Knights Will Make Strong Pitch For Frontier Title

West Valley’s softball team has been a staple of end-of-season state tournaments practically every year since 1985.

But East Valley could put a crimp in 1999 Eagle plans.

WV has graduated the pitching that is such an important staple of fastpitch softball.

The Knights have that pitching and more with the return of Rebecca Triplett, who was injured last year.

She’ll join Katie Hirst, who was an EV power pitcher a year ago.

“When you have a stud on the mound 40 feet away,” said Knight coach Randy Burkhart, “it makes the other players look good and makes you look good as a coach. I assume both Rebecca and Katie will make us look good.”

Four Frontier League schools will vie for two berths to regional against four Mid-Valley teams.

The defending champion Eagles won their ninth league title in 14 years and made a 12th state appearance last spring.

“EV’s got to be the favorite,” said coach Steve Kent. “Obviously, our pitching has to come around. If it doesn’t I’ll not nearly be as good a coach as I have been in the past.”

New faces on Eagle roster

West Valley graduated five starters from last year’s team, including the impact positions of shortstop and pitcher.

Kent also lost five sophomores, four to track, who he suited up as freshmen during the state tourney.

“I fast-tracked five kids and left others behind,” said Kent. “I’m not doing that any more.”

At first, Kent waid he was “a bit scared” that his team was left short. But players who might not otherwise have been considered, are making good on their opportunity to play.

“It’s nice to see kids who might not have been given a chance who are doing well,” said Kent.

Junior veteran Haley Henry has moved from the outfield to shortstop. Junior Leigh Williams is the new Eagle pitcher.

“She’s inexperienced, but will do all right,” said Kent.

Junior Angie Burtzoff is backup pitcher and first baseman.

Seniors include returning third baseman Sarah Decker, plus outfielders Leann Carmen and Jessika Anderson, currently injured.

Also back is junior catcher Kristy Alberts.

“She’ll be one of the best players in league,” said Kent.

Heidi Lyman is at second base, outfielders include sophomore Alena Oviat, juniors Andrea Graham, Alissa Quick and Stephanie Moe.

“I know we’re going to be inexperienced to start with,” said Kent. “It helps we don’t play league until late April. We’re just hoping to hang around and by the end get to the tournament.”

Knights replace eight seniors

Filling a hole left by graduation of eight seniors will be EV’s big task.

Five returnees, including Triplett and Hirst, will make the job easier.

“If Rebeccca comes back as good or better,” said Burkhart, “obviously that makes us a much stronger club.”

The Knights must find a catcher, two infielders and two outfielders.

Malea Schumacher returns for her fourth season as a starting Knight shortstop. Ashley LeGrant has experience both at third and in the outfield in this, her third year. Also returned is mid-season find Amy Waltrip, a sophomore first baseman.

Newcomer senior Terra Matsuda, who previously played tennis, is a second base hopeful, along with sophomore Nicole Sauve. Sophomore Megan Mackey is a third base candidate.

Catcher will either be junior Cyndie Hulett or freshman Tiera Como, EV’s all-league soccer goalkeeper.

Outfielders include juniors Jessi Armstrong, Nichelle Nerger, Allison Phillips, Twyla Serbell and sophomore Kayla Schreiber.

“We’re green in spots,” said Burkhart. “Hopefully, with a few non-league games, the younger gals will become true varsity players.”