Competition Remains Keen Among Gsl Softball Squads

If there were any doubts, last year offered evidence that Greater Spokane League softball is as good as any in the state.

Rogers finished just third in the GSL yet went on to win regionals and place second in the State AAA tournament.

“It’s too bad Mead and University didn’t make it through regionals,” Rogers coach Paul Cooley said of the two teams that placed higher than his Pirates during the regular season. “Our league has reached a very competitive level statewise.”

Wet and snowy weather this March has kept area ball clubs indoors and at a practice disadvantage, but the competition will be no less intense when league play begins next Thursday.

Last year’s regional qualifiers, including Mead, North Central and Rogers, are seeking to return from a league as balanced as it has been.

Panthers young but pitching-rich

Defending champion Mead returns only four players from last year.

Pitcher-shortstops Holly VanWert and Holly Turner were the first and third leading hitters in league while hurling the Panthers to a 15-1 GSL record and district championship.

“In our sport, if I had to choose anything to have back it would be our pitching staff,” said second-year coach Bridget Monahan. “And we have a very good staff.”

Joined by junior Shata Stucky, any of the three could pitch for any other league team, Monahan said.

Junior first baseman Andrea Carnahan and catcher Kristin Fuller are the other varsity veterans.

They’re joined by juniors Taryn Yaeger, Katrina Morton and Ambre Miller and senior Jen Rand in the outfield.

Infield prospects are junior Cheryl Adams at first, seniors Michele Morrow or Amber Lunzer or junior Kristi House at second, and junior Jenny Cey, Stucky or senior Jen Tollackson at third.

“We have a really good group of kids used to being around quality softball,” said Monahan. “We lost some key leaders and players, but we have some back.

“We’ll be strong. I’m not complaining at all.”

Rogers hard-pressed to repeat

Expecting a repeat performance from the Pirates may be a bit much to expect.

Graduating were four players who were key ingredients for three years, particularly pitcher Traci Moore. Last year she was 19-5 and involved in 10 one-run decisions, winning seven. In all but one the triumphant team scored three or fewer runs.

“No one will replace Traci,” said Cooley.

Instead the Pirates will pitch by committee and hope several veterans can play sound defense and provide enough offense to offset her graduation. Outfielders Mandy Flores and Teana Scott, second baseman Jaime Christianson and catcher Angie Vulcano all received all-conference consideration.

Jen Wells moves from the outfield to third base, junior Carly Nil will also play infield, and Angel Fairbanks, who played varsity as a freshman, will become an outfield regular.

Pitching will be either sophomores Tara Bertholf or Danielle Anderson or freshman Crystal Perry.

“We’ll likely use two or three pitchers per game,” he said. “We’ll try to get (as many innings) out of each as possible.”

Perry is the new Rogers shortstop. Sophomore Monica Abrahamson or Nil will be at first base. Tami Bertholf will be the team’s designated hitter.

“Our team is solid, but last year’s was an exceptional group,” said Cooley. “I don’t foresee low scoring games.”

Newcomer keeps NC in hunt

After reaching regionals last year and upsetting Eisenhower, North Central would like to return.

A new player, pitcher-shortstop Janessa Karstens, could help.

Karstens played at Riverside last year where, as a freshman, she pitched and batted the Rams to the Northeast A League championship and nearly into the AA-A state tournament.

“She’s a plus, no doubt about that,” said Indians coach Herm Marshall. Her addition gives NC a three-deep rotation. Last year’s pitcher Denise Devereaux returns, and freshman newcomer Shanelle Test provides depth.

“I may pitch all three,” said Marshall.

Returnees include second-team all-GSL catcher Kami McGowan, junior second baseman Andrea Abney, first baseman Donna Scott and outfielders Amanda Jones, Tera Young and Amber Harrington, all seniors. Others looking to break into the lineup are sophomore catcher Stacy Fisher, freshman third baseman Juli Anne Cook or junior Jennifer Doughty, junior second baseman Laura Cook and senior outfielder Valerie Scofield.

“I’m looking forward to the season,” said Marshall. “We have a good chance to compete with anyone in league.”

Continued improvement Shadle goal

Improvement, not wins and losses, is the criterion second-year coach Theresa Hansen uses to gauge Shadle Park softball. Shadle’s four wins last season, however, was indication improvement was there.

“Last year we were expected to be last and did not do that,” she said. “It’s up to (the players) to see if they can be better (this year).”

The Highlanders have only one senior, pitcher Mary Jones, on the roster.

“She has improved dramatically,” the coach said of her hurler.

There are several letter winners back, however, including juniors Melissa Chadwick, an outfielderinfielder, Rainie Drake, a catcher, Erica Hall and Teresa Miller, utility players, and sophomore outfielder Tara Buckley.

Other juniors are Portland transfer Kelly Durgan and Jenni Madden in the infield and backup pitcher Erin Rice. Sophomores include outfielder Leslie Brown and infielders Kari Ane Combs and Sara Harchuck.

“We’re young and enthusiastic. The girls are excited to play,” said Hansen. “They know me and know what to expect. I believe they have a general idea about where we need to go.”

, DataTimes