By: Ashley Young — Correspondent

As temperatures begin to rise and the sun begins to set later and later, spring sports are back and in full swing. Sharon High’s softball program held tryouts at the beginning of this week, and there were enough players to field both a JV and varsity teams. 

This season the team is led by senior captains Trinity Payne, Ciara McAuliffe, and Savvy Gray, and returning senior players Shelby Okstein, Samantha Newbold, and Mya Grossman. 

Varsity coach Heather Poliferno says that she is so excited to watch the seniors play this season. “They have all come so far and we coaches are better to have known them—as softball players and as the young adults that have grown to be. We are incredibly proud of them and can’t wait to watch them in their senior season,” said Poliferno.

Poliferno also said she is proud of the work her players have put in during this off season specifically. “Our returning players have been wonderful at getting additional players to sign up for our program. We are a small group and are always looking for new student-athletes to join us. Our players have been busy networking and it should certainly be recognized!” added Poliferno.

Payne says that she has mixed feelings about her last season with Sharon. “It’s sad to know that I will play my last game on the fields that I grew up on, but it is also bittersweet because I get to further my career for the next four years at Simmons College,” said Payne.

Payne says her favorite part about SHS softball is playing with her teammates, which is something she will miss about the program. “My favorite part of SHS softball is how while we may not be the strongest, we work hard together to meet small goals. Along the way, there are lots of inside jokes and collaboration that make the game a lot more fun,” said Payne.

Poliferno agrees that the team will face challenges this year. “One challenge we’ll have this season is having all skill levels come together in order to create successes on the field. With the group of returning players that we have, I have no doubt they will lead our newest players through every at-bat, inning, and game,” said Poliferno.

Payne adds that their Hockomock League opponents will make for a competitive season. “We definitely play in a very tough league and will face very challenging teams. That being said, I hope that we can take advantage of the more competitive games and get some wins,” added Poliferno.

The Eagles will kick off their season next week as they travel to Milford High for their first game on Monday, April 4th. 

“My goal for the program is the same each season: be better tomorrow than we are today. If we, as a program, improve every day in our skills and our knowledge of the game, then we will have achieved that goal,” said Poliferno.