With catcher Alexa Binckes back, Briar Woods softball is aiming high
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Version 0 of 1. Briar Woods catcher Alexa Binckes doesn’t always tell it like it is. As the senior guides a trio of sophomore pitchers with limited varsity experience, she knows that playful banter can be effective medicine for the tension and frustration that often plagues pitchers. “I’m not going to lie, I’m a sarcastic person. If a wild pitch goes way over my head, I’ll yell to the mound ‘hey that was just a tad low, let’s aim higher,’ ” Binckes said. “In the beginning of the season I’ve noticed situations ruffled them up a bit, so I go out there and make them laugh. Pitchers shouldn’t get too worked up. People are going to hit the ball. It’s what happens in this game.” Last season, rehabilitation from a dislocated knee cap and torn medial patellofemoral ligament kept Binckes in the dugout, where she watched the Falcons reach the state semifinals. “I’m proud to say that I am now stronger and better than I [have been] in my entire life,” Binckes said. “The injury has taught me what real pain is, and how to be mentally tough.” Binckes (Purdue) is one of four Divison I recruits in the Briar Woods lineup along with senior outfielder Meghan Bradshaw (Virginia), and junior infielders Michelle Sullivan (JMU) and Amanda Nee (Maine). While Briar Woods (3-1) has its eyes set on another trip to the state tournament, the Falcons must first survive their Loudoun County foes from Conference 14. Senior slugger Olivia Sappington and Ashburn rival Stone Bridge (2-2) have set state tournament goals in the past, but this year’s focus is more immediate. “In the past we’ve overlooked the conference and overshot with our goals before some losses brought us back to reality,” said Sappington, who is committed to the University of Connecticut. “This year our first goal is to win the conference. This year will be fun, but it’s going to be a battle. We don’t want to lose in conference.” In Leesburg, Tuscarora is building on back-to-back trips to the 5A North region playoffs. Senior leadoff hitter and center fielder Michala Pellegrino (JMU) has led Tuscarora to a 4-0 start. “She’s a slapper and she’s got some speed. She’s not the loudest player on the field, but she goes about her business and gets on base,” Coach Megan Smith said. “She’s a finesse hitter, she’ll hit the gaps and holes where the defense isn’t. We thrive off offensive energy and that all start with her at the top of the lineup.” In a rematch of last year’s Washington Catholic Athletic Conference final, St. Mary’s Ryken topped O’Connell, 5-3. . . . Madison’s Katie Vannicola, Kristin Giery, and Alex Echazarreta combined for a no-hitter in a 9-0 win over Fairfax. . . . Micaela Cummings and Kassidy Cross each accounted for two RBI in Northern’s 10-0 win over Severna Park. . . . Hylton beat Prince William rivals Battlefield and Osbourn Park. . . . Leonardtown junior Kaitlin Beasley-Polko has racked up 41 strikeouts in three games. 1. Sherwood (2-0) Last Week: 1 2. St. Mary’s Ryken (6-0) LW: 2 3. Northern (3-0) LW: 3 4. O’Connell (4-1) LW: 4 5. Lake Braddock (3-0) LW 8 6. Madison (7-1) LW: 5 7. Hylton (4-0) LW NR 8. Woodgrove (0-0) LW: 9 9. South County (5-1) LW: NR 10. Leonardtown (3-0) LW: NR Dropped out: Osbourn Park (5-3) LW: 5, McLean(5-2) LW: 10, Mount Hebron (2-1) LW: 7 On the bubble: Battlefield (3-1), Tuscarora (4-0), Northeast (1-0), Arundel (1-0) Records through Tuesday. |