Following a disappointing season, the boys baseball team returns a key member who looks to help the Highlanders match the success of squads from earlier years.
Junior Andy Sopata was one of the brightest spots for the team last year and many returning players are expecting another impressive season from him.
“He was a huge player for us last year and has more bright years ahead only being a junior,” senior Kory Tierney said.
Sopata also can become a leader this year with his positive attitude on and off the field, Tierney added.
Sopata believes that he can only improve from last year’s position and sees the team has much potential to make a good run this year.
“It was disappointing last year. We had talented seniors, but I guess our chemistry wasn’t where we wanted it to be,” Sopata said.
Although Sopata does not believe the chemistry from last year’s team was a strong suit he believes that it will be a real key for the team’s success this year.
“We have good chemistry and communication for this year,” Sopata said.
In Sopata’s mind last year was not as good as it could have been for him personally even being one of the youngest on the team.
“I don’t think I did as well as I could have last year. I have to keep working on my hitting, staying in the gym, always being active, improving my bat speed, my strength, and my smarts of the game,” Sopata said.
Sophomore Nicky Dolan also expects another impressive year for Sopata.
“Andy is a great player on both sides of the ball and is extremely athletic,” Dolan said.
Dolan not only sees a bright year for Sopata, but for the team overall.
“We have the potential to make a run this year. We just need to trust the process and practice hard every day,” Dolan said.
Tierney agreed with Dolan.
“We can make a run for the title. We just need to want it more than the rest of the section,” Tierney said.
Sopata expects big impacts from Tierney on the mound pitching and Dolan on offense.
The team also has many other young players who will be able to contribute this year and for more years to come.
“I believe we have a good team this year and a great team for the future. We have a very strong core group of young players to help now and in the future,” Tierney said.