The objective of the junior varsity team is to give younger players time to prepare before being put on the larger stage of varsity athletics. Before last season the York softball team was unable to field a junior varsity team due to lack of participation, but now the team’s increased success allows them to field two different teams. “ I think having a junior varsity team will really help us to capitalize on our younger players ability, before having to subject them to the varsity level,” said varsity head coach Amy Hunter. In the past the varsity team was forced to keep unprepared players or be faced with the only other option of cutting them. This meant that the team was unable to allow younger players the time to mature and gain the experience necessary to compete at the varsity level. “ Before the team had to cut girls who might have been able to develop into decent ball players, but now we have the option to let them hone their skills for a season or two,” said assistant varsity coach Rick Morgan.

As expected the team struggled in its first year of competition, but they are starting to play well together in their second year of existence. Two-year team member and captain, Emily Dollieslager (So.) said, “We struggled last season, but after having a year of experience, both for our players and our coach, we are starting to mesh together, and play well.” This year’s team finished (13-2), which is a great improvement over last season. Captains, Dollieslager and Sarah Grinnell (Fr.) attribute the team’s success to their young talent and experience. Head Coach Sam Eure said, “This years team has really come together and been able to benefit from their talent.”

Even though the team’s roster is made up of only one pitcher, Dollieslager, and one catcher, Ashleigh Steele (Fr.) they have managed to dominate other teams. The team showed their ability with a 14-2 victory over rival, Tabb Tigers. The girls also dominated Jamestown with a slaughter rule victory. “We are thrilled with our success so far, and hope that one day we will be able to continue our success on the varsity level,” said Amanda Lucker (Fr.). The junior varsity team has only been in exsistence for two seasons, but the varsity softball team is already feeling the impact of their arrival.