GSL Preview Softball

Can there be any doubt which team is favored? Shadle is defending state champion, ranked seventh in the nation in a preseason coaches’ poll, returns the state’s premier pitcher in Sam Skillingstad and all but two regulars from last year. Still, coach George Lynn is cautious, citing the danger of losing focus after last year. “We have to stay hungry,” he said. “The GSL seems to be tougher with better pitchers and more experienced players.”

Pitching

The key to this sport. Skillingstad and NC’s Kelsey Vallies are tops, although Vallies injured a foot and is late getting started. “They are two very talented players who have shown that they can carry their teams and should do so again this season,” said Mt. Spokane coach Carl Adams….U-Hi returns Shelby Bethel and Mollie Buelow, CV has back Alyssa Erickson and Lauren Mandler and Mead Taneesha Pounder from regional qualifying teams.

Position players

Many of last year’s leading hitters are back including Shadle’s China Frost (.588 batting average, 45 runs), Danielle Lynn (.550 and 48 runs batted in, seven doubles, six home runs, 22 stolen bases), Allie Burger (.547 and 44 runs, 25 stolen bases) and Tressa Predisik (.486, seven home runs, 36 RBIs)… Others are Mead’s Katie Kine (.567, nine doubles, three HRs, 30 RBIs), CV’s Alexa Morales (.536, four triples, four HRs), U-Hi’s Ali Warren (.563, 11 2Bs, four 3Bs, four HRs, 27 runs and 27 RBIs), Alyssa Hawley (.508, 31 runs, 29 RBIs) and fourth-year starter Riki Schiermeister (.453, 32 runs)… Skillingstad, Vallies, Kine, Frost, G-Prep’s Molly Anderson and juniors Burger and Lynn are all Division I signees or commits…All told, a dozen first-team All-GSL selections are back.

Outlook

Shadle is defending 4A state champion and NC finished fourth in 3A. NC’s Indians may struggle early until Vallies gets healthy and young players mature. U-Hi, CV and Mead are veteran teams. Mead is bolstered by California transfers Tiffany and Bre Lookabill. Rogers is likely the most improved with the addition of transfers, including Robin Conrad,

Small schools

2A – Colville (1-2) and Clarkston (0-2) were Great Northern League state qualifiers. Colville returns much of its team as does Pullman.

1A – Lakeside placed third at state, its only loss to eventual champion Castle Rock. Colfax (2-2) and Kettle Falls (1-2) also qualified.

2B – Davenport (2-2), Liberty (1-2), Lind-Ritzville and Springdale (both 0-2) were state competitors.

1B – Curlew is defending state champion with a 7-0 win over Colton. Garfield-Palouse finished fourth.