FOLLOWING THROUGH: Princeton Day School softball player Annika Asplundh takes a cut in a game this spring. Senior shortstop Asplundh provided leadership and production as PDS ended up with a 3-9 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

While the three wins it posted this spring were unquestionably highlights for the Princeton Day School softball team, Paul Lano believes his players distinguished themselves in defeat as well.

“The games that stick out in my memory are the competitive losses,” said PDS head coach Lano, pointing to a season-ending 10-9 loss to Lawrence and an earlier 17-13 defeat to Willingboro as memorable efforts.

“I consider them highlights because of the competitive nature our players took into and out of those games; that is new ground for many players on this roster. I can proudly say they were always up for the challenges, even in the losses. It was definitely a lesson learned and understanding what we were up against and how much closer we are to what we want to be.”

Getting sophomore pitcher Elisabeth Berman to focus on throwing strikes helped keep the games closer this spring.

“Pitching to contact gave our defense multiple opportunities per game to function and execute things we practice on a daily basis,” said Lano, whose team ended the spring with a 3-9 record.

“It created a glorified practice for us. We feel like the Panther defense has arrived with an understanding of what to do now because there are finally batted balls.”

The team’s trio of seniors, Annika Asplundh, Kiely French, and Amanda Ostendorf showed their younger teammates how to get it done.

“It’s no secret that upperclassmen set the tone in most things they are involved in,” said Lano.

“I’ve stated on several occasions, I truly believe the everyday examples of confidence, class, integrity, determination, and desire every day in practice and games from those three student athletes, became the wellspring of a new culture. A culture strong in pride, wall-to-wall unity that encourages accountability and merit. Those efforts seemingly blended togetherness, and a team that enjoys being around one another. Every coach should be this lucky to have such a high level of mature leadership steeped in quality and character.”

French provided punch to the lineup, developing into a batting star.

“Her intention was to be the best hitter she could be, I recently had Kiely come to a 6-to-12 year old softball hitters clinic I was conducting in Florence,” said Lano.

“She was such a great student of hitting, she mirrors everything I have ever asked of her to do to be that hitter. She understands what you tell her and she puts it into play. Kiely’s attention to detail within the powerful swing she created is a perfect visual example for the eyes of those younger players.”

Focusing on defense, Ostendorf shored up the Panther outfield.

“Her intention was to be the best outfielder she could be, always asking for extra opportunities to work on it,” said Lano.

“Amanda and her rocket arm became our center fielder, completing our up the middle defense. Amanda’s mission was accomplished.”

Asplundh, for her part, was on a mission to get the most out of her ability.

“Her intentions are always to be the best everything she could be,” said Lano.

“Annika is admired by not only her teammates, but coaches as well, for just about everything she does. At the top of that list is the effort she puts in to learn and conquer anything she’s interested in. Annika was the leader of our infield and our defense. She also taught herself how to pitch, spending hours working on it after practice. She would only pitch in relief roles, where she acquired a couple of saves and a couple of wins. On our softball field, Annika’s value is never in question, it’s pronounced and indisputable. What she’s accomplished in PDS softball is truly remarkable.”

With a core of returners featuring Julie Patterson ’19, Gia Massari ’20, Hailey Young ’19, Brooke Smukler ’19, and Giulia Gerschel ’19 along with Berman, the Panthers are primed to accomplish more going forward.

“There will be a very large and obvious void left behind by our departing seniors, but I’m very comfortable with the legacy those seniors have created as they leave,” said Lano, noting that assistant coach Heather Farlow played a key role this spring.

“The six players have all contributed a great deal to our recent successes. They are all very capable of upholding and expanding on the current culture with dedication and cooperation now common place. They also have high expectations of their own they are motivated to exceed.”