Gwen Glatz returns as Wyoming Area’s top pitcher and hitter to lead a strong junior class that could put the Lady Warriors back in softball title contention.

Glatz was the starting pitcher two years ago on the Wyoming Area team that beat out eventual state semifinalist Nanticoke to win a Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2 title and then reached the District 2 Class 3A semifinals. Last season, the received honorable mention all-state in Class 3A.

“That’s nice to have back,” Lady Warriors coach John McNeil said.

Glatz went 12-7 with a 1.64 earned run average and six shutouts while walking just 24 in 132 innings. She also led the offense in batting average (.435), runs (16), RBI (19) and doubles (13).

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Four other juniors should all be prominent in the team’s hopes.

Jess Parente moves from shortstop to catcher and Julia Kopetchny moves from left field to center field. Kristi Skok is back for her third year at third base and Annie Karcutskie returns in right field.

The team also features some freshmen who have shown their athleticism by already making an impact in other sports.

District 2 Class 2A tennis singles champion Brianna Pizzano takes over at shortstop.

“It’s been a very competitive spring,” McNeil said. “It all depends with the foundation of juniors taking the underclassmen under their wings.

“I think if we mature rapidly, we could make some noise in our division.”

Tunkhannock and Nanticoke remain strong in Division 2 while McNeil thinks Dallas could be improved.

Freshmen Evan Freeman and Tinsley Sarnak are working at first base for the Lady Warriors.

Sophomore Abby Gober and freshman Nicole Silinskie are competing for the second base spot.

Silinskie is also getting a look in left field along with fellow freshmen Kari Melberger and Kayla Taddei.

Sophomore Lauren Kelly is another outfield prospect while Sarnak provides pitching depth.

Wyoming Area is scheduled to open the WVC season Monday at home against Nanticoke, which has lost playoffs for the division title each of the past two seasons.

Wyoming Area softball Head Coach John McNeil checks to be sure freshman Brianna Pizzano’s helmet fits prior to hitting the batting cage at MVP Sports Academy, Exeter.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_WAsoftball1.jpg.optimal.jpgWyoming Area softball Head Coach John McNeil checks to be sure freshman Brianna Pizzano’s helmet fits prior to hitting the batting cage at MVP Sports Academy, Exeter. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

WA junior Kristi Skok keeps her head down on the ball during batting practice.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_WAsoftball2.jpg.optimal.jpgWA junior Kristi Skok keeps her head down on the ball during batting practice. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Head coach John McNeil watches sophomore Lauren Kelly’s technique during pre-season batting practice.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_WAsoftball3.jpg.optimal.jpgHead coach John McNeil watches sophomore Lauren Kelly’s technique during pre-season batting practice. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Warrior sophomore Kayla Taddei takes batting practice with assistant coach Frank Parente pitching.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_WAsoftball4.jpg.optimal.jpgWarrior sophomore Kayla Taddei takes batting practice with assistant coach Frank Parente pitching. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

WA junior Jess Parente places a ball on the tee for junior batter Julia Kopetchny during indoor practice at MVP Sports Academy.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_WAsoftball5.jpg.optimal.jpgWA junior Jess Parente places a ball on the tee for junior batter Julia Kopetchny during indoor practice at MVP Sports Academy. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

By TOM ROBINSON

For Sunday Dispatch

Reach the Sunday Dispatch newsroom at 570-655-1418 or by email at sd@s24530.p831.sites.pressdns.com.