By: Joe Cicchino - Sports Information Assistant

FORT WASHINGTON -- Germantown Academy's softball team is looking to make some noise in 2019. The Patriots have a large group of freshmen and sophomores, but that does not mean that they are not talented. 

Although the team has faced some obstacles, first-year Head Coach Brett Pulli is doing his best to ready the group.

"We are gaining strong team unity through the winter workouts," Pulli said. "The team has regretfully been inside for practice only as the weather has not yet cooperated. We are making the most of that time doing a variety of skill drills, batting cage, tee work, strength training and softball IQ lessons."

While it is his first year at GA, Pulli is no stranger to the game. He has been coaching softball and baseball for 15 years and will be joined by former Middle School Softball Coach Sarah Zimmerman. 

Pulli pointed out Shelby Kuehnle '19, Sarah DiLello '20, Charlotte DiLello '21, Colleen Gibbons '21 and Angelina Sannicandro '22 as players to watch during the year. DiLello '20 was named MVP of last year's team, while Kuehnle was the recipient of the Coaches Award.

Germantown Academy opens up the regular season on March 27 when they travel to The Hill School for a 3:30 p.m. game. They have a scrimmage against Friends Select School on March 19. The first home game for the Patriots comes on Apr. 9 when they host Academy of Notre Dame at 4:00 p.m.

"We are overcoming a previous season of tough losses and are generating fresh momentum with a new coaching staff," Pulli said. "We have some very high quality players that also play on notable travel teams. Some of our players have never been trained the way they are being trained now. We are raising the level of play for those on the less experienced side of the spectrum and enhancing those who have been playing at a higher level outside school. We hope to create a lasting and memorable experience this season and build toward a strong program for all the kids at GA who want to play softball."