WALLINGFORD — Alex Tenero logged all 143 innings in the circle as a sophomore for the Lyman Hall softball team. After the 2020 softball season was canceled, the workhorse pitcher expects to see plenty more work in her senior year for the Trojans.
Tenero has also firmed up her college plans. After Lyman Hall, the right-hander will be pitching at Division II University of New Haven.
“It’s so exciting to me,” Tenero said. “I want to thank everyone who has helped me, including my parents, coaches and teammates. It exciting to be going to the University of New Haven.”
The daughter of Ann and Ed Tenero started playing softball in Wallingford at age 5. She began playing travel ball with her current team, the Cheshire Wildcats, at 12.
At Lyman Hall, Tenero cracked the varsity ranks as a freshman, starting at third base. She also pitched a few games in her rookie year, then took over the starting role completely as a sophomore.
Tenero also made her mark at the plate that sophomore year. Hitting in the middle of the order, Tenero batted .443 and got on base at a .512 clip.
It added up to an All-SCC season.
“She’s a great kid, a funny kid and a hard worker. She’s also versatile in the field,” said Lyman Hall coach Stephanie Lavado-Berghorn. “She had a strong sophomore season and I’m looking forward to having her this spring and ending her high school career on a positive note.”
Tenero is a groundball pitcher. Her best pitch is her drop ball and that keeps her infielders busy.
“She mixes it up,” Berghorn-Lavado said. “She throws everything, including a two-seam fastball, change-up, screwball and drop-curve. She puts the ball over the plate and her defense backs her up.”
While Tenero throws right-handed, she bats from the left side.
“I try to get on base as much as I can,” Tenero said. “It really helps as a left-handed batter. I know left-handed batters are tougher for me to get out as a pitcher.”
Tenero practiced with her dad after the 2020 spring season was wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic. She goes to pitching lessons at USA Eilte Training in Cheshire.
At New Haven, Tenero will study Biology.
“It’s a very big accomplishment and something I’ve worked toward for a long time,” Tenero said. “It was a dream of mine and I’m very happy that I could achieve it and see where the next chapter of softball takes me.”