When it comes to battery strength and reliability, the Whitehall softball team is at the top of the heap.

With pitcher Kay Solderitch returning, the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference’s reigning MVP, as well as catcher Mackenzie Guzy, a first team EPC all-star, the Zephyrs have arguably the best battery in the entire conference.

Solderitch will be back for her senior campaign and the southpaw will bring a formidable arm and a lethal bat to the Zephyr lineup. She was the team’s best hitter last season from the leadoff spot, and right now head coach Alexis Berg-Townsend is leaning toward putting her back at the top of the lineup.

Solderitch can whip the bat through the zone and seems more suited to be a power hitter deeper in the lineup, but Berg-Townsend has always believed that getting her as many at-bats as possible best suits the team.

Guzy, a senior, is another player who excels in the field and at the plate. Berg-Townsend said that her success stems from her instincts. She said she’s a “natural player” who can basically anticipate what’s going to happen on the field.

“It’s always a bonus when that player is not only talented, but has that natural instinct as well,” said Berg-Townsend.

Together they form a lethal combination and will serve as the foundation of this year’s team.

Berg-Townsend said that their relationship is one that’s spanned four years, and they’ve been through the crucible of playoff games. That experience is invaluable. There’s something else that defines this pair.

“They’ve got each other’s back,” she said.

Last year the Zephs finished 19-6, were the Skyline Division champs of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, and appeared in both the league and district playoffs. They finished second in the D-11 tourney, losing to Parkland in the title game.

Every season Berg-Townsend provides a theme that serves as a foundation for the upcoming year. It helps them focus and gives shape to their season. Last year they took the underdog mantle, but once they took over the No. 1 spot, they seized it. This year it will be a little different.

“If there’s [an opportunity to be in] a top spot now, they should embrace it and know they belong,” said Berg-Townsend.

Knowing they belong will be one of those themes, along with embracing the challenge as well as staying focused and winning as a team. That team has many capable players all working toward that end.

At first base, a number of players will be looking to nail down that spot, including junior Casey Cunningham, sophomore Logan Bortz, and newcomer Iliana Oliver, a junior.

At second, Rachel Arner looks to have the inside track on the slot. Berg-Townsend said that Arner has improved from the left side of the plate, applauding her desire to embrace it since it’s not her natural stance. It allows her to be a triple threat since she can bunt, slap, or hit away, giving the defense a number of problems on how to play her.

“It keeps the defense off guard,” said Berg-Townsend.

Arner gained experience as a freshman last season and should be another important cog in their offense.

Other players vying for the position are junior Samantha Molitoris, and junior Veronica Rodriguez.

Ashlee Brosky will play shortstop this season, sliding over from third base. Brosky, a senior, is another vet who will provide leadership this year. Brosky will also pitch as well.

At third, both senior Courtney Grim and freshman Amanda Mortimer will be vying for the spot.

In right will be senior Cara Bonshak. Bonshak will be another bulwark in the Zephyr lineup, a player whose talent, knowledge and experience will provide a big boost as they battle through a tough EPC schedule.

Berg-Townsend said that the remaining two outfield spots, left and center, are currently wide open.

Among those looking to inhabit those positions are senior Lauren Peters, junior Rachel Sottolano, and Rodriguez.

As they get ready to hop aboard some buses and head to Myrtle Beach to open their season, Berg-Townsend said that ultimately they want to be mindful of one important thing that sometimes get lost during the course of a season.

“It’s important that the kids continue to have fun,” she said.

The Myrtle Beach trip affords them the opportunity to bond and it’s something they look forward to ever year.

“It helps you to become more of a team,” said Berg-Townsend.