By HUNTER O. LYLE
lyleoleanstar@gmail.com
BRADFORD, PA – As spring and the warm weather that follows quickly approaches, the Bradford baseball and softball teams take to their respective diamonds. After both reached the playoffs a season ago, they look to further their progression and growth centered around youth.
At the end of last year, the Owls’ baseball team left the field with a bittersweet ending. Although they had shown improvement, finishing at 6-11 after ending 4-16 in 2023, their efforts came up short in the postseason, resulting in a season-ending loss to Clearfield in the District 9 Class 4A semifinals.
“It was a very productive season. I think the kids gave it everything they had and I think they learned a lot. It’s going to translate into some wins this year,” said Bradford head coach Eric Haynoski. “I think the pitching staff got stronger, they got a lot of innings.”
Despite losing four seniors, the Owls welcome back five returners who offer a mix of battle-tested experience and youthful potential.
On one end you have Talan Reese, a senior who, at the plate, led Bradford in runs batted in with eight while scoring a team-second-best eight runs himself. On the mound, Reese threw 47 strikeouts in 33.1 innings pitched. On the other side of the spectrum, you have a cast led by a pair of sophomores who offer strengths on both sides of the plate. Brody Haviland spent 18.2 innings on the mound, coming away with 17 strikeouts and only eight hits. In the batters’ box, Tarren Reese tallied five hits in 15 appearances, ending his rookie season with a 0.444 on-base percentage.
Having a combination of veteran leadership and fresh, moldable talent, the Owls are ready to continue building up the program
“We’re very strong up the middle,” said Haynoski. “I think these younger players that are going to pop in and help out are definitely going to be key players to make us successful. They’re going to be contributors to the program.”
Bradford’s season began this week, with the Owls splitting their first two glimpses of action. On Wednesday, Bradford suffered a walk-off loss to Brookville in their season opener, however, they rallied on the next day with a 13-2 win over Brockway. In the win, Talan Reese came away with five RBIs, including a double, while also striking out 10 batters on the day and allowing just four hits.
“I think the hitting has really come along (from last year.) The first game wasn’t who we are and seeing them in Brockway, they really broke out and I think they’ll continue to,” said Haynoski.
“Our pitching staff is extremely strong. Both Reese brothers threw very well and they’ve got a great supporting staff around them. Our pitching staff is probably six or seven deep, which is a great problem to have.”
Playing in two games that could have easily started the Owls at 2-0, Bradford is confident they can stake big strides to their ultimate goals.
“I’d like to get to the playoffs and get a couple wins in the playoffs. I think that we have a strong squad, especially on the mound and I think our hitters are coming along too,” said Haynoski. “Their confidence is growing and I think the game is slowing down for them and I think they’re going to do very well at the plate with the right mentality.”
Similar to the baseball team, progression has been a key word for the Lady Owls.
Finishing the regular season at 8-11, Bradford’s softball team earned their first playoff berth in several years, claiming the third seed in Class 4A. While their postseason run came to an early end, losing to Clearfield in the semifinals, Bradford still walked away satisfied with the season.
“We did well. We had a good core group of kids,” said Bradford softball head coach Marty Bechelli.
As they prepare for the impending season, which starts on Monday on the road against Brockway, Bradford looks to fill the void left by three non-returning stars. Graduated seniors Kalie Dixon, the Lady Owls’ starting pitcher and leading batter, and Sophie Cornelius, will be missed as they both maintained 0.300 batting averages or better and combined for 45 runs and 31 RBIs. Kendyl Cruz, a speedy would-be junior who recorded a team-high 30 runs, 15 RBIs and a 0.431 batting average, moved to Texas during the summer. Although the idea of replacing these talents is a tall task, Bechelli saw potential in the well-rounded group that returned to spring practice, including six letterwinners.
“We have some more talent but we have way less experience. We’ll be able to field a very good, solid team after the first few games. We won’t have a lot of weaknesses. Last year we had to hide a few things,” said Bechelli. “We’ve got a decent amount of kids coming back, we just have to move them around and find the right spot.”
FILE: Alyssa Johnson takes a swing during Bradford’s game against Brockway on Monday, April 22, 2024. | File photo by Hunter O. Lyle
While the work in the batters’ box will come via committee, the circle responsibility will fall on Daisy Green’s shoulders. Being the Lady Owls’ alternative to Dixon, the now-sophomore fanned 49 batters in 60 innings pitched during her rookie year. With a bat in her hand, Green recorded a team-leading 26 RBIs alongside 15 runs and a 0.424 batting average.
“She right now is learning how to pitch as far as location against certain batters. Situational pitching, we’re really trying to emphasize that,” said Bechelli of Green. “I think she’s maturing. She’s a tenth grader and plays travel ball, so she’s getting it. She’s understanding that.”
Starting the season with a well-rounded squad, Bradford is hopeful to complete the final leg of their rebuild, an accomplishment that is only validated with another trip to the D9 playoffs. Although they may have the tools to finish the mission, Bechelli knows it ultimately comes down to their mindset.
“I would love to have a 10-win season. Barring injuries, I think that’s possible and then to make the playoffs again. That would be my goal for these kids,” said Bechelli. “The key is confidence. That goes with experience. They just have to believe in themselves.”
