Plenty Of Talent On Mead Girls Softball Team

Take two All-Greater Spokane League pitchers from one school and combine them with three from another and what do you get?

A coach who can hardly contain her enthusiasm.

League play begins today for coach Bridget Monahan’s Mead Panthers, which returns eight players from last year’s GSL runner-up softball team and regional qualifier.

“We definitely have a nice core coming back,” Monahan said.

The team has also added two exceptional transfers. All-GSL pitchers junior Janessa Karstens and sophomore Shanelle Test moved in from North Central.

They hurled the Indians to within three outs of a state trip last season.

“And we play them the first game of the season,” said NC coach Herm Marshall. “Isn’t that irony?”

Greater Spokane League softball is tough. Every team except the Indians has a tested pitcher and experienced lineups.

“It will be a matter of who improves enough by the time playoffs come around,” said Rogers coach Paul Cooley.

But, said Marshall, don’t let anyone kid you. To bet against the Panthers, based upon their lineup, would be sheer folly.

Panthers are loaded

Mead has the talent. Now all Monahan has to do is keep them happy.

Karstens, second in the league in hitting, could have been all-league as a shortstop as well as pitcher.

The Panthers, however, already have All-GSL shortstop and pitcher Holly Turner. Also back is two-time all-league first baseman Andrea Carnahan and all-league centerfielder Katrina Morton.

Other senior veterans are third baseman-pitcher Shata Stucky, third-baseman Jenni Cey, second base-outfielder Kristi House, and outfielders Ambre Miller and Taryn Yaeger.

Junior newcomers are catcher Missy Bonnano, catcher-first baseman McKenzie Stewart, outfielder Chelsea Hanson, second baseman Natalie Kehl and second base-outfielder Rechelle Miller.

“We have real good depth and will be able to use lots of different combinations,” said Monahan. “We’re really excited about the season. The girls are highly motivated and very focused.”

When it rains, it pours at NC

As if losing his two pitchers weren’t bad enough for Marshall, his starting third baseman also moved away.

“If we have them, we’re among the top four again,” he lamented. “Now we start at the bottom.”

Junior catcher Stacey Fisher, an outfielder last year, is the only returning regular.

Seniors Laura Cook and Andrea Abney split time at second base. Another senior varsity veteran, Jennifer Doughty, will play shortstop.

Everywhere else the team is new. Pitching will be divided between freshman Rachae Bertholf and junior Angie Westland.

Sophomore Alice Stearn or senior Cheri Bibb will be at first base. Junior Melissa Massey is a second base hopeful. Abney will play third base.

Outfielders are seniors Lisa Hammond, Mindy Rosell, utility player Heather Guilliams and sophomores Amber Cotter and Heather Honeycutt.

“We lost seven of nine starters either through graduation or moving away,” said Marshall. “It’s going to be a long year.”

Rogers seeks return to top

Two years removed from a second-place state finish, the Pirates are seeking a return to form following last year’s sixth-place league effort.

“We’ve got a shot at it,” said coach Paul Cooley. “I’m being cautiously optimistic, but would think we’ll be fairly strong again.”

Half a dozen regulars return from last season and pitching is improved.

All-GSL infielder Jaime Christensen and catcher Angie Vulcano return for their fourth varsity seasons. Christensen and sophomore Crystal Perry are competing to play either second base or shortstop.

Returning are junior Angel Fairbanks, centerfield, senior Karly Nill at third base and junior Monica Abrahamson at first base, backed by junior Shylah Hallam.

Providing depth on the mound are junior pitcher Tara Bertholf and incoming freshman Jamie Merrill.

New outfielders are juniors Kim Jensen, Malea Wright, Jill Hatch and Danielle Anderson and freshman Barb Draine.

“We have a young outfield and converted infield, but I think we have enough offense to be able to hang in with everyone,” said Cooley.

Bullpups should be in hunt

Gonzaga Prep figures to be one of the teams in the hunt for the GSL’s top spots this year, with 10 senior players returning from the fourth-place squad last season.

“With so many kids coming back, each knows their role on the team,” said coach Denise Schlepp.

Seven of the 10 started at some point last season, including several North Side athletes.

They are pitcher Ann Leonetti, junior third baseman Amy Willis, All-GSL senior catcher Brooke Eggar and outfielder Kim McDonald, who made the GSL second team last year.

Others back are senior pitcher Katie Shrope, All-GSL shortstop Theresa Palmer, second baseman Julie Weiskopf, designated hitter Daria Toth, outfielder Anna Agnew and utility player Ann McClain.

“We’ve already spent time talking (about goals),” G-Prep coach Schlepp said. “Now it’s time to let it show.”

Shadle has reason for optimism

Last in the GSL a year ago, improved pitching is a reason Shadle Park coach Theresa Hansen can be optimistic.

“I’m really excited about this year,” she said.

Sophomore pitcher Rachelle Stockman is on a par with the rest of the league’s hurlers.

“Anytime you have a pitcher who throws consistently and has more than two pitches, it’s an asset to the team,” said Hansen.

Also, the bulk of the Highlander starting lineup from last year will be back on the field.

Included are junior shortstop Sara Harchuck, outfielders Lesley Brown and Tara Buckley, senior second baseman Kelli Durgan and catcher Rainie Drake.

Other veterans are senior utility player Jenni Madden and backup pitcher Erin Rice.

New to the varsity are freshman first baseman Dorthea Gooch, seniors Kristina Brown in the outfield and Beth Trudeau at shortstop, and juniors Katie Gilliam at first base and Amber Mulvey at third.

“I’m excited to put things together,” said Hansen.

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