Patriots need arms to heal fast

‘‘Hopefully it’s nothing serious with those two, if it is, it’ll be tough to overcome,” Foit said. ‘‘We are going to need them to produce on the mound. If so, I think we can compete for a region championship.”

Zier was also the Patriots leading batter last season (.345), and Hahn, who was out all of last season, hopes to return to his sophomore form. He will also play first base and outfield.

Seniors Zach Walter and Danny Foit are interchangeable at shortstop and second base, and classmates Brett Boyle and Nick Bill will start at centerfield and catcher, respectively, giving Jim Foit plenty of confidence on the middle of his lineup.

Branden Kline gives the Pats depth on the hill and some punch at the plate (.308 last year) as a third baseman. Junior John DeSando will bolster the outfield.

Pats softballers add depth

The Thomas Johnson softball team has plenty of experienced players returning from a 14-6 contingent. Seniors Ashley Cox (left field), Erica Jardine (catcher) and Allison Roy (third base) are the team’s tri-captains. Juniors Victoria Linton (pitcher), Kelly Loundsdury (center field) and Anne McShey (first base) are also back. Youthful know-how returns in sophomores Jade Bowins (second base), Kathryn Lawson (shortstop) and outfielders Angelia McDowell and Michelle Clapp. Lawson, McDowell and Clapp will all alternate at the designated hitter spot.

‘‘We also have a couple of players on the bench pushing for time as well,” said TJ head coach Ed Zaleski. ‘‘I think based on the last four years, at this time, we are ahead of schedule as far as the learning curve.”