Iml Softball

In predicted order of finish:

Lakeland Hawks

1998 records: 20-7 overall, 9-1 league

Current record: 0-2

Coach: Jim Pizello, 1st year

Top returners: Tiffany Hall, sr., p; Colleen Nave, sr., p; Paige Smith, sr., 2b; Loni Baumann, jr., p.

Top newcomers: Aubrie May, freshman, 3b; Teea Stutheit, frosh., 1b/p.; Jen Heuett, frosh, c.

Coach’s comments: “We are a young team but our pitching could carry us. We lost a big chunk of our defense to Timberlake, but we are not going to use that as an excuse.”

Outlook: The Hawks’ pitching depth and talent should put them on top.

St. Maries Lumberjacks

1998 records: 14-12, 5-7

Current record: 4-1

Co-coaches: Todd Gilkey, Craig Wicks

Top returners: Tiffany Holdahl, jr., inf; Nikki Gibson, jr., p; Allison Bender, sophomore, p; Lindsey Harpole jr., lf; Shasta Schwartz sr., cf.

Top newcomers: Shena Charles, frosh., inf; Katie Smith, frosh. inf; Kim Sines, frosh., inf; Kelly Eberlin, frosh., p.

Coach’s comments: “We have only two seniors, but a strong defense. It’s taking some time for the players to adjust to us,” said Gilkey. “But, we are happily progressing.”

Outlook:The Lumberjacks are loaded. They should contend for league title.

Timberlake Tigers

1998 records: None, 1st year

Current record: 1-0

Coach: Joel Shawen, 1st year

Top players: Kerinsa Jennings, jr., c; Casi Reisenauer, jr., ss; Angie Carhart, jr. 1b; Heather Kreider, jr., p/of.

Top newcomers: Jessica Forsberg, jr., p; Brittney Fulwiler, soph., of; Tiffany Miller, soph., 3b.

Coach’s comments: “We got a pretty even split with Lakeland. We have three solid players, but not having any seniors, we are lacking the varsity experience.”

Outlook: The first six hitters in the Tigers lineup are above-average hitters. A delay of outdoor play may cause the Tigers to take time to get up to speed.

Priest River Spartans

1998 records: 5-11, 4-8

Current record: 0-0

Coach: John Mullaley, 4th year

Top returners: Nicole Johnson, sr., p; Jennifer Kelly, sr., ss; Mary Waterman, sr., 2b, Tiffany Troudt, jr., cf; Jeanette Asbill, sr., 1b; Erin Pettit, sr., lf; Nikki Yount, jr., p. Jacque Boncz, jr., c.

Top newcomers: Leslie Jachetta, sr., rf; Donna Knicely, soph., c.

Coach’s comments: “The drive these girls have is the best I have ever seen. Our biggest question will be behind the plate.”

Outlook: The Spartans lost only two players last season. With the momentum of two state-qualifying teams this year, the Spartans have a winning attitude that could carry them.

Bonners Ferry Badgers

1998 records: 1-20, 0-12

Current record: 0-1

Coaches: Jim Thompson

Top returners: Julie Bateman, soph., p/1b; Julie Day, sr., 3b/2b; Lindsay Falck, sr., p; Kayla Howlett, jr., ss; Brittany Schave, jr., c.

Top newcomers: Lara Thompson, frosh., 2b.

Coach’s comments: “It’s going to be a building year for our pitching. But that has always been a problem since we don’t have a feeder program and the junior high plays slow pitch.”

Outlook: A young team, the Badgers may be another year away from contending.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Tiffany Hall, sr., p, Lakeland Tiffany Holdahl, jr., inf., St. Maries Kerinsa Jennings, jr., c, Timberlake Tiffany Troudt, jr., cf, Priest River Julie Bateman, soph., p, Bonners Ferry