Scotties Return In Good Shape

Sat., March 11, 2000

By Mike Vlahovich mikev@spokesman.com (509) 927-2180

Nearly 80 percent of Freeman’s third-place state finishing softball team returns. So even if 60 percent of its offense is gone, the Scotties are in line to repeat.

The Scotties must replace their middle infield, including graduated shortstop Nicki Roecks, but virtually every other position is intact.

“It will be tough to replace Roecks,” said Freeman coach Scott Carolan. “She holds all the offensive records you can think of and was 60 percent of our offense last year.”

Pitcher Leslie White, the Great Northern League’s most valuable player, gives the team a dominant player to carry the team.

“Leslie is a unique talent,” said Carolan. “She’s a cut above all the rest in league in a sense.”

White is one of seven veterans, including catcher Michelle Kiddoo, third baseman Tia St. Andrew, first baseman Leslie Yunker and outfielders Kristi Larson and Alicia Kiddoo.

Backup pitcher Kristina Lundy, who Carolan said was much improved, broke a toe in a weight class and will miss six weeks.

“Experience is our strength,” said Carolan. “This group pretty much all has two years of state and playoff experience. They know what it takes to get there.”

His concern, other than replacing the offense, is a lack of depth. Injuries to any of his veterans could be devastating, Carolan said.

But with Colville moved up to the 3A ranks and three state berths available in the 2A/1A GNL-Northeast A League combine, the Scotties are in a good position.

“Last year we wanted to be one of the state teams. This year we’re shooting for the league title,” said Carolan. “With only two girls graduated, we’ve got the firepower to do it.”

This sidebar appeared with the story: WV softball roster

Freeman

Returnees

Leslie White, sr., pitcher

Michelle Kiddoo, sr. catcher

Leslie Yunker, jr. first base

Tia St. Andrew, sr.third base

Kristi Larson, jr. outfield

Alicia Kiddoo, jr. outfield

Kristina Lundy, jr. pitcher

Kim Yunker, sr. outfield

Deanna Fricke, sr. outfield

Newcomers

Alisha Miller, soph. shortstop

Kim Nelson, soph. shortstop/2nd base

Annie Morphy, jr. second base

Carey Kennedy, jr. second base

Heidi Tibbetts, jr. outfield

Sarah Steffes, jr. outfield

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