Honesdale softball team looks to bounce back after a disappointing 2023 season
MOOSIC — There was a palpable buzz in the air as members of Honesdale’s softball team arrived on the scene for the second annual Bill Howerton Media Day.
This year’s edition of the event was held at PNC Field in Moosic on March 2 and attracted contingents from more than 40 Lackawanna League and Wyoming Valley Conference schools.
The Lady Hornets were represented by veteran players Makayla Cobourn and Maria Maglione. They were accompanied by assistant coach Lauren Cawley and first year manager Maria West who takes over for Dave Patrisso.
“I’m very excited for the start of the season,” West said. “We only have two seniors so we’re pretty young. But, this is a great group of kids. They’ve been working really hard during the off-season and I think that’s definitely going to pay off as the year progresses.”
More: High school baseball season begins with Media Day at PNC Field
Local College Connections: Marywood ace Marissa Gregory earns Atlantic East Conference Rookie of the Year honors
Weather permitting, Honesdale will be in action Wednesday afternoon at home versus Wyoming Area. First pitch is slated for 4:30 p.m. on the turf at the Daniel J. O’Neill Sports Complex.
Veteran leadership
West is a 1982 graduate of North Pocono who's been a fixture on the Honesdale athletic scene for more than three decades.
She was a three-sport star in high school, eventually making the varsity softball squad at Penn State.
West first coached Lady Hornet softball from 1993-2001. She retired from teaching in 2021, but still coaches boys basketball.
“I'm elated to be back as head softball coach,” West said. “And I'm definitely excited to see what this team can do. We've only been practicing for a little while now, but the girls are improving every day.”
Cobourn and Maglione are the lone seniors on the 2024 varsity roster. Both played key roles for last year’s team and each is expected to provide leadership on and off the field this spring.
A hard-throwing right-handed pitcher, Cobourn will anchor the rotation. The Lady Hornets struggled to a 2-12 league record in 2024, but Cobourn led the team in innings pitched, earned run average and strikeouts.
“Mak can throw a couple different pitches consistently for strikes,” West said. “She has a nice variety in her arsenal. Mak is a very hard worker who will also play in the outfield when she isn’t pitching.”
Maglione is locked in as the Opening Day starter at third base. She’s coming off a solid season at the plate, batting .292 with four doubles, 11 runs scored and eight RBIs.
Defensively, Maglione has also seen significant action in left field. However, she’s now back manning the Hot Corner where her reliable glove and strong arm are undeniable assets.
“Maria is very solid at third base,” West said. “She has good range and a rocket for an arm. Offensively, Maria will hit fourth or fifth. She has good power so I’m really looking for her to drive in runs.”
Around the horn
Honesdale posted an overall record of 4-15 last season.
Due in large part to a rash of injuries and a brutal schedule, the Lady Hornets finished ninth in the Class 4A power rankings and out of the running for a spot in the district playoffs.
One year later, hopes are running high that the Red & Black will bounce back and make a deep post season run.
“I love working with these girls,” West said. “They’re just a great group of kids who work really hard and get along very well. We have great chemistry.”
In addition to Cobourn and Maglione, the 2024 varsity line-up will include: Kady McElroy (Soph, C); Georgianna Maglione (Jr, 1B); Ava Patrisso (Jr, 2B); Abbey Hiller (Soph, SS); Leah Salzamida (Jr, LF); Rachele Chee (Jr, CF); Kaydence Frampton (Fr, RF).
Lackawanna League action is scheduled to begin Wednesday, April 3 at home versus Dunmore. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale varsity softball team prepping for Lackawanna League season
