HSSTM 2008 COLLIN COUNTY SOFTBALL PREVIEW

Bottom of the seventh. Runners on second and third with two outs. Your team is down by a run and needs a game-winning hit. Who do you want at the plate?

Collin County softball rosters are loaded with performers who don't wilt under pressure of tight district races and playoff showdowns. Plano's Brittany Griffiths, Frisco's Kari Karr and Wylie's Brooke Foster are three senior hitters you'd like swinging the big stick when it's do-or-die time.

Griffiths is a three-year letter winner, who has earned accolades each season culminating in a place on the 2007 All-State team. She led the Lady Wildcats hitting .446 with 10 doubles, four triples, four home runs and 31 RBIs last season, good enough to earn a scholarship offer from Arkansas. She never crumbled on defense, playing error-free at second base.

Karr returns as a team leader who helped Frisco reach the Region II quarterfinals last season.  She also has earned three varsity letters and was selected first-team All-District as an outfielder. Karr scored 20 runs and proved to be a clutch hitter for the Lady Raccoons, producing RBIs with 19 of her 34 hits. She has committed to play for Texas-Arlington next season.

For several seasons now, Wylie's Brooke Foster has been one of the area's most feared hitters. As a junior, she tore up District 9-5A and non-district pitching, hitting .419 with 10 doubles, nine triples, two home runs and 26 RBIs. She also scored 37 runs and added 18 steals. She has committed to play for Houston Baptist University after graduation.

District 9-5A
Allen Lady Eagles

Head Coach: Kim Garner

2007 Record: 17-14

Players to Watch: Karen MacPherson, CF, Sr.; Erin Martin, SS, So.; Allie Helm, OF, So.; Haley Epperson, P, Jr.; Rebekah Dindak, C, So.; Lauren Kaufman, C, Jr.; Kim Mathews, 1B/3B, Sr.

Overview: Kim Garner sees this year's team, which returns four starters, as being hard-working, coachable and with a great will to win. The Eagles, who will field a very young team this season, will lean heavily on the senior leadership of infielder Kim Mathews and center fielder Karen MacPherson, who will be attending Trinity University next year. Rebekah Dindak gives the Eagles further depth behind the plate. Solid contributions are also expected from fellow second-year outfielder Allie Helm and shortstop Erin Martin. Incoming freshmen to watch include pitcher Cynthia Herring and third sacker Jordan Rowe.

 

Plano Lady Wildcats

Head Coach: Cynthia Zea

2007 Record: 26-8-1

Players to Watch: Brittany Griffiths, SS, Sr.; Lauren Wyman, P, Sr.; Dana Orians, C, Sr.; Vonnie Martin, 3B, So.; Abbi Frakes, P, So.; Macy Burr, CF, So.

Overview: Hitting and defense are what coach Cynthia Zea sees as the two biggest strengths for this year's squad. Heading up the list of returnees is senior shortstop Brittany Griffiths, who is headed to Arkansas next year. Fellow senior Lauren Wyman was rock-solid on the mound last year, going 7-5 and even saving a pair of games for the Wildcats. Plano lost several key players from last year's team that won 26 games, including first sacker Molly Goza, who is now at Ole Miss and shortstop Danielle Vaji, now with Illinois.

 

Plano East Lady Panthers

Head Coach: Karen Kalhoefer

2007 Record: 23-11

Players to Watch: Danielle Tharp, C, Sr.; Sara Watson, 1B, Sr.; Gabby Araujo, P/OF, Sr.; Nicki Duff, CF, Sr.; Taylor Jones, P/IF, Jr.

Overview: Last year, the Panthers went 11-3 in District 9-5A action, sharing the league crown with cross-town rival Plano West. With a team returning strong pitching and speed, Kalhoefer sees no reason why her 2008 squad shouldn't also contend. Another big strength for East is strong team chemistry as much of the current Panther roster has been together for some time. The Panthers return a solid senior core, including pitcher/outfielder Gabby Araujo, centerfielder Nicki Duff, backstop Danielle Tharp and first sacker Sara Watson. However, two big holes exist in the middle infield after star shortstop Ashley Struchtemeyer and second baseman Amy Keathley graduated.

 

Plano West Lady Wolves
Head Coach: Mike Ledsome

2007 Record: 26-13

Players to  Watch: Magean De La Torre, SS, Jr.; Christina Roosmalen, 1B, Jr.; Paige Burke, C, Sr.; Kayla Millette, 3B, Jr.; Audra Hanzi, DH, Jr.; Laura Terrell, CF, Jr.; Dayna Purl, P, So.; Breanna Phelps, LF, So.; Valerie Johnson, 2B, Jr.

Key Newcomers: Kylie Walker, P, Jr.; Mackenzie Andrews, OF, Sr.; Amy Miller, C, Jr.

