Tag: Lauren Marcotte

Feature, Sports

Lauren Marcotte: A Force on Centennial Softball

Words: Joey Sedlacko

Photos: Zach Grable

Recently, sophomore Lauren Marcotte gained national recognition for her outstanding performance in high school softball. She was named a 2018 high school softball player-to-watch by USA Today.

“It was an honor to be recognized,” Marcotte stated.

Last year, as a freshman, Marcotte had a stellar season on the varsity softball team. Marcotte finished with a league-leading nine home runs and a .697 batting average, and set a state record for triples in a season with 10. In addition, 28 out of her 53 hits were for extra bases and she batted in 39 runs. Last season, Marcotte broke six school records including the batting average record, which was held since 1982. Marcotte’s remarkable freshman season landed her a spot on the 2017 Howard County softball all-county team.

Marcotte worked hard to improve her skills during the offseason. She plays for her travel team, the Beverly Bandits, which is a softball organization based out of Columbus, Ohio. The team competed in tournaments and showcases during the fall.

“It was hard to get together with my team since the girls are spread out over the country,” said Marcotte.

As a result, Marcotte has a batting coach in Virginia, does conditioning at a local training center in Elkridge, and practices with a few local teams. Marcotte’s work ethic and commitment to getting better in softball is incredible.

The upcoming softball season is just about underway and Marcotte has put high expectations on herself following such a great freshman year.

“On a personal level, I am striving to break the records I set as a freshman and improve upon my overall play,” she said. “We have a great group of girls with a lot of talent and I believe Coach Grimm and Coach Maria will take us far this season.”

Marcotte has a special level of talent, and it has not gone unnoticed by college scouts. As a sophomore, Marcotte is already verbally committed to play Division 1 softball at Penn State University. She visited many different campuses, but decided that Penn State was the right school for her.

“All the help and support from God, my coaches, my family, my teammates, and my friends have gotten me to the place I am today.”

For more breaking news and photos, follow The Wingspan on Instagram and Twitter @CHSWingspan.

Sports

Softball Trumps Long Reach in Senior Night Game

Words and Photos: Sandy Eichhorn

On Wednesday, May 3, the Centennial Eagles Softball team celebrated their two seniors, Celina Jensen and Caroline Strott, on Senior Night against Long Reach High School.

Each senior was escorted on the field by their families and were given gifts from the team.

The first inning set the stage for the rest of the game as the Lightning quickly got three runs against the Eagles defense. The Eagles answered with an RBI from Jensen that sent junior Gracie Rockefeller home. Freshmen Sarah Phelps and Caroline Strott helped send two more runners in, and Phelps scored off of a walk. At the end of the first inning, the Eagles led 4-3.

At the bottom of the second, freshman Lauren Morcette hit one over the fence two get two more runs for the Eagles. Freshman Olivia Reese stole home, giving the Eagles a four run lead over their opponent.

The Lightning scored one more run in the fourth inning, but the Eagles were increasing their lead. Morcette and Jensen each hit an RBI, and the Eagles led 10-4 going into the fourth inning.

The Lightning did not give up and scored four runs in the fourth inning, closing in on the Eagles lead.

In the fifth inning, the Lightning tied the game at ten, but the Eagles scored two more runs and kept a 12-10 lead.

The score remained the same going into the seventh inning. The final inning was a nail-bitter. Long Reach took a 13-12 lead, and the Eagles needed two runs to win the game. Jensen hit yet another RBI, which sent sophomore Grace Bennett home, tieing the game at thirteen. Freshman Sarah Sopchick ended the game when she stole home.

The Eagles won their Senior Night 14-13 in an impressive showing.

For more breaking news and photos, follow The Wingspan on Instagram and Twitter @CHSWingspan. 

Sports

Softball’s Hits for Heart Night

Words: Sandy Eichhorn

On Friday, April 28, Centennial Softball hosted the Reservoir Gators for Hits for Heart Night. The team fundraised for the American Heart Association by selling baked goods and raffling off prizes.

The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the third inning when senior Celina Jensen’s hit allowed freshman Lauren Marcotte to run home. However, the Gators quickly took the lead in the fourth inning.

Despite some impressive hits, Centennial was unable to take the lead and lost 5-1.

The softball team will play home on Monday, May 1, against Hammond.

For more breaking news and photos, follow The Wingspan on Instagram and Twitter @CHSWingspan. 

Sports

Softball Defeats Wilde Lake in Season Opener

Words and Photos: Sandy Eichhorn

Centennial’s Varsity Softball team kicked off the season with a victory over the Wilde Lake Wildecats on Tuesday, March 21.

Despite the slow start, the Eagles took the lead after senior Caroline Strott and freshman Sarah Phelps each scored a run. The Eagles held this 2-0 lead until freshman Sarah Allen scored off of a hit by junior Gracie Rockefeller.

Centennial kept hounding the Wildecats and quickly increased their lead to 6-0 with runs from freshman Sarah Sopchick, sophomore Grace Bennett, and freshman Lauren Marcotte.  

Wilde Lake generated some scoring opportunities but with key plays from Bennett and Rockefeller, the Eagles kept them off the scoreboard.

The Eagles scored two more runs to end the game from senior Celina Jensen and Rockefeller, defeating the Wildecats 9-0.

Centennial will play against Howard High School on Thursday, March 23.

For more breaking news and photos, follow The Wingspan on Instagram and Twitter @CHSWingspan.