Spring sports officially began Monday, March 17, for freshmen, JV, and varsity teams, with Unified not beginning until March 24 and modified on March 31.
Following tryouts, sports including boys and girls lacrosse, boys tennis, baseball, softball, both girls and boys track, as well as flag football will begin competing in gameplay.
As one can imagine, athletes aren’t the only ones looking forward to the start of the season.
“It is an exciting time of the year. Several teams have advanced beyond Sectional play. The start of spring brings energy and enthusiasm,” said Dave Hack, athletic director. “I anticipate many of our spring teams and athletes having great seasons. We have an outstanding senior class. They have represented themselves and OPCSD well. It will be exciting to see them put in their efforts and skills together this spring.”
Individuals in 7th or 8th grade interested in playing a freshman, JV, or varsity sport must pass the Athletic Placement Process (APP). This process is a 4 to 5-part test to ensure individuals are physically mature enough and fit to participate against older competition. To find information about the APP, visit https://www.opschools.org/Page/9455.
Many of the Orchard Park athletes have been working all off-season on putting together strong campaigns this spring, one of those teams being Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse. After falling short the previous three years in the Section 6 Championship, the program has been working hard all winter on improving their game.
“There is a lot of anticipation for the start of spring sports but also a lot of excitement. I am looking forward to spending time with my friends and having lots of fun,” said Maya Griffin, a senior midfielder on the team.
Following the spring lacrosse season, Griffin, along with fellow teammate Claire Komosinski, will continue their athletic career with the women’s lacrosse team at Youngstown State University in Ohio.
The OP Girls Varsity Lacrosse team will open their season away on Friday, March 28th, when they take on Frontier at 5 p.m. on the Frontier turf. The Quakers’ first home game will be Tuesday, April 1 at 7:30 pm when they take on Williamsville South at the new turf stadium.
Another team looking to get some revenge from the past few seasons in the Girls Varsity Softball team. With a strong senior dynamic duo in pitcher Ava Farina and catcher Ella Sheehan, the Quakers look to give it another go at being champs.
“The anticipation of the seasons starting next week is making me so excited! The team has so much talent all over the field, and I am very confident in our ability. The community surrounding the team and chemistry within our team drives our success,” Sheehan said. “I am excited to gain new teammates and friends through the tryout process. I feel very prepared for the season due to an off-season of hard work and lots of repetition with my teammates.”
After falling short last year in the Section 6 Championship to the Lancaster Legends, the Quakers look to bounce back. The softball team opens its season at Grand Island on Wednesday, April 2, at 5:30 p.m. on the Grand Island High School Softball Diamond #1. Following the end of this upcoming spring season, Ava Farina will continue her career at Saint Joseph University, and Ella Sheehan will continue her career at Niagara University.
With that being said, the boys’ tennis team, girls’ track team, and boys’ lacrosse team will begin their seasons in hopes of living up to last year’s expectations. All three teams won the Section 6 title last year.
Come out and support Quaker Athletics in its mission to be the best! All team schedules and information can be found on the OP Schools Website under the Athletic information page.