Overview: With 10 starters returning from West's regional semifinalists, there's no reason to think it couldn't at least equal, if not surpass, its 2007 success. Shortstop Magean De La Torre (.417-5-25) is the reigning 5A-9 Player of the Year. First sacker Christina Roosmalen (.420-1-38) was first-team All-District and senior backstop Paige Burke (.391, 26 RBI) was the district's top catcher. Sophomore pitcher Dayna Purl (23-10-1, 2.08, 170 K), who averaged six strikeouts per game as a freshman and was the 5A-9's top hurler, is also back for more.

 

Wylie Lady Pirates

Head Coach: Heather Damron

2007 Record: 25-11

Players to Watch: Brooke Foster, SS, Sr.; Alicia Wright, P/1B, Sr.; Krystal Ruth, 1B/P, Jr.; Sara Todd, C, Jr.; Lya Swaner, UTL/DP, Jr.; Sierra Holley, OF, So.; Kylie Summers, 3B, So.

Overview: Wylie returns much of the cast from a 25-win season, but key losses at second, left and center field loom large. Returning are senior shortstop Brooke Foster (.419-2-26, 18 SB) and senior first baseman Alicia Wright (.330-4-28), who also pitches (1.06, 215 K). A trio of juniors, Krystal Ruth (.430, 28 RBI), catcher Sara Todd (.324-1-18) and utility player Lya Swaner (.357, 21 RBI) give the Pirates a solid core for a run at a district title.

-- Steve Hunt

 

District 9-4A

Frisco Lady Raccoons
Head Coach: Max Bledsoe

2007 Record: 31-5

Players to Watch: Kari Karr, C/OF, Sr.; Amanda Moen, 1B/OF, Sr.; Amanda Cave, 3B/C, Jr.; Brittnie Dean, 2B/P, Jr.; Jori Minett, CF, So.

Overview: Max Bledsoe expects great leadership from a good nucleus from last year's 31-5 team that includes senior C/OF Kari Karr and 3B/C Amanda Cave, the top newcomer in District 9-4A in 2007. Other strengths include good team defense, speed and solid pitching. The Lady Raccoons appear to be equipped with a great group of newcomers that should be ready to answer the bell.

 

Frisco Centennial Titans

Head Coach: Mike Dyson

2007 Record: 19-12-2

Players to Watch: Lindsey Rykiel, P, Sr.; Taylor Narin, 2B, Jr.; Kate Ehmke, OF, Sr.; Lauren Thuman, 3B, Sr.; Vee Smith, CF, Jr.; Kristin Hill, C, So.; Angel Olson, OF, So.; Jessica Boynton, 1B, Sr.

Overview: With good competition at all positions, and above average speed, Mike Dyson sees great potential for a solid season. Leading the way is senior pitcher Lindsey Rykiel (17-8, 0.74, 254 K), who shared top pitcher honors in District 9-4A last season. She also hit .422 from the dish. The Titans must replace a pair of All-District players in Erin Brown and Natalie Neal but All-District centerfield holdover, Vee Smith, is one of several returnees Dyson will be counting on. All this team needs is a little time to learn how to play at a high level and that could come this season.

 

McKinney Lady Lions

Head Coach: Jeremy Greenway

2007 Record: 10-19

Players to Watch: Lauren Touchberry, 1B, Sr.; Gina Guajardo, 3B, So.; Ashley Thomas, SS, So.; Haley Pruitt, CF, So.; Jennifer Guzman, LF, So.; Chelsea Rephan, RF, So.; Jordan Calk, 1B/DP, Jr.

Overview: After struggling a season ago, the Lions seek big improvement in 2008 and their first playoff berth since 1999. Coach Jeremy Greenway fields a talented team brimming with versatility and a speedy, multidimensional offense. Inexperience and pitching depth will be McKinney's biggest challenges. The Lions will start six sophomores this season, making their future bright. Senior Lauren Touchberry is in her fourth year with the varsity squad and will be looked to for leadership.

 

 

McKinney Boyd Lady Broncos

Head Coach: Stephanie Pels

2007 Record: 3-23

Players to Watch: Christie Rogers, C, Jr.; Asheley Ollennu, OF, Jr.; Britney Buaas, 1B, So.; Elizabeth Lindsey, P, Fr.; Brittany Estrada, SS, Fr.; Madeleine Head, 3B, Fr.

Overview: The Lady Broncos return everyone from their inaugural varsity season. Christie Rogers, a first-team All-District catcher in 2007, is the team captain. Also providing leadership is last year's top offensive player in Asheley Ollenu and defensive wiz Britney Buaas. Coach Stephanie Pels expects big contributions from a group of talented freshmen including Brittany Estrada, Madeleine Head and Elizabeth Lindsey.

