Aly is the eye
of the Tigers

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Aly McBryar has always loved the game. In fact, the thought of not playing softball brings her to tears.
"My older sister played, so I went to all of her practices and games when I was little," said McBryar. "I used to cry because I wanted to play so bad, but I wasn’t old enough."
Many things have changed since then, but McBryar’s passion for softball is still there . . . and stronger than ever.
Since the days of watching her older sister on the field, McBryar has spent more than a decade playing travel ball and four years playing with Holy Family University.
"I had this intensity for the game when I was young that I refused to lose," said McBryar. "I think that playing for so long molded me into the person I am now."
The 21-year-old athlete recently started her final season with Holy Family’s Tigers. And the powerhouse third baseman has some important things to accomplish before graduation in a few months.
"As a senior it’s really important that we make it to the playoffs this season," said McBryar. "We got a taste of it three years ago, and we’re all hungry to go back. We’re doing everything we can to get there, and we won’t stop until we do."
In 2004, during McBryar’s freshman year at Holy Family, the Tigers made it to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference playoffs but lost soon after to Caldwell College, 1-0, to end their season.
Last year, the Tigers missed the playoffs by one game. However, the team was ranked second in the conference for hitting with a .293 average. McBryar had an impressive season as well — compiling a .955 fielding percentage at third base, with just six errors in 41 games.
"She’s a very strong defensive player," said Mickey McGroarty, who has coached the Tigers for 16 years. "She’s doing great this year. She’s very dedicated and very talented."
Despite a rough start for the Tigers in Fort Myers, Fla., earlier this month, they look to have a promising year ahead.
"Florida was a great experience," said McBryar. "It’s a chance for us to get a good offensive and defensive vibe going. It took the rust off us and we came back knowing our capabilities, and now we’re ready for the season."
The Tigers returned from the sunny skies of Florida with a 3-7 record. However, their first game at home was a 5-4 victory over American International College.
The Tigers faced Philadelphia University in a doubleheader on Sunday afternoon, the first game they’d played in 11 days. Four doubleheaders were postponed last week because of inclement weather. They have not yet been rescheduled.
After almost two weeks of waiting for some softball action, the Tigers came out strong on Sunday with an 11-4 victory over the Rams in the first game. McBryar slammed a two-run homer during a six-run rally in the fourth inning.
The Rams struck back in the second game, however, defeating the Tigers 14-9.
McBryar finished with a batting average of .500 during Sunday’s doubleheader. For the season, she is batting .323 with a team-high 14 RBI.
"I think we’re pretty solid at this point, but we have to keep working," said McBryar. "We have to keep getting better and better to help the team."
Teamwork is among the important virtues of a successful squad — and it’s one of the Tigers’ greatest strengths.
"Above all, we’re teammates," said McBryar. "More of the underclassmen look up to us and ask us for advice, but it’s not a hierarchy. It’s more of a community. We’re all working together as one. Anyone who thinks that they are better than the team doesn’t deserve to be here. We play as a whole."
In addition to McBryar, there are four other seniors wearing Tigers uniforms this year — outfielder Stephanie Mongiello, catchers Brianne Redelheim and Jennifer Escheman, and first baseman Lindsay Notarfrancesco.
"We are all meshing really well together and working hard as a team," said McBryar. "I know we have the heart and skill to succeed this season."
This is the second year McBryar has been named co-captain, a leadership role that has helped prepare her for the next adventure — coaching.
"Coaching is more of a recreational thing, but I’m still doing what I love," said McBryar. "Initially, I didn’t think coaching was something I’d want to do, but then I saw the potential these kids have. I hope I can teach them, and I hope that they pick up some of my intensity."
McBryar, a Fairless Hills resident, recently decided to coach the Newtown Rock 14-and-under travel team.
"I really just want to give back," she said. "I had a lot of great coaches since I’ve been playing, and I want to give these kids the same motivation and support that I had."
McBryar certainly seems to be an excellent mentor to everyone around her. So it only seems appropriate that after earning a degree in history from Holy Family University, McBryar will return to her alma mater with the goal of obtaining a master’s degree in education.
The scholar achieved a 3.35 overall grade-point average and was inducted into the Pi Gamma Mu honors society last weekend. She also made the university dean’s list in spring ’04, fall ’05, and in the spring and fall of ’06.
"I’ve had a great education and a good softball career here," she said. "I’ve experienced so many great memories and made some lifelong friendships. I’ve really loved my time at Holy Family, and I’m excited to see what my senior year brings." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com