Optimism High Among Coaches For Much Team Improvement

GNL softball

Two new coaches join a veteran Great Northern League softball mentor, all with one thing in common - unbridled optimism.

New coaches Paul Grubbs of Lakeside High and Kevin Shaw of Deer Park, along with Riverside’s Joe Peterson, believe their teams will be improved though none had winning records last year.

“We had one senior and have everybody else back,” said Grubbs. “We’ve picked up a pitcher who should be pretty good. I think we’ll be the surprise of the league this year.”

If so, there could be as many as six teams vying for state. Peterson already figures on at least five vying for the three available berths.

“I consider my team to be one of the five,” he said.

Shaw won’t go as far as his cohorts in predicting the season, admitting that this could be a building year.

But, he said, “I don’t plan on not doing something. I’ve got kids with a lot of potential.”

State third-placer Freeman is back with most of its lineup. Kettle Falls is a returning state qualifier and most of the other teams, including the three North Side schools, are improved.

The top eight of 11 teams advance to the double-elimination district tournament where the top three teams qualify for state.

The GNL/Northeast A League combine will play a full 20-game league schedule this year which will have added impact on the standings.

Riverside on two-year plan

The Rams are basically a junior team, with only three seniors and no sophomores among 12 varsity members.

“When I had them as eighthgraders they lost one game,” said Peterson. “I told them at that point if they stay together and work hard they will go to state.”

With seven starters back in the lineup, this could be the year. If not this season, then certainly next.

Pitcher Thera Hattenburg, shortstop Amanda Rodriguez and infielder Sarah Marsura are all third-year starters.

So, too, is Jaime Darby, a catcher and backup pitcher who was second team all-league utility player last year.

Two-year starters include first baseman Jeni Woodard and infielder Shannon Brunner.

“We’ve got a lot of talent, although we’ve struggled with hitting,” said Peterson.

If extra batting emphasis pays off, Riverside will contend.

Stags look to replace pitcher

With much of his lineup back, Shaw is hoping the team can improve on last year’s 4-6 league record.

“We lost a four-year starter at pitcher and she was good,” he said. “But we’ve got a junior who’s going to be OK.”

Allisa Major won’t throw heat, but if she maintains her control, Deer Park’s defense should do fine.

Erica Martin is back at first base, Jill Watts returns at shortstop and Amber Calicoat is at third. Malina Roy moves from infield to outfield.

Several sophomores and new players are vying for other positions.

“I didn’t watch enough of the others to get a good feel where we’re at,” said Shaw. “But coaches feel the league is kind of open.”

Coach’s daughter sticks with dad

When Grubbs became head coach at Lakeside it was with the condition that he didn’t coach his daughter.

Caryn Grubbs was expected to try another sport, but decided to stick with softball.

She can play anywhere in the infield. Such versatility is a strength of the Eagles, said her dad, and a reason he feels they’ll improve on last year’s 1-9 league record.

“We have an overabundance of talent in our infield,” he said.

His daughter, Jenna Giampietri and freshman Kristin Krummel will all play shortstop and other positions from catcher to first base, second or third.

He also has five other infielders and another catcher vying for those positions.

“I’ve got to talk some of them into playing outfield,” he said.

The addition of freshman pitcher Brianna Shasky is another reason Grubbs is optimistic about this year.

“She should win most of her games,” said Grubbs. “I think we’ll give people problems. It should be a fun year if we stay focused.”

This sidebar appeared with the story: GNL softball rosters

Riverside

Thera Hattenburg, jr. pitcher

Jaime Darby, jr. catcher/pitcher

Jeni Woodard, jr. first base

Jessica Wilson, jr. infield

Shannon Brunner, jr.infield

Amanda Rodriguez, jr. shortstop

Sarah Marsula, sr. infield

Tera Bamburger, jr. outfield

Jennifer Danielson, sr. outfield

Amy Pedersen, sr. infield/outfield

Angela Drago, jr. outfield

Christie Barnes, jr. outfield

Lakeside

Briana Shasky, fr. pitcher/first base

Jackie Taylor, soph. pitcher

Jackie Nuechterlein, jr. outfield/pitcher

Beth Becier, sr.catcher

Jenna Giampietri, jr. catcher/infield

Jen Nelson, jr. first base

Caryn Grubbs, jr. infield

Andria DeRoin, jr. second base

Kristin Krummel, fr. infield

Crystal Quast, jr. infield/outfield

Megan Broughton, sr. third base

Taryn Erickson, jr. outfield

Delores Kimberling, sr. outfield

Tasha Ross, jr. utility

Sarah Reome, sr. third base/outfield

Stacia Felts, sr. designated hitter/outfield

Deer Park

Allisa Major, jr. pitcher

Hillary Sims, fr. pitcher

Jessica Anderson, sr. catcher

Erica Martin, sr.first base

Melissa Parkins, soph. second base

Robin Bryant, soph. secodn base

Jill Watts, jr. shortstop/catcher

Amber Calicoat, sr. third base

Jessica Winter, fr. third base/pitcher

Shawnee Sutterlee, sr. outfield

Kari Anne Hardie, sr. outfield

Malina Strong, sr. outfield

Andrea Roy, soph. outfield

Kristin Shaw, soph. outfield