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Lyons, Bergeron rewarded for wait

Wednesday, April, 23 By Dave Dyer
Staff writer

Perhaps it wasn't too much of a sacrifice, but both Salem senior Erin Lyons and Methuen junior Sarra Bergeron have learned that patience can indeed be a virtue.

For different reasons, both have been more in the background the last two years, but they are now among the better pitchers in the region and vital members of two of the better teams.

Bergeron, until this spring, had been stationed in center field for two years as Hannah Everson took control on the mound. But, despite being a fine pitcher on the youth level, she didn't mind a bit.

"I wasn't disappointed at all, because I had played center field on my travel team and I like that, too," said Bergeron. "I kind of enjoyed watching Hannah pitch and it didn't bother me that I wasn't pitching."

But Bergeron concedes that she loves pitching and she continued hurling, as well as taking pitching lessons, in the offseason. The preparation has worked wonders in the early going.

In the Rangers' season opener, Bergeron opened with a no-hitter in an 11-0 win over Everett, striking out 10, and | despite the shift of the mound from 40 to 43 feet in Massachusetts | she's proven that was hardly a fluke. In five games, she's 4-1 with an ERA of 1.06 and 46 strikeouts in 33 innings.

"Sarra has been tremendous," said Methuen coach Jason Smith. We knew as a freshman in tryouts that she was a good pitcher. At the time, Hannah was a junior ... and she told me she didn't care if she pitched, she just wanted to play. I told her that I loved her attitude and there was definitely a spot for her in center field.

"Even as a freshman, she was a leader and ... along with her bat and speed as a leadoff batter, earned her MVC All-Star status.

"Sarra can always be found with the biggest smile on her face. She is one of the happiest kids I have had the pleasure of coaching. Yes, she waited her turn to take the mound regularly but she is just happy to be where she is most comfortable ... on the softball field."

Thus far, of course, Bergeron's pitching has also put a smile on Smith's face as well.

Lyons is actually in her third year as a varsity pitcher for the Blue Devils but has just five decisions (all victories) in that time. With pitchers like Chelsea Durso, Emily Wolf and Alex Gallant on the pitching-rich team, it hasn't been easy finding considerable mound time.

 "I wouldn't say I was frustrated because I understand the team concept," said Lyons. "But it's not fun when you want to be out there more."

Fortunately, whatever disappointment Lyons has felt has not affected her work ethic. Already a standout pitcher for the Woodbury School as a seventh and eighth grader, she's continued to work on developing her pitches and has worked hard both during the season and over the summer, the last two of which she pitched for the New England Firebirds.

She might have seen more mound time last spring, perhaps, but a sprained ankle followed by a knee injury limited her availability. That. however, just seemed to make her more determined to make her senior campaign a big one.

"Erin works as hard as any pitcher who has come through our program," said Salem coach Harold Sachs. "She became a quality clinician this winter and, as we always say, 'when you teach, you learn.' I believe that has really helped her. She had a great preseason."

Lyons was rewarded for her impressive preseason by getting the starting nod in Salem's season opener and she responded with a superb three-hitter, striking out eight without allowing a walk, in a 1-0 victory over Manchester West. She combined with standout freshman Steph Cabral on a three-hitter in Salem's second game.

A minor injury has kept two-time Eagle-Tribune All-Star Alex Gallant off the mound in the early going but, said Sachs, "Erin probably would have earned the opportunity to start (the first game) anyway."

Lyons was less effective late last week, but she's not down on herself and remains dedicated to enjoying the best possible senior season.

"I just want to keep working hard and see what happens," said Lyons, who plans on attending the University of New England in the fall. "I want to keep improving and pitch next year."