IEL softball

In predicted order of league finish:

Coeur d’Alene Vikings

2005 records: 22-8 overall (2nd in state), 12-4 league

Coach: Larry Bieber

Years coaching: 12th

Returning lettermen, starters: 9, 8

Key players: Jenna DeLong, junior, pitcher/first baseman; Lindsey Stark, jr., shortstop; Heather Helmhout, senior, p/third baseman; Jessyca Le, sr., second baseman; Brianna Robson, sr., right fielder; Jackie Lenz, sr., center fielder; Kylie Chandler, jr., left fielder; Jordan Corbey, sr., catcher.

Coach’s comments: “I like our experience. We’ve finished second (at state) two years in a row with this group.”

Outlook: Bieber is getting tired of giving the second-place speech during the ceremony at state. He’s given it five times in the last six years. He’d like to polish off the state-title speech. He has the ingredients to contend for a title.

Lake City Timberwolves

2005 records: 18-10, 12-4

Coach: Laura Tolzmann

Years coaching: 2nd

Returning lettermen, starters: 9, 7

Key players: Alysha Krier, sr., c; Kelli Bridges, sr., ss; Richelle Fenenbock, jr., 2b; Amanda Krier, sophomore, 1b; Chantal Waide, jr., 3b/of.

Coach’s comments: “We have good senior leadership. Defense should carry us.”

Outlook: The Timberwolves will be right on the Vikings’ heels. If the Vikings stumble, LC could leapfrog past CdA.

Lewiston Bengals

2005 records: 13-10, 10-6

Coach: Amy Miller (formerly Amy Stark)

Years coaching: 2nd

Returning lettermen, starters: 5, 5

Key players: Hailey Keener, sr., 2b/ss; Aimee Otto, sr., rf; Amy Woodland, jr., ss; Angela Pegram, jr., p.

Coach’s comments: “Our overall fundamental skills are extremely good. The girls are always willing to work hard.”

Outlook: The Bengals will challenge CdA and LC. The question is whether they have the depth in their batting lineup to score runs.

Post Falls Trojans

2005 records: 15-12, 11-7

Coach: Phil Hayes

Years coaching: 1st (interim)

Returning lettermen, starters: 9, 5

Key players: Sean Topp, jr., p/2b; Lisa Steinbach, jr., p/2b; Erika Willy, sr., 1b; Felicia McAlpin, sr., cf; Amy Musch, sr., 3b; Nichole Bennett, sr., lf.

Coach’s comments: “I like that they’ve remained positive despite the fact that we haven’t been outside since the first day. They are buying into what we’re trying to do.”

Outlook: Hayes takes over for Jack Foster, who is taking a year’s sabbatical to watch his daughter, Shawna, play her final season in college. The Trojans will challenge for the 4A regional title.

Moscow Bears

2005 records: 10-16, 6-12

Coach: Jessica Shawley

Years coaching: 3rd

Returning lettermen, starters: 7, 5

Key players: Emily Nelson, sr., ss; Jenny McMillan, sr., p/1b; Kaitie Jones, sr., c; Chelsea Parkins, sr., cf; Sarah Hawley, jr., p/of.

Coach’s comments: “I like the cohesion of the team. We have a strong senior group that is excited to work hard.”

Outlook: The Bears captured their second straight 4A regional title last year and are slightly favored to do so again. But Moscow will be chased hard by Post Falls and Lakeland.

Lakeland Hawks

2005 records: 13-14, 9-9

Coach: Colleen Nave

Years coaching: 2nd

Returning lettermen, starters: 9, 9

Key players: Kayla VanDuyne, sr., p; Danielle McCullough, sr., rf; Abby Cederblom, sr., cf; Kristen Wells, sr., lf; Mallory Twidt, sr., c; Melissa Frank, sr., ss/2b; Amanda North, jr., 1b; Brittani Schneider, jr., ss/2b.

Coach’s comments: “Last year was an amazing experience – to be able to get to state in my first year. Being the coach last year, it’s nice not having to get to know all the girls. They know me and trust me.”

Outlook: The Hawks will be in the mix for a state berth, especially if they develop their hitting.

Sandpoint Bulldogs

2005 records: 2-23, 0-18

Coach: Derek Dickinson

Years coaching: 2nd

Returning lettermen, starters: 9, 7

Key players: Kyra Crabb, jr., of/p; Lizzie Dorval, jr., of; Caitlin Nusbaum, sr., ss/3b; Stephanie Ferguson, jr., 3b/of; Macaela Brady, jr., c; Nicole Buratto, sr., p/1b; Brenda Bunn, jr., infielder.

Coach’s comments: “We’ve progressed a lot since last year in terms of skill. This year we didn’t have to start off by teaching them how to put their gloves on or how to swing the bat from the proper end.”

Outlook: The Bulldogs are poised to make huge strides this year. They’re probably a year away from seriously challenging in 4A.