Teams swing into spring season after long rain delay
By Josh Farnsworth JOURNAL CORRESPONDENT

The early part of the spring sports schedule at Oakmont Regional High School could be summed up in five simple words.

Today's game has been postponed.

Rainy skies and below normal temperatures were primarily responsible for the postponement of 10 out of 19 varsity and junior varsity sporting events prior to Friday, April 20.

The sport hardest hit by the stretch of inclement weather was softball. Varsity and junior varsity squads were forced to miss a total of six games after only finishing three total games to start the season.

Nevertheless, the varsity softball team is staying optimistic.

"I don't think the lack of games is a big deal," said Marisa Dunn, freshman third baseman for the varsity softball team. "It just means we get to play more games in a week."

Marisa said she was a little concerned about the pitchers having to pitch a lot in a short time span, but was confident that her teammates could handle the task.

"I think the only real hassle is that I have to sometimes cancel family weekends," said Randy Jepson, varsity softball coach. "But that's just part of the job."

Varsity softball games at Fitchburg High School, at Narragansett High School and at home versus Ayer High School were washed out and rescheduled to later dates. Other postponed games include one boys' varsity baseball game, two boys' junior varsity baseball games and a girls' varsity track meet at home.

Despite a lack of games for the varsity softball team, there has not been a lack of preparation.

"We have been able to run more practices with the extra time," said Jepson. "We have our practices indoors. … More practice time is important with a young team like we have this year."

As of Monday, Jepson said the team had only spent three or four practices outdoors all season.

The varsity softball team has showed promise in two games since the postponements against St. Bernard's High School and Clinton High School. The team will go for its first win of the season Wednesday at home versus Murdock Middle High School.

The current forecast from the National Weather Service is calling for the possibility of rain today and Monday, two days scheduled for games.

Do not expect another rainout to phase this team.

"We'll hang in there," said Marisa. "It will just mean more practice time for us."

The game at Fitchburg was rescheduled to May 12, the game at Narragansett will be played April 26 and the home game vs. Ayer was rescheduled to May 17.

For a complete updated schedule of all Oakmont Regional High School games, please visit www.highschoolsports. net.