Front row, from left: Emily Jesmer (senior), Frankie Hathaway (junior), Faith Fell (senior), Carsyn Rissberger (junior), Maialena Olabarrieta (junior) and Shelby Jewtraw (senior). Back row, from left: Emma Bishop (junior), Mackenzie Kondrat (junior), Alexas Brown (junior), Trinity Baillargeon (junior), Caitlyn Lopez (junior), Makeda Thompson (junior) and Kim Doan (junior). (Photo provided)

LAKE PLACID — For the most part, one goal for Lake Placid’s softball team each year is to be competitive. With a roster of 13 split pretty evenly between varsity veterans and newcomers, the Blue Bombers are hoping to accomplish that mission.

This season’s squad includes six returning players and seven first-year varsity members, and coach Donna Moody said they had already meshed as a group during the preseason.

“We have a solid core of six returning players with three seniors and three juniors,” Moody said. “Our seven new players have fit right in and they will all contribute to our team. I have been very happy with everyone’s work ethic, attitude and enthusiasm that they have been bringing to practice every day.”

Two big holes the Blue Bombers will have to fill were left by the graduation of Hanna Whitney and Elaina Smith, who both contributed at the plate and played key roles in the field. Paige Megliore was also a starter and a third senior lost to graduation.

Moody said until her team really gets going outside, it’s tough to tell where many of her players will line up on defense. But she did say the Blue Bombers should be set at pitcher, with returning seniors Faith Fell and Shelby Jewtraw working in the circle. And when they aren’t facing opposing batters, they will be playing in the field.

Emily Jesmer is the third senior back for her final year of varsity softball, while Mackenzie Kondrat, Caitlyn Lopez and Makeda Thompson return to the varsity squad as juniors. Lake Placid’s new players are senior Frankie Hathaway and juniors Alexas Brown, Trinity Baillargeon, Kim Doan, Carsyn Rissberger, Aialena Olabarrieta and Emma Bishop.

“Once we are actually on a field the pieces will start to fall in place and we will have a better picture of everyone’s role on the team,” Moody said. “I believe we have the athletes that we can interchange in different positions and get the job done. I believe we have what it takes to be competitive in our league. Again, I am really pleased with how the girls are working and coming together as a team, they are a fun, hard-working group of girls.”