’Canes hoping to compete with move down to D-II

Matt Metcalf, Sports Editor
Posted 4/7/15

The Warwick Vets softball team finished just 4-12 in Division I a season ago, but with a move down to Division II this spring, the ’Canes are planning on encountering much more success than a year …

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’Canes hoping to compete with move down to D-II

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The Warwick Vets softball team finished just 4-12 in Division I a season ago, but with a move down to Division II this spring, the ’Canes are planning on encountering much more success than a year ago.

Although Vets would rather play with the best in D-I, head coach Paul Kennedy is excited about the opportunity.

“We want to win right away,” Kennedy said. “We took some lumps in D-I, but our goal is to get back there in the near future. D-II is where we belong right now, but hopefully it will be a temporary stay. I think we have a team that can compete in D-II.”

Vets’ team is constructed to potentially make a run in the D-II playoffs, with some key players back from last year’s squad.

In the circle, Kayla Morin will toss a bulk of the innings this season as a sophomore after seeing several innings as a freshman.

Backing up Morin will be junior Kayla Bourbon. Kennedy feels that both Morin and Bourbon will be quality pitchers in D-II this season.

Emily Walason and Arietta Chevian will split time behind the plate, while Chevian will also see time at third base.

At first base, power hitter Michelle Spremulli will reassume her starting duties from a season ago, while Natasha Savage and Liz Iadevaia will start in the middle infield at second and shortstop, respectively.

The infield will be anchored by Iadevaia, who’s a senior captain, as she’ll look to lead a Vets infield that is intact from last season.

Another senior captain, Naomi Franzen, will lead the ’Canes’ group of outfielders, getting the starting nod in left field.

Franzen will look to provide some stability out there because Kennedy believes that two freshmen will start beside her.

In centerfield, Mackenzie Hough is slated to start, while Alexis LeBelle is expected to start in right field.

Others in the mix in the outfield are Mariana Brawn, Destinee Charette and Kelly Stevenson.

Megan Ursini and Samantha Beaufort will also compete for innings in the infield.

Assisting Kennedy this season will be Rich Conti, who has been with Kennedy for 15 years and the two have worked extremely well together.

Vets played its first league game of the season on Thursday against Prout and fell 10-7. Prior to that, the ’Canes played a scrimmage against Cumberland – one of the top D-I teams – and lost 4-1. Despite the loss against the Clippers, Kennedy was happy with the way his team matched-up with one of the toughest teams in the state, as Vets had the tying run at the plate in the sixth inning.

Vets played three D-II teams last season and compiled a 1-2 record, so it knows that nothing is guaranteed with the move down a division.

“It’s not going to be easy,” Kennedy said. “But talent-wise, we’re right there.”

Vets was searching for its first win of the season on Monday, as it hosted South Kingstown, but results were unavailable at press time.

Despite struggling in D-I the past few years, Kennedy feels that his team has gradually improved and is prepared to take that next step.

“The players have a renewed excitement with the move,” Kennedy said. “We’re cautiously optimistic and are excited about the new challenge.”

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