By:
J. Patrick Eaken
In his third season at the helm of Genoa softball, Michael Burriola has two letter winners from the 2019 season. However, Burriola has plenty of talent returning. He says they just need varsity playing experience. The majority of his players from Genoa’s 18-8 team two years ago were juniors and seniors. “We are very inexperienced,” Burriola said. “Last year because of COVID we were unable to develop kids and we are learning on the fly this year.” One thing that is for sure, Genoa has “excellent speed” and “good pitching,” says Burriola. Returning is senior center fielder Caitlin Cruickshank, who was first team All-NBC, batted .414 and led the team in doubles (11) and triples (4). She was 43-for-96 with 35 runs, two home runs, 21 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. She is expected to lead the team at the plate again.