Our Wyvern softball team has had an impressive season, posting strong scores and a record of 6-2 thus far. Led by Head Coach Jason Bradley, the girls are looking for another NEPSAC Championship win.
“Teamwork is the expectation, and negativity can’t foster anything positive,” Coach Bradley said. “We can constructively discuss, but negativity is not the answer.” This is something that the team has emphasized throughout the season.
Something the team prides itself on is its team chemistry, building and encouraging a positive environment. Sophomore Captain pitcher Alexis Nisyrios explains she always does her part, leading by example by building strong relationships with teammates, making sure all players feel seen. “I always make sure the team is positive and composed on game days,” she said, sharing a phrase she always says to the girls on game day. “Just ball out, take it one inning at a time,” she said.
Thanks to the team’s leader and coaches, their biggest strength is their dynamic. The team this year is made up of almost all returners with just one new player, so they are using this to their advantage. “Our team chemistry on and off the field is strong, which is shown by how we play,” Nisyrios said.
A weakness the team has faced is continuing to improve and adapt to adversity. The team has a strong history of high performance and won the NEPSAC Class B Championship last year. “We have a target on our back this season, and we need to be able to make changes quickly,” Nisyrios said. She explained that the girls learn from every at-bat and each error, learning to adjust quickly. Coach Bradley agreed. “The team’s greatest strengths are talent, and we have been together as a group primarily for two years,” he said.
The KO softball team is a very tight-knit and hard-working team. Senior Captain first baseman and catcher Olivia Gallup noted the team’s commitment. “I like how we can put aside any personal matters and focus together the moment we hit the field,” she said. The team knows how to handle themselves whether a game is going their way or not.
A big game this season was the girls’ first home opener against St. Luke’s School. Last season, the team came away with a close win with just a one-run difference, 3-2. This year the team beat them 17-5. “We came into our first game ready to fight, and we answered,” Nisyrios said. “If we continue to play like we have been, we will be unstoppable.”
Not only did the team post an impressive score, but six of those runs were home runs. Freshman outfielder Aniajah Sanchez and eighth-grade catcher Lillian Evans both had two home runs each, and freshman outfielder Remi Rosado and Nisyrios both had one. “This again shows the strength of the younger part of our team,” Gallup said.
The team also had shutout wins against Taft (19-0) on April 2, Ethel Walker (8-0) on April 9, and Westminster (6-0) on April 22. The team’s only losses have been close games against Choate (5-2) and Kimball Union Academy (9-6).
In the most recent game against Westminster, Nisyrios pitched a no-hitter, and the Wyverns had 10 hits, with Nisyrios, sophomore shortstop Aleis Gonzalez, and eighth-grader catcher Olivia Bradley coming up big with two hits each. The defense also played errorless ball.
We wish the girls good luck as they head into the playoffs. We know they can pull off another NEPSAC win!
