St. Aloysius has relied on senior pitcher Sarah Franco again and again to deliver in the circle as the Lady Flashes rode their ace to dominance.

For a downloadable St. Aloysius fastpitch schedule click here

But this year, Franco won’t have to carry the Atlas-like burden on her shoulders. She will have plenty of help.

The Lady Flashes finished 12-7 last season with a trip to the Class 1A playoffs, with all but one of those victories accounted for by Franco. This season, St. Al coach Gene Rogillio has one of his deepest teams that will provide Franco with a strong defense, more run support and some relief on the mound.

Franco earned Vicksburg Post Player of the Year honors, as she went 11-3 with an 0.89 ERA and 162 strikeouts. She threw five no-hitters and pitched a perfect game last season. While primarily known for her fastball, Franco added a tough changeup to her repertoire last season with excellent results.

“Sarah has been the No. 1 pitcher since she was in the eighth grade,” Rogillio said. “She’s probably the dominant pitcher around here. In our district, there’s nobody who can match her.”

Also returning is catcher Hanna Barrett, who were Rogillio’s starting battery last season.

Offensively, the Lady Flashes will be strong this season, especially at the top of the lineup.

One of the primary catalysts will be third baseman Mallory McGuffee, who led Warren County in batting average last year with a stellar .467 mark. She also drove in 15 runs with four doubles and 17 runs scored. McGuffee has a knack for hitting forceful, hotshot line drives to the gaps and will move from the No. 3 position in the lineup to cleanup.

“With her coming back, obviously, we’ve got power,” Rogillio said. “She’s not what I’d call a long-ball hitter. She’s a hardball hitter. When that ball comes off that bat, it’s moving.”

Catelyn Park, a key part of a strong senior class, hit .392 with 12 RBIs and 12 runs scored last season.

Park will move from the infield to the outfield, where she will take over in center. She also is the No. 2 pitcher on the St. Al staff behind Franco.

Franco, who hit leadoff for St. Al last season and will likely do so again, had a .357 average with 17 runs scored. 

Both Franco and No. 2 hitter Park are adept bunters and have enviable on-base percentages.

One area Rogillio will have to address is the outfield, where all three starters will need to be replaced.

But Rogillio feels confident that even with a new outfield, his team will be a factor in the division race and drive for another playoff berth.

*

Contact Steve Wilson at swilson@vicksburgpost.com.