Regional Tourney, Loss Of Pitchers May Hurt Ev, Wv
Frontier softball
The three best pitchers from West Valley and East Valley softball teams are gone after helping their respective teams to a share of third place in last year’s rain-abbreviated state tournament.
Eagle Darcy Sohns has graduated and is playing at Western Washington University.
Two-year Knight starter, junior Rebecca Triplett, is injured. Her backup, Tara DaCorte, has moved away.
“It’s ironic,” said WV coach Steve Kent. “Everybody is in the same boat.”
Although a blow, that is not the primary reason why the two Valley schools could have trouble duplicating last year’s seasons.
Getting to state becomes more difficult now that the teams must go through a regional tournament with schools from the Mid-Valley League.
The Frontier League, with just four teams, will play a 15-game schedule.
The Eagles and Knights will be favored because they field veteran players at the other positions.
“We only play each other five times,” said Knight coach Randy Burkhart, tongue-in-cheek. “I’ll get tired playing against Kent.”
Life without Sohns
After four years with the league’s dominant pitcher, the Eagles must adjust to life without Sohns.
“We have maybe one of our best fielding and hitting teams ever,” said Kent.
Pitching will be by committee.
Gabby McClintock, the Eagle shortstop, is heir apparant. A senior transfer, Tamara Sherill, will share pitching and shortstop duties with McClintock, who has been a three-year starter at short.
Rachelle Watson returns to center field.
“She’s one of the best I’ve ever had,” said Kent. “She’s our second fastest player and can catch and hit.”
Sarah Decker returns at third base and Angie Burtzoff moves from the outfield to second. Veteran Rachaiah Boxley or sophomore Kristy Alberts will play either first base or catcher.
Other outfielders are returning starter, sophomore Hailey Henry, senior Kari Aquino and speedy freshman Monica Hilsabeck.
Juniors Jessica Anderson and California transfer Paula Davis round out the team.
Pitching depth helps Knights
Losing Triplett and DaCorte was difficult, particularly in the case of the former who suffered a season-ending injury in basketball.
“What we’re trying to do is focus on the things we do have rather than dwelling on the things we don’t,” said Burkhart.
Although his top two hurlers are gone, two others are ready to step into their place.
Junior Tricia Stookey has already pitched the Knights to a pair of victories and her backup, sophomore Katie Hirst will be effective as well.
“Tricia doesn’t throw with velocity, but does a great job of changing speeds and is a spot pitcher,” said Burkhart. “Katie is more of a power pitcher.”
He would like to see her fit in because Stookey is the returning starting Knight third baseman.
In her absence, Ashley LeGrant moves from the outfield to third.
Also back is junior shortstop Malea Schumacher, senior catcher Christiana Casey, junior first baseman Sara Borgman, backed by Staci Haye. Seniors Loni Kurtz and Krista Sauve are at second.
Returning outfielders are seniors Becky Musgrave and Perry Hendren. Senior Supa Lawson is the newcomer.
“We are pretty talented and a senior oriented team,” said Burkhart. “That definitely puts us in the driver’s seat.”
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