Good teams often find a way to achieve greatness.
Lake Orion’s softball team, by all accounts, is a very good team and one of the best in the state.
But, Coach Joe Woityra hopes the group can take the extra step to go deep into the state playoffs this season and become a great team.
Last year the Dragons were 34-5 overall, including a 10-0 record in the OAA Red Division, the top division in the league. They lost in nine innings in the state regional play to end the season.
With most of his roster returning this year, Woityra has some high hopes.
‘If everything goes according to plan we should have a successful season,? he said. ‘But everyone has to show up and work hard. The girls know what is expected of them and we will push and push to get better.?
They returned eight starters.
The team will be led by sophomore pitching sensation Sierra Gonzeles, who received all league, all district and all regional honors. She won 22 games last year.
‘We will count on her again,? Woitrya said.
The team also will rely on freshman pitcher Shelby Misiak.
Juniors Rachel Dolland at shortstop and Alex Dolland at third base will also be counted on heavily, Woityra said.
The team is young, with only three seniors. They will be expected to contribute mightily but also provide leadership to the young and talented group of underclassmen.
The seniors and co-captains are outfielders Kayla Knoblock, all-region Kennedi Thomas and second baseman Bethany Kogut.
‘All the pieces are in place for us,? Woityra said.
‘We are in it to win it,? said Kogut.