2013 Softball Preview Capsules
Mon. February 18, 2013 at 2:28 a.m. | By Aimee Sachs
By AIMEE SACHS
THE LEDGER
Class 7A, District 7
Bartow
Coach: Glenn Rutenbar (27th season, 688-123-1 overall).
Last Season: 27-5.
Last in playoffs: 2012.
Players to Watch: Lauren West (P, Sr.); Cheyenne Blaha (CF, Sr.); Rachael Imig (3B/P, Sr.); Tonee Fabrizi (SS, So.); DeeAn Davis (2B, Jr.); Lezy Sims (C/3B, Fr.); Stephanie Walls (1B, Jr.); Brooke Farrer (P, Jr.); Taylor Pittman (DH/1B, Jr.); Chelsea King (P, Jr.).
Quick hits: The Yellow Jackets lost four starters from last year's squad, but five starters return, along with three seniors who have all signed college scholarships. Pitcher Lauren West, who went 18-3 last year with a 1.51 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 144 innings, signed with Southeastern University. Outfielder Cheyenne Blaha, who batted .385 last year with 26 RBIs, will play at College of Central Florida next year, and third baseman Rachael Imig, who hit .363 with 2 home runs and 24 RBIs in 2012, signed with University of North Carolina.
George Jenkins
Coach: Jeff Lang (10th season, 187-64-1 overall).
Last Season: 18-7.
Last in playoffs: 2012.
Players to Watch: Britney Powell (SS, Sr.); Lauren Harris (P, Jr.); Brenna Reinacher (C, Jr.).
Quick hits: A young team replacing four graduated starters from last year's Class 7A, District 7 runner-up team. Powell hit .347 with 3 homers and 29 RBIs last year, Lauren Harris posted an 11-3 record with a 1.19 ERA and 103 strikeouts, and Brenna Reinacher batted .321 with six doubles, two triples and 19 RBIs. "Pitching and defense will need to be solid while hitting comes around," Lang said.
Haines City
Coach: Robby Bailey (1st season).
Last Season: 16-9.
Last in playoffs: 2010.
Players to Watch: Jonhnkyria Alston (SS, Jr.); Jasmyn Brown (P/C/SS, So.); Brittany Winget (2B/P, Jr.); Chelsie Valentine (P/LF, Sr.).
Quick hits: Playing in a tough district, Bailey believes the Hornets can place first or second if they play to their capabilities. "I think or defense is going to come through," Bailey said. "It's mainly our offense we've got to get going. We've got a good group of seniors. As the season goes on, we're going to get stronger."
Lakeland
Coach: Lance Bruno (2nd season, 5-16 overall.
Last Season: 4-15.
Last in playoffs: N/A.
Players to Watch: Summer Thomas (P/SS, Jr.); Jermisha Gibbs (3B, Sr.); Katie Wyatt (C, Jr.).
Quick hits: The Dreadnaughts have been working hard to prepare for the 2012 season. The team has improved offensively and defensively. "We are looking forward to playing at a higher level this year," Bruno said. "Our chemistry has also improved this year, and I am proud of the leadership that I have seen. We look forward to a great season with competitiveness as out top priority."
Lake Region
Coach: John Bridges (4th season, 49-26 overall).
Last Season: 17-10.
Last in playoffs: N/A.
Players to Watch: Claire Chambers (2B, Sr.); Haley Wiseman (P, Jr.); Nikki Dowdy (SS, Sr.).
Quick hits: Bridges looks forward to a good year with returning upperclassmen Chambers, who hit .361 last year, Wiseman, who batted .324, and Dowdy, who hit .315. "As long as we can make the routine plays on defense and hit the ball well, we should be in decent shape," Bridges said.
Ridge Community
Coach: Krysti Johns (2nd season, 9-13 overall).
Last Season: 9-13.
Last in playoffs: N/A.
Players to Watch: Nickeysha Gordon (SS/P, Jr.); Alissa Moffett (P, Sr.); Kayla Hill (OF, So.); Paige Komniey, OF, Fr.); Drew Thomas (3B/P, So.).
Quick hits: After graduating eight seniors, six of whom were starters, Ridge is looking to fill the field with young talent. Gordon and Moffett will be key to the Bolts' success, as well as sophomores Thomas, Hill, a transfer, and freshman Komniey.
Class 6A, District 9
Kathleen
Coach: Jenna Desandolo (4th season)
Last Season: 0-24.
Last in playoffs: 1994
Players to Watch: Destiny Small (INF/P, So.); Jessica May (INF/P, So.); Briana Lugo (INF, Sr.); Claira Banner (INF, Sr.); Emily Doolin (INF, Sr.); Alexis Gillian (OF, Jr.).
Quick hits: Most of the Devils squad doesn't play softball year-round. "Once we get comfortable playing together, things will get easier, and we have shown tremendous improvement in our level of playing," Desandolo said.
Lake Gibson
Coach: Laura Hasson (2nd season, 5-17 overall).
