STAC SOFTBALL: OWEGO LOOKS TO BE COMPETITIVE (2024-03-24)

OWEGO — The Owego softball team has some challenges ahead this season — a move up to Class A, players who will juggle the diamond with the gridiron and its fourth coach in the past five seasons.

The new coach may be the easiest challenge to deal with since several players are familiar with Emily Crawford, who has been coaching various girls sports for several years in the school district.

The Class A opponents within Section IV will be familiar, but it will be interesting to see how River Hawk athletes juggle spring sports with the addition of flag football as a championship sport. Players can compete in both football and a second spring sport, but must designate one as their primary sport.

“This year, the goal is to have the girls enjoy playing softball again and working with flag football to allow girls to experience both sports and compete in both sports at a high level,” Crawford said. “We look to make a postseason run to the Class A championship.”

Owego, which went 8-8 overall, remains in the STAC Central Division.

The River Hawks key returning players include senior Brooklyn Gaurnier, who is moving from third base to shortstop, junior utility player Maia Smith, sophomore pitcher Carsten Crawford, back for her second season in the circle, and sophomore catcher Miley Laubach.

Graduation took a heavy toll with nine total. The most notable losses are infielder Jordan Greeno, first baseman Sarah Terry and catcher Saylor Ayers.

Players who could make an impact are seniors Ava Brown, Alex Aubel and Jillian Lewis, and sophomores Kylie Grippen and RaeAnn Craft, all who return to the softball program after taking the 2023 season off.

“They will be large contributors to the success of the program for 2024,” coach Crawfod said.

Another newcomer who could make an impact is junior Lexi Cheeseman.

The coach said she “will also be a big impact player this year on the mound and in the outfield with her speed and ability to track a ball.”

The River Hawks begins the season on the road at Susquehanna Valley Tuesday.

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IN PHOTO: Owego’s Brooklyn Gaurnier. ... TCSR STOCK PHOTO.