 

McKinney North Lady Bulldogs

Head Coach: Dan Sedgwick

2007 Record: 33-8-1

Players to Watch: Kathy Shelton, SS, Jr.; Amy Kilpatrick, C/IF, Jr.; Meghan Knowles, 1B, Jr.; Amanda Parsonage, RF, Sr.; Sarah Becker, OF, Jr.

Overview: Dan Sedgwick takes the reigns at North after a very successful year. The Lady Bulldogs are experienced returning starters at all but three positions.  Versatile junior Amy Kilpatrick, who will move from playing the hot corner a year ago to behind the plate, will be key this year. The Bulldogs should have no problems generating runs on a regular basis. North will have to fill gaps on the mound, at third and in center field, but Sedgwick feels confident that his team will meet those challenges.

-- Steve Hunt

 

District 9-3A

Celina Lady Cats

Head Coach: Billy Coleman

2007 Record: 28-6-2

Players to Watch: Joey Cronin, SS, Jr.; Brittanie Knowles, 3B, Jr,; Shelby Black, 1B/P, Jr.; Jasmine San Miguel, C, So., Cassidy Holmes, P, Fr.

Overview: Celina advanced to the regional semifinals in Class 3A last year but lost star pitcher Sarah McCloud, who is now taking the hill at Georgia. However, coach Billy Coleman isn't about to panic. He returns his first-through-five hitters, a core that includes a trio of talented juniors in first sacker Shelby Black, who will also pitch this year, shortstop Joey Cronin and third sacker Brittanie Knowles. Catcher Jasmine San Miguel, who was All-District as a freshman, also returns. Freshman pitcher Cassidy Holmes, a move-in from Little Elm, could make a huge impact with the Bobcats.

 

Frisco Liberty Lady Redhawks

Head Coach: Martha Richard

2007 Record: 11-10-1 (JV)

Players to Watch: Kalean Warren, P/SS/CF, Jr.; Sam Perella, 2B/P, Jr.; Erin McLeod, C/SS, So.

Overview: Coach Martha Richard and the Lady Redhawks could face a tough task in their first year of varsity competition. Last year, they played a mostly-junior varsity schedule with some varsity games sprinkled in and went 11-10-1. Junior Kalean Warren, who played a year on the varsity at Frisco Centennial, had the best batting average a year ago and will be heavily counted on. Junior Sam Perella had the top slugging percentage and will also be a key contributor.

 

Frisco Wakeland Wolverines

Head Coach: Chris Southard

2007 Record: 8-15

Players to Watch: Alexis Cantu, P, So.; Kelci Garza, IF, So.; Kelsey Hawter, OF, So.; Jules Graney, C, Jr.; Shannon Brown, 1B, So.; Brooke Cline, 3B/C, Fr.; Jamie Ohm, OF, Fr.

Overview: Wakeland returns every player from last year's first varsity season. Coach Chris Southard's roster includes one senior and a pair of juniors, one of which is returning catcher Jules Graney. Wakeland's rock-solid sophomores include first sacker Shannon Brown, pitcher Alexis Cantu, infielder Kelci Garza and outfielder Kelsey Hawter. Freshman Brooke Cline, who plays both at third and behind the plate, could have an impact.

 

Lovejoy Lady Leopards

Head Coach: Amanda Douglas

2007 Record: 8-9

Players to Watch: Beth Johnson, SS, So.; Melissa Schreck, P/1B, Fr.; Jordan Stafford, P/1B, So.

Overview: The Lady Leopards begin their first season at the varsity level with a young roster. Coach Amanda Douglas' lineup will feature sophomores and freshmen who lack varsity experience, but have played for top-level select programs. Beth Johnson returns as the team's top hitter and run producer. Melissa Schreck  is a left-handed pitcher and Jordan Stafford will hurl from the right side.

 

Princeton Panthers

Head Coach: Alicia Monk

Players to Watch: Britnie Weddle, 1B, Jr.; Holly Wallace, P, Jr.; Chanin Naudin, SS, Fr.; Jordan Strickland, SS, Fr.; Janine Godwin, UTL, Fr.

Overview: Coach Alicia Monk will field a young team that will rely on several freshmen, such as Chanin Naudin, Janine Godwin and Jordan Strickland, to play beyond their experience. Monk expects her team to play strong defense and take advantage of its speed.

 

Prosper Eagles

Head Coach: Kevin Lewis

2007 Record: 21-9

Players to Watch: Lissa Pappas, P, So.; Jourdan Esquenazi, P, So.; Claire Toney, 1B, Sr.; Megan Hardy, OF, Sr.; Jordan Loving, LF, So.; Caitlyn Carpenter, C, So.; Kym Ray, SS/2B/3B, So.

