BY DAVE PEMBERTON
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Led by solid pitching from senior Megan Sperry, the Clarkston softball team is off to a 4-2 start this season. Sperry is 4-1 as the Wolves starting pitcher and has batted well in the lead-off spot.
Clarkston Coach Don Peters said Sperry worked hard over the summer to improve her pitching.
‘She is a good control or finesse pitcher,? Peters said. ‘She has control of her three pitches and has good movement. She moves the ball up and down, and changes speeds.?
Senior catcher Amber Giroux and junior shortstop Caitlin Morris are two key upperclassmen for the young Wolves. Giroux is a four-year starter, who is a solid hitter and leader on the field. Morris? strength is her defense.
‘She has an excellent glove and a good throw,? Peters said. ‘She is very smooth and has good lateral movement. She also has a little pop in her bat. She is a pretty complete ball player.?
The Wolves return four sophomores, who started last season as freshman.
Right fielder Katie Smith, center fielder Linsey Upchurch, second baseman Kara Wandrie and third baseman Monique Guerreo all start for Clarkston.
Sophomore pitcher and first baseman Shana Horn also played varsity last season and has started this season for the Wolves.
Clarkston finished the season 11-26 and 3-9 in the OAA I, but Peters said the team made some strides.
‘Last season it was our best option to put those kids on the field and see what happens,? Peters said. ‘They struggled at first, but during the second half of the season they were in every game. We want to continue to build on that this year.?
Peters doesn’t have any set goals as far as wins and losses.
Clarkston has a full slate of games this week. The Wolves last game before spring break was on April 10.
Their first game after the break was on Tuesday at Stevenson, which finished too late for this addition of The Clarkston News.
The Wolves then start league play by hosting Waterford Kettering on April 26 and then Stoney Creek on April 27.
Clarkston faces Utica Ford on April 28 and will compete in the Port Huron Invitational on April 29.
Peters is unsure if having all the games right away will be good or bad.
‘I don’t like it, but that’s just the way it is,? Peters said. ‘As a coach you can never practice enough. The positive is we will get some games under our belt and see what we have to work on.
‘After that stretch, we have a little break where we can learn some things.?
Clarkston faces Lake Orion on May 3 and then take part in the annual Michigan Star Tournament on May 6-7.