Last Season: 5-17.
Last in playoffs: 2012.
Players to Watch: Joni Wilcox (OF/P, So.); Lindsey Strain (C, Sr.); Emilee Wilds (SS/2B, Jr.); Micah Green (1B/C, So.); Dayna Lantz (OF, Jr.).
Quick hits: With the addition of four new players, the Braves have grown since last year, and Hasson sees her squad as a district contender. "We seem to have a solid lineup that can really swing the sticks," Hasson said. "I look forward to the team competing this year. We are already on our way to having a better record."
Winter Haven
Coach: Tanja Scott (2nd season, 6-18 overall).
Last Season: 6-18.
Last in playoffs: 2000.
Players to Watch: Darla Delmas (SS, Jr.); Laura Borders (2B/SS, Jr.); Kaithlyn Lasseter (P, Sr.).
Quick hits: "We are working on having a well-oiled machine this year, and once we get it we will be unstoppable," Scott said.
Class 5A, District 10
Auburndale
Coach: Mike Littles (5th season, 80-29 noverall).
Last Season: 22-8.
Last in playoffs: 2012 (lost in the state semifinals).
Players to Watch: Ally Baert (2B, So.); Laura Bodenheimer (1B, Sr.); Kelsee Cullop (CF, So.); Taylor Fike (RF, Jr.); Destinee Glover (3B, Sr.); Casey Grove (3B, So.); Jessica Huggins (1B, Sr.); Brooke Hutto (P, So.); Meghan Lindell (C, Jr.); Chandler Middlebrook (SS, Jr.); Whitnee Moore (P, Jr.); Jennifer Sansone (RF, Jr.); Kayla Williams (LF, Sr.); Danielle Bieberle (LF, Fr.); Kayla Sheffield (P, Fr.); McKenzie Bock (C/3B, Fr.).
Quick hits: After a third-place finish in Class 5A last year, the Auburndale only lost three seniors and look forward to another great run. The Bloodhounds welcome newcomers Bieberle, Sheffield and Bock.
Lake Wales
Coach: Nancy Denton (28th season).
Last Season: 15-13.
Last in playoffs: 2012.
Players to Watch: Tashayla Irvis (CF, Sr.); Kayla McBeath (3B, Jr.); Jamesia Stoudemire (SS, Fr.); Kaley Hinds (2B, Fr.); Mary Margaret Maggard (C/1B, Fr.); Brianna Avirett (C, Sr.).
Quick hits: Lake Wales is looking forward to a competitive season. Senior pitcher Kelsey Oller returns to lead the pitching staff, while sophomore Quynn Reddick and Taite Powell will help in the circle. The Highlanders have a lot of speed, and will score a lot of runs if they can get on base.
Tenoroc
Coach: Pam Lancaster (3rd season, 26th overall).
Last Season: 8-15.
Last in playoffs: N/A.
Players to Watch: Nikki Vanlandingham (1B, Sr.); Sarina Richardson (2B, So.); Brianna Vanlandingham (OF, So.); Savannah Hand (P, So.); Cassidy Chism (Util, Sr.); Terra Rogers (OF, Sr.); Allyssa Wilson (Util, So.).
Quick hits: Tenoroc is a young team with many new faces due to graduating eight seniors and losing two starters. With one returning senior and two returning sophomores, the newcomers are eager to work and learn. "We look to improve with each game as we compete in a difficult district," Lancaster said.
Class 4A, District 10
Frostproof
Coach: King Smith (5th season, 46-29 overall).
Last Season: 13-11.
Last in playoffs: 2011.
Players to Watch: Kaylee Norris (1B/OF, Sr.); ; Madison Johnson (SS/OF/P, 8th Grade); Kirsten Aultman (SS/3B, Fr.); PJ Hernandez (OF/2B, Fr.); McKenzie Bobb (OF, 8th Gr.); Moriah McCullers (OF, So.).
Quick hits: A youthful squad with two seniors and a junior, the rest of the Bulldogs squad is comprised of 8th, 9th and 10th graders who are eager to practice and improve. Staying healthy will be a key to their success. "I think they are going to surprise a bunch of teams this year," Smith said.
Mulberry
Coach: Brian Christensen (11th season, 148-111 overall).
Last Season: 17-9.
Last in playoffs: 2012.
Players to Watch: Autumn Terwilliger (SS/C, Sr.); Erica Morrisey (3B/SS, Sr.); Shaila Warren (P/SS, So.); Brandy Richardson (3B/CF, Fr.); Britney Edwards (CF, Sr.).
Quick hits: Mulberry returns a solid core of five players. Terwilliger hit .557 with 29 RBIs for the Panthers last year, Morrisey hit .448 with 28 RBIs, Warren hit .358 with 19 RBIs and Edwards batted .339 with 21 RBis. "The seven new players will need to continue to improve and learn to play at a higher level for postseason success," Christensen said.
