WESTFIELD – Practice! Practice! Practice!
This week, the Westfield Little League Softball Senior All-Stars have been hard at practice – and collecting funds – for their trip to the eastern regionals, where one team will earn the right to play in the World Series.
Westfield will finally get a chance to play Saturday against New Gloucester, Maine, in their regionals opener at Ty Cobb Field in Worcester at 2 p.m. On Sunday, the Whip City All-Stars will face off against host team, Jesse Burkett, of Worcester at Rockwood Field at 7 p.m.
After an off day Monday – a planned trip to Boston is in the works – Westfield returns to action Tuesday against Waterford, Conn., at Rockwood Field at 1 p.m. Their final game in pool play is scheduled against Rhode Island Wednesday at Ty Cobb Field at 1 p.m.
“Our goal is to be in the final four on Thursday,” said Westfield LL Seniors manager Mark Reardon. “If we’re in the game to go to the World Series, that is beyond my expectations.”
Reardon said the key to his team’s tournament run is to remain calm and focused at all times.
“We should have been able to make into the final four last year,” the Westfield manager said, explaining how his team came unraveled under the weight of the pressure. “We made a lot of errors. This year, we shored up our infield much better.”
“If we don’t beat ourselves, we’ll be fine.”
Westfield will rely on top pitchers Taylor St. Jacques and Jen Moller to carry them on the mound. Both were instrumental in keeping the team’s hopes alive during their state run.
“Being in the loser’s bracket, to win five games in a row, to win states was what we needed,” Reardon said. “Now we’re keeping the practices light, staying sharp.”
Heading back to the regionals for the second straight year is not lost on this team either.
“It is a privilege to go represent the state,” said Reardon, who continues to praise his player’s heart and character. “I’m extremely proud to be a part of this team.”
