Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 29th because Poland Softball officially begins at 4:30PM. On the new softball field behind the Poland Seminary Field House, the Bulldogs’ season will kick off with a game against the Hubbard Eagles. 

This year’s softball team includes three fantastic seniors: Ella Gaffney, Katie McDonald, and Meredith Trevis. All of these seniors have had incredible athletic accomplishments over the course of middle school and high school, along participation with various other sports and organizations.  

The team’s coaching staff remains the same: Jim Serich, Kasie Serich, John Boccieri, and Mark Jakubovic. Each of these coaches specializes in their own position, allowing each player to get one-on-one assistance, which ultimately leads the team to success to have such successful seasons. 

Ella Gaffney will be entering her senior season in left field as number 24. This will be Gaffney’s seventh year playing softball. 

She shares that her goal for this year involves “getting closer with my team and creating strong friendships”, as well as “winning state”. She also feels incredible excitement towards playing on the new field, sharing “I love it! The field is such an upgrade from the old one, and I am very happy with how it looks!”

Last season, the team went 21-8, as well as placed 2nd in the Northeast 8 conference. With the loss of last seasons’ seniors, this year’s team is full of various new and excited players that are ready to step out into the field. All of the girls are working to keep up this amazing status or even improve and take first place in the conference. 

Gaffney shares that the team is “an amazing group of girls that work hard every day at practice. I know with this kind of determination, we can make it to state.”

Since the new year began, the team has spent hours together, practicing and building a strong bond with each other. They have indoor practices multiple times a week to prepare for the season, and also have weekly yoga with one of Poland’s very own teachers, Miss Alexandria Rokicki. She works hard with the girls to help build their strength for the season.

So much time and hard work is put in by each individual on this team, so come support the Lady Bulldogs by attending their games. The game schedule can be found on the Poland Local Schools website. 

Good luck to the ladies on the softball team, and Go Dogs!