Holyoke Knights continue strong play in U16 softball


Kate Bigelow delivers a pitch for the Holyoke Knights NEYSA U16 team during a scrimmage against Chicopee on July 9. Reminder Publications photo by Chris Maza

July 11, 2012

By Chris Maza

chrism@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Knights have been on quite a roll.

Having not lost a New England Youth Sports Association (NEYSA) U16 softball game since June 13, the girls in purple have put themselves in a very good position as they enter their season's home stretch.

"I think it's safe to say we've had a very good start to the season," Holyoke Head Coach Rick Begelow said.

After a July 9 forfeit by the Chicopee Blazers, Holyoke's record stands at 6-1, but their toughest opponent of the season lies ahead on July 11 in the Monson Fillies, the only team to top the Knights this year.

Holyoke lost that game 7-6 when their rally in the bottom of the seventh fell just short.

Bigelow said that his girls' biggest strength has been their ability to gel as a team.

"These are girls who are out there having a great time. It's a group of really nice girls," he said. "This is a bunch of kids who really didn't know each other that well when we started, but now they're up and cheering for each other all the time. There's a real sense of teamwork."

While the list of names of contributors this season is a long one, Bigelow pointed to Alexi Cohan, Kate Bigelow, Lali Manqual and Missy Bernard as some of the sparkplugs for the team.

Bigelow, a pitcher, and Bernard, a catcher, have formed a formidable battery while Mangual has produced both in centerfield and at the plate, he explained.

Others like Cohan have moved around and played multiple positions, giving the Knights some much-appreciated flexibility.

Another key contributor who displayed her unselfish attitude and charisma on July 9 was Abbey Keeler. After Chicopee declared that they did not have enough players to get the game in, Keeler offered to play for their opponent so the two squads could get in a scrimmage.

"Abbey has been very good for us this year and what she did shows what a selfless, wonderful kid she is," Bigelow said. "Really, that attitude is indicative of the way all of the girls are."

Win lose or draw, he added, he's glad he has the opportunity to coach a group such as this and expressed his appreciation to the NEYSA organizers for their continued support.

"[NEYSA officials Jim and Rose Plushner] are awesome people," he said. "The work they do allows a whole bunch of girls to have fun playing softball and sharpen their skills over the summer. The amount of work they do is amazing."

Holyoke's July 11 game against Monson will take place at Quarry Hill School in Monson at 6 p.m. From there, they get some time off before taking on the Springfield Rockettes on July 16 at Holyoke Community College at 6 p.m.

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