Exeter Eagle get ready to defend their 2016 Berks Title...

High-flying Eagles

Exeter was the dominant team in the Berks Softball League last season, rolling to three straight convincing victories to capture the county championship.

With eight starters returning, the Eagles are primed for a repeat performance under a new coach. Dave Hangen, the father of center fielder Emily Hangen, takes over after serving as an assistant for Berks runner-up Muhlenberg last season.

"They are talented and now they have a bull's-eye on their backs," Hangen said. "Everyone is going to be gunning for them."

All-Berks pitcher Sarah Musselman and All-Berks catcher Halle Kisamore lead the list of eight returning starters that also includes three all-division picks.

But repeating won't be easy. The Eagles will have plenty of competition within Berks I from a solid Twin Valley team that has moved up from Berks II, a heavy-hitting Wilson team and an experienced Gov. Mifflin squad.

"It's going to be tough," Hangen said. "We're not going to be taking any games off."

Hangen took over as coach less than a month before the start of the season when Dan Wegman was unable to continue due to changes in his job. Last year with Muhlenberg, Hangen watched from the opposing dugout as his daughter and teammates celebrated a county championship.

Hangen said many of the things that made Exeter successful last season won't change, such as solid pitching and defense.

However, Hangen said he has a little different philosophy on offense to produce more runs and put more pressure on the opponent's defense.

To read about the rest of the Berks County teams, check out the full article on the Reading Eagle Website...