Cv, U-Hi Softball Teams Likely To Duel For Gsl Title

If not for the uniforms it would be difficult to tell University and Central Valley apart when they face each other Friday in a Greater Spokane League softball contest at U-Hi.

Each returns all but one player from a year ago when University finished second and CV fifth in league. Both rosters are filled with year-around select players who give the teams an early edge on the rest of the league.

“Personally, us and University are like looking in a mirror,” said second-year CV coach Kenny Haynes. “They’re built like us.”

Both have strong pitching and veteran defenses and both are being mentioned, along with Mead and North Central, as the teams most likely to succeed this year.

“We should be first or second, I hope,” said Titan coach Ken Van Sickle. “We have more depth than I’ve ever had.”

First games are today when CV hosts Gonzaga Prep and U-Hi travels to LC. All games through March are at 3:30 p.m.

No surprises by Titans this year

Coming off a league championship with a new lineup, no one knew what to expect of University a season ago.

There’ll be no surprises this time.

U-Hi brings back three all-GSL players, pitcher Jamie Fox, outfielders Toshua Ballou and Stephani Shelton among its myriad veterans. Ballou is a junior, the others seniors.

Shelton’s basketball career was cut short by a ligament tear last December but she is unhampered in softball.

“The leg’s fine,” said Van Sickle of his speedster.

Seniors Heather Beach at catcher, Liz Madsen at first base, Devon Bakken at short, Angel Whalen at third base and Sally Jamison in left field all started a year ago.

The only new face will be at second base from among junior Lisa Muroya, sophomores Megan Mertens or Annie Hayes.

But there’s more.

“I could start two really quality teams that would be competitive in league,” said Van Sickle.

Sophomore Cheryl Andrizzi pitches. Sophomore Katy Oglesbee is a backup catcher and first baseman. Nichole Sargent is a senior first baseman and junior Darcie Jones is an outfielder-designated hitter.

After finishing second in league and coming within a win of reaching state for the third straight year, taking the next step is a logical goal.

“Right now we have a jump on teams because the select players worked out all winter,” said Van Sickle. “We have to get better as the season goes along.”

CV wants to challenge for title

Fifth place in league last year with an 8-8 record, the veteran Bears have their sights set higher.

“I think we had the youngest lineup in the GSL with four sophomores in the infield,” said Haynes. “We lost three games by a run and two others by two.”

By being a year older, Haynes reasons that more defensive consistency, and wins, can be expected.

“If we cut down on our mistakes, we should be competitive,” he said.

Returned are all-GSL catcher Crystal Lee, who batted .419 and led the league in runs batted in.

Tori Mills was second-team all league and shortstop Jessica Sackmann and outfielder Megan O’Dea earned mention.

Also back are first baseman Jessica Ault, second baseman Amanda Del Mese and third baseman Karly Mosier who missed the last half of last season with a broken finger.

Senior veteran Wendy Reed is joined in the outfield by senior Tara O’Brien and sophomore Kristi Schmitt. Also on varsity is junior first baseman Kellie Heuett.

“The girls are a little hungrier this year, you can tell,” said Haynes. “With only one starter back last year it was a different atmosphere.”

The defense, said Haynes, has improved. Hitting must do so also.

“Our defense is as good as any,” he said. “If we get hot with the bats we can be a dangerous team.”

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