GSL Preview Softball

Pitching

The conversation begins with Skillingstad, who posted a 14-2 record as a freshman last year. The co-Most Valuable Player in the GSL, she threw three perfect games and another no-hitter. She also hit fifth in the lineup. … Kristina DeMello returns in the circle for Mt. Spokane. Her 13-8 record helped the Wildcats earn a regional berth for the first time. … Mandy Mikelson came on strongly at the end of last season and posted a 3-1 mark for U-Hi. … North Central’s first state appearance was keyed by now-sophomore Kelsie Vallies, 9-9 last season. … Rogers senior Cassie Parker is heading into her third year in the circle.

Defense

The league has a strong group of catchers including Ashley Fargher, who went from being a fill-in at U-Hi to All-GSL second team; Central Valley’s Mickenzie Alden and Rogers’ Shannon Carlon, both three-year starters; and Danica Hanley, who led East Valley in RBIs last season. … Most coaches feel Shadle will have the league’s best, but the Highlanders have only two players in the same spots they were last year and will start a sophomore, Tressa Predisik, behind the plate. First-team All-GSL outfielder Kinzee Powell returns to left field. … U-Hi also received votes in the coaches’ poll, but must replace four starters.

Offense

There are enough .400-plus hitters returning to field an entire team, paced by Gonzaga Prep shortstop Laura Christianson (.515 last year, with two home runs, 20 RBIs and 14 stolen bases) and CV outfielder Emily Anderson (.466). … Senior Lindsay Hood of West Valley hit .400, had an on-base percentage of .500 and scored 23 runs. … Shadle sophomore China Frost had a productive first year, with a .404 average, two home runs, a league-leading 30 runs scored and 28 RBIs (second). … Senior Tonya Schnibbe, who was All-GSL in soccer and basketball, will return in the middle of U-Hi’s infield coming off a .413 season.

Experience

A couple of teams return eight starters, including Lewis and Clark (anchored on the left side by shortstop Krissi Amicarella and third baseman Taylor Bemis) and Rogers (with shortstop Cari Landkammer returning for her third year). … Cheney also has eight starters back, including pitcher/first baseman Haley Pitts, in her fourth season.

Questions

What freshmen will shine this year? Mead will rely on Taneesha Pounder to carry the pitching load. Shadle has another pair of talented frosh, middle infielder Danielle Lynn and center fielder Robin Conrad. EV’s Allie Burger is one of the league’s faster players. … Who will replace transferred returning stars? CV pitcher Whitney McDaniel (9-6 last year) moved to Oregon, while Mead’s two-year starting shortstop Chantal Hughes-Gardner moved to Sequim, Wash. … Which seniors are already set for next year? G-Prep has a pair in Christianson, headed to Northern Colorado, and center fielder Katie Antich, set to play at Seattle Pacific. Mead has three girls who have earned athletic scholarships, but not in softball. Catcher Kati Bronson will play soccer and outfielders Erin Norris and Megan Thigpen volleyball. … Are their unusual pairings in the league? Ferris catcher Nicolle Rose was the school’s Lilac Princess.

Vince Grippi