Overview: In 2007, the Eagles made it to the 3A area finals and they return a solid cast, including sophomore pitcher Lissa Pappas, the reigning 9-3A Newcomer of the Year. Also back is senior first sacker Claire Toney, a first-team All-District player who has been a four-year starter at the leadoff spot. All-district player Megan Hardy moves from short to the outfield. Sophomore left fielder Jordan Loving hit two home runs last year and those power numbers should grow. Barring injuries, coach Kevin Lewis admits that it will be disappointing if this team doesn't win district and return to the playoffs.

-- Steve Hunt

 

District 13-2A

Anna Coyotes

Head Coach: Haley Ross

2007 Record: 15-10

Players to Watch: Lyndsey Griffin, SS, Sr.; Kelsey Stephens, C, Sr.; Renee Erwin, P/3B, Fr.; Lauren Williams, 3B/P, Fr.

Overview: Coach Haley Ross will fill out a young lineup card featuring three seniors, three sophomores and three freshmen, but she expects strong hitting to back-up deep pitching.

 

TAPPS

 

Trinity Christian Academy Lady Trojans

District 1-6A

Head Coach: Dennis Woodward

2007 Record: 2-9

Players to Watch: Danielle Cross, P, Sr.; Jessica Pavy, 3B-CF, Sr.; Audrey Hanks, C, So.

Overview: TCA has revved up its program for 2008, assembling a complete schedule for the first time in several years. Cross gives the Lady Trojans a solid foundation as the senior has decent speed on her pitches and spots the ball well. "She makes the hitters put the ball in play," says second-year coach Dennis Woodard. "If we can make the plays behind her, we can play with anybody." Hanks gives TCA an excellent battery while Pavy provides leadership. Others expected to contribute include junior pitcher Emily Peters; sophomores 1B Jesse White, LF Shelby Wamstand and 2B-SS Kelsey Dyer; and freshman Jordan Stewart.

 

John Paul II Lady Cardinals

District 1-6A

Players to Watch: Sarah Beth Cook, P, So.; Ally Boddicker, 3B, Jr.; Gene Schiele, SS, Fr.

Overview: The Lady Cardinals are looking to expand their schedule and up their performance in their second season as a varsity team. John Paul II will still be a young team and has to face another formidable obstacle - because JPII has no home field, all their games will be on the road. The team practices on the JPII field used for football team practices. Cook, in addition to being a strong pitcher, got a hit in every John Paul II game in 2007. Boddicker will be the Cardinals' lead-off hitter and has quick reflexes and a strong arm. The Lady Cardinals will get pitching depth from sophomore Shelby Stahl and junior Libby Johnson.

 

Prestonwood Christian Academy Lady Lions

District 2-5A

Head Coach: Tim Euler

Players to Watch: Jillian Jeffcoat, SS, Jr.; Kylie Bishop, P, So.; Amanda Burke, 3B-P, Fr.

Overview: The Lady Lions should be strong in 2008 as they return most of the lineup that lost in the regionals last year. "We are going to be young," said Tim Euler. "We'll start mostly freshmen and sophomores, but we'll return all our starters but one." The one new position will be pivotal as Bishop takes over the pitching duties. Prestonwood will field a team of multi-sport athletes such as Jeffcoat, All-District player as shortstop last season and an All-State player last fall in volleyball. "We have some good speed at the top of the order and then some solid contact hitters following them up," said Euler. "We should be able to score some runs."

 

McKinney Christian Academy Lady Mustangs

District 2-3A

Players to Watch: Hailey Higgins, P, Jr.; Paige Nelson, 1B, Jr.; Emily Crombar, SS, So.; Alison Higgins, 3B, Sr.

Overview: The Lady Mustangs have improved in each of their four seasons. They finished 6-4 and made the playoffs with a second-place finish in district. McKinney Christian has seven players returning, but the experience will matter more if Hailey Higgins performs well as the Mustangs' starting pitcher. She went 2-1 as the No. 2 starter last season, but has increased her speed and repertoire and now can throw a drop ball, knuckle curve and rise ball. With Hailey's older sister Alison leading the way at the plate, the Mustangs should get plenty of hits.

 

Legacy Christian Academy Lady Eagles

District 1-2A/1A

Head Coach: Kari Tomeny

2007 Record: 4-10

Players to Watch: Brittany Slyman, SS, Jr.; Ruby Poole, P-3B, So.; Brandi Riddle, P, Sr.; Jordi Leavitt, P-1B, So.

Overview: The Lady Eagles slumped in 2007 after reaching the playoffs and finishing as state runner-up two seasons ago. Coach Kari Tomeny and four returning lettermen should help a young team get back to their winning ways in 2008. The Lady Eagles will have their work cut out for them since TAPPS has combined the 1A and 2A classes for softball. Legacy's district is solid, with Wichita Falls and Muenster returning playoffs squads from last year.

-- Mark Zeske