Iel Softball
In predicted order of finish:
Coeur d’Alene Vikings
1998 records: 24-9 overall (state champs), 12-4 league
Current record: 4-2
Coach: Larry Bieber, 6th year
Top returners: Blake Hoorelbeke, jr., p; Patti Stranger, jr., ss/cf; Cassandra Vig, jr., lf; Stacey Weber, sr., rf; Kari Lenz, jr., 3b; Selena Laititi, sr., ss; Erika McDonald, sophomore, c/p; Krissy Sampson, sr., of; Megan Hull, jr., of.
Top newcomers: Brittany Douglas, jr., 1b; Dana Larson, jr., 2b; Stephanie Ferro, jr., c.
Coach’s comments: “We know we have a target on our back. But we also know we’re not bulletproof. The girls know what it will take to get back to a state championship.”
Outlook: A repeat is well within CdA’s ability - especially with Hoorelbeke firing bullets. There’s plenty of defensive and offensive support, too. CdA will have to work harder to repeat, though.
Lake City Timberwolves
1998 records: 15-11, 9-7
Current record: 0-1
Coach: Darren Taylor, 1st year
Top returners: Bobbi Darretta, soph., p; Megan Carpenter, jr., c; Brandi Brumley, jr., 3b; Jill Ashkinos, jr., ss; Shelby McIntosh, sr., lf; Monica Lang, sr., of; Laura Baker, sr., cf; Stacy Westberg, sr., of; Kelly O’Hara, sr., 1b.
Top newcomers: Ingrid Lochelt, freshman, 2b; Jihan Anderson, frosh., p.
Coach’s comments: “I like how hard we work. We have some phenomenal athletes. We’ll hit top to bottom in the lineup.”
Outlook: Taylor, the highly successful Prairie American Legion baseball coach, sees many similarities between fastpitch and baseball. Which is one reason why he’s enjoying his new venture. The Timberwolves have the talent to challenge CdA for league, regional and state titles.
Post Falls Trojans
1998 records: 11-15, 8-8
Current record: 0-2
Coach: Jack Foster, 3rd year
Top returners: Becca Reed, jr., p/of; Jayme Smith, jr., c/of; Shannon McCormick, jr., c/of; Cassie Porter, sr., 2b; Paula Thompson, sr., 1b.
Top newcomers: Shawna Foster, frosh., ss/p; Courtney Gorman, soph., utility.
Coach’s comments: “We’ve gone through the rebuilding part. We’re at the point now where we should be competitive in league.”
Outlook: The Trojans can pitch with any teams in the league. The big question is can they score. If Post Falls can manufacture runs it will contend with CdA and LC. If not, then third is where the Trojans will land.
Lewiston Bengals
1998 records: 18-10, 11-5
Current record: 4-0
Coach: Wendee Espinoza, 1st year
Top returners: Michelle Bausch, sr., 3b; Rachelle Gil, sr., cf.
Top newcomers: Sara Jefferson, jr., p; Jenelle Andrews, jr., c; Katey Allen, soph., lf.
Coach’s comments: “We’re going to struggle for a while. We’re breaking in a new pitcher. Hopefully we’ll play good defense and put the bat on the ball.”
Outlook: Most people wouldn’t call a 4-0 start struggling. Espinoza takes over for Dick Richel, and she wants to implement more fastpitch-related drills than the Bengals have been used to practicing. Lewiston has a stronger base than Moscow and Sandpoint.
Moscow Bears
1998 records: 16-8, 10-0 in IML
Current record: 0-1
Coach: Robin Barnes, 6th year
Top returners: Amber Matthews, sr., 1b; Kim Hawley, jr., of; Heather Nygaard, soph., c/ss; Stephanie Thornton, jr., of.
Top newcomers: Kody Kinziger, soph., p; Nicole Rossetto, sr., c; Leisha Bonine, sr., 1b; Kim Nest, jr., inf.
Coach’s comments: “We have a lot of holes to fill. We’re going to do a lot of experimenting early. We might take some lumps. But we do have high expectations in the long run.”
Outlook: Middle of the pack at best. Moscow moves up from A-2, and the Bears don’t have the depth or established pitching to contend with the league’s elite.
Sandpoint Bulldogs
1998 records: 0-25, 0-16
Current record: 1-2
Coach: Rad Raynor, 3rd year
Top returners: Natalie Ballard, sr., 1b; Ali Carter, sr., ss; Jarae Raynor, sr., 2b; Katrina Sanders, sr., p/inf; Candace Schoonderwoerd, sr., 3b; Brianna Staglund, sr., c; Bridgett Schillings, sr., lf; Shasta Burnach, jr., p.
Top newcomers: Kinsie Raynor, soph., cf; Betsy Dalessio, soph., rf.
Coach’s comments: “I’m hoping by midseason that with our pitchers we’ll be ready to compete in the league. It’s an experienced group. And our pitching seems to be coming together.”
Outlook: Solid pitching can keep teams in games. Sandpoint, winless last year, broke a 31-game losing streak dating to 1997 with a win at Clarkston last week. The Bulldogs hope that’s a good sign. Sandpoint won’t be the pushover it was last year.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Blake Hoorelbeke, junior, pitcher, Coeur d’Alene Bobbi Darretta, sophomore, pitcher, Lake City Becca Reed, junior, pitcher, Post Falls Megan Carpenter, junior, catcher, Lake City Patti Stranger, junior, shortstop, Coeur d’Alene