By Andy Hutchison

WESTPORT — It might not be uncommon for a high school team to have a freshman or two in the starting lineup. 

But for the Staples High softball team this past spring there were four first-year athletes among the starting nine. What’s more, two more freshmen saw regular playing time.

In other words, at any given time more than half, even as many as two-thirds, of the Staples lineup comprised freshmen taking on more experienced competition.

More impressive is that this young team posted nine wins and qualified for the Class LL State Tournament.

Last year’s softball lineup boasted six seniors, while this year’s had six freshmen players, and both finished with 9-12 records.

“It is unusual,” said Coach Wally Hurd, adding that it means most of his players will have a wealth of experience next spring and beyond. “As long as they stay together and I get them all back,” he said.

“I think it’s a good sign for the future. As the seasons go on we do have a lot of potential,” freshman starting left fielder Stella DiGeronimo said.

Hurd, who completed his second year leading the Wreckers, has coached high school softball for 25 seasons. He has had teams with freshman contributors before. But …

“Not quite like this,” the coach said of this year’s squad.

“I love it. I think it’s really exciting. It’s definitely hard. I get nervous playing seniors, but as you get used to it, it gets easier,” freshman starting second baseman/pitcher Julia Simmelkjaer said.

“It’s a little bit intimidating playing older players who are more experienced,” DiGeronimo added.

Freshman Cora Barrett is the team’s starting catcher, a big role for a young player.

“It is a lot of responsibility and she has not only had to learn how each pitcher throws and what pitches they throw, but also learn to be the loudest on the field,” Hurd said. “She has grown a lot back there in those aspects, and blocks and frames pitches quite well.”

Barrett missed only one game, a 13-10 loss at Newtown in the state playoff opener, because of an injury.

Emilie Russell, the starting shortstop; pitcher/first baseman Makayla Hein, and third baseman Ellie Stauder also were key contributors completing their first year of high school.

The large number of freshmen softball players is a product of both their abilities and the fact Westport has comparatively few softball players overall.

Being in the starting lineup as a ninth-grader means adjusting to the pace of varsity ball. Some of these girls have played the game for a decade or so, and compete in the off-season. But going against older players is not easy.

“It is tough because you have to catch up to the game,” Hurd said. “The game is a lot faster at this level. You’ve got 14-year-olds playing 18-year-olds. There’s a huge difference between the strength and speed. They’ve done well.”

Players who also were key to the Wreckers’ team effort this spring include: Mia Ferrigno, Sarah Kalb, Sadie Vincini, Christina Kavanah, Alexis Robinson, Maria Stiber, Charlotte Jumper, Carley McGarry, Natalie Greene and Olivia Schwartz.

Staples battled hard in the May 28 state playoff loss to Newtown. The Wreckers were the tourney’s No. 24 seed and hung in there against their No. 9 counterparts, who went on to win another round and advance to the quarterfinals.

DiGeronimo, the leadoff batter, had a single and scored two runs. Hein singled and walked. Simmelkjaer walked and scored a run.

Hurd said the sport is a collective effort, and the young Staples team will gel as the freshman core and their teammates combine their skills.

“No one is bigger than the team and it only works when everyone knows their roles and play the roles to their potential,” the coach said.

After qualifying for the state playoffs this year, the team’s next goal is to make it into the competitive FCIAC Tournament.

“The FCIAC is a tough league. You have to be on top of your game,” Hurd said. 

Even so, with a year of varsity ball and state playoff experience under their belts, these young Wreckers are in a prime position.

“I like our chances next year and the year after,” Hurd said.

Andy Hutchison has been covering school sports — including Staples athletics — as well as news and feature stories in Fairfield County, since the 1990s.