Class 3A, District 7
Fort Meade
Coach: Toni Rehberg (2nd season, 10-11 overall).
Last Season: 10-11.
Last in playoffs: 2004.
Players to Watch: Stephanie Lewis (CF, Sr.); Christa Shiver (P, Sr.); Kellyn Miley (1B, Jr.).
Quick hits: Strong returning players include Lewis, who hit .523 with 14 RBIs and 27 runs scored last year, Shiver, who had 91 strikeouts last season, and Miley, who posted a .393 batting average with 16 RBIs. Their bats have greatly improved with two 8th graders at the top of the lineup who are pulling their weight.
Lakeland Christian
Coach: Sue Wilsman (2nd season, 12-14 overall).
Last Season: 12-14.
Last in playoffs: 2012.
Players to Watch: Helen Long (P, Sr.); Emily Murphy (Util, Jr.); Brooke Wilsman (OF, Jr.); Kristen Beacham (P/1B/3B, Fr.).
Quick hits: Long leads the pitching staff following a 7-5 record and 1.86 ERA last year. "The girls get along well and have increased their level of play since last year," Wilsman said. "We look forward to the competition and playing the game we love."
McKeel Academy
Coach: Mark Krause (1st season).
Last Season: 24-5.
Last in playoffs: 2012.
Players to Watch: Heather Novis (CF, So.); Amber Presto (SS, Sr.); Sairah Shirah (C, So.); Mikayla Barwig (2B, So.); Amber Butler (3B, Jr.).
Quick hits: The Wildcats only lost one senior, but they are still young with only two seniors and two juniors. An energetic bunch looking forward to defending their district title, they've added some tougher games to their schedule, hoping to advance to the state finals.
Santa Fe Catholic
Coach: Jim O'Connor (4th season, 22-42 overall).
Last Year: 14-10.
Last in playoffs: 2011
Players to Watch: Mary Helen Friel (1B/Sr.); Courtney Myers (P/1B, So.); Allison Herndon (C, So.); Alyssa Sidwell (2B/C, Fr.); Adriana Whalen (SS, So.); Tiffany Rivera (3B/P, Sr.).
Quick hits: The Hawks are in rebuilding mode after losing eight starters. The bulk of the team is comprised of freshmen and sophomores, many of whom haven't played before. Myers, Herndon, Sidwell and Whalen will be counted on to produce runs. O'Connor expects pitching and defense to be a learning process due to lack of experience. "This season is all about having fun, learning and preparing for the future," O'Connor said.
Class 2A, District 8
All Saints
Coach: Bill McClellan (11th season, 133-90 overall).
Last Season: 22-3.
Last in playoffs: 2012.
Players to Watch: Lissette Garay (P, Sr.); Britteny Searfoss (C/1B/P, So.); Danie Guice (3B, Jr.); Miranda Gallegos (1B/C, 7th.); Tara Weirather (OF/2B, 8th.); Ashlynn Shelley (SS/C, 6th.).
Quick hits: The Saints will count on Garay top have another strong year on the mound and at the plate. She posted an 18-3 record last year while batting .559. Key contributors to the offense will be Searfoss, who hit .412 last year, and Guice, who hit .324. With the loss of five starters, the Saints will be very young with seven middle school players. If the Saints want to return to the regional finals, the progression of their young players will be a contributing factor.
Oasis Christian
Coach: Kim Heath (3rd season).
Last Season: 8-10.
Last in playoffs: N/A.
Players to Watch: Briana Heath (P, Sr.); Ashley Heath (C/P, So.); Mary Carr (3B, Sr.); Alaynna Mendoza (INF, 7th Gr.); Samantha Ayers (2B/SS, 7th Gr.); Brianna Vaughn (SS/2B, 6th Gr.).
Quick hits: The Lions are a young team with motivation and determination to win. Players range from sixth grade to 12th grade. Senior pitcher Briana Heath can throw 62 mph and recorded 253 strikeouts last year. Oasis Christian hopes to make it to regionals this year.
Victory Christian
Coach: Rick Brewer (2nd season, 45-47 overall).
Last Season: 5-15.
Last in playoffs: 2012.
Players to Watch: Lexi Neiberline (P, 8th. Gr.); Raven Brewer (3B, Jr.); Ashlynn Ciccarello (1B, Sr.); Audrey Sellers (P/OF, So.); Avery Alderman (C/OF, 7th Gr.); Kallie Motola (2B, So.); Molly Hebert (SS, So.).
Quick hits: Victory Christian has big holes to fill with the loss of Cayla Skeans and Savannah David. Brewer expects them to improve throughout the season with the return of Neiberline and Brewer, both of whom hold school records in hitting. Neiberline also anchors the pitching staff, which also consists of Sellers and 6th grader, Macayla Mills. "The question will be how many unearned runs we will give up," Brewer said. "If we can field it consistently up the middle and in the outfield, I think our hitting can provide runs. If we don't catch it well, then it could be a long season."
Note: No information was received from Sonrise Christian.
