches,” the head coach said. “And she was just named to the France Under 19 National Team, which is a real honor.”

Other players to watch this season include the club’s lone senior, outfielder Tori Santomauro, sophomore speedster Mikayla DiNapoli and slick-fielding junior infielder Ashley Graham.

The Eagles open their season on March 28, after press time, against Saunders, kicking off a regular season campaign that sees them play a tough league schedule as well as challenging non-league opponents including North Rockland and defending champ Lakeland.

“It’s going to be tough, we play a lot of good teams,” Walpole said. “But that’s going to help us in our quest to win the league and get ready for the playoffs.”