Sewickley Academy softball eyes improvement with returning players

The Sewickley Academy softball team is looking forward to a better season this year. They have seven returning starters who bring experience and hope after last year's struggles. The team had a tough finish last season, ending with a record of 2-10 in Section 1-A. Coach Bob Sirko noted that last year’s squad was young and lacked seniors. They did, however, play competitively towards the end of the season. With all starters back and three new talented players, the team aims to improve their performance. Sirko emphasized the need for leadership and team chemistry as critical factors. The team captains this season are seniors Quincy Sirko, Marie Bigi, and Sanaa Grant. Quincy Sirko, the coach's daughter, had an impressive batting average of .571 last year and led the team in runs batted in. She plans to study chemical engineering at Carnegie Mellon. Bigi, who will major in agriculture at Penn State, topped the team in slugging percentage. Sophomore Keira Church is also back after a strong freshman year, where she led in runs scored. The team has added new players, including freshman Charlotte Andrews and Gabby Edmunds. Coach Sirko hopes their travel experience will enhance the team's performance. Game plans include sharing pitching duties among several players, including Andrews and Quincy Sirko. The team feels optimistic and ready to meet higher standards this season.