Two of the premier pitchers in the state return to area pitching circles for the 2011 season in Philipsburg-Osceola senior Chelsea Rex and Claysburg-Kimmel junior Ronette Claar.
Rex, the St. Francis University recruit, caught fire in the 2010 postseason, in leading the Lady Mounties (25-2) to the PIAA Class AA finals, where they lost to Nanticoke, 3-1, in 11 innings. She, however, won't have the offensive support of Kelsey Gonder, Chasity Myers and four-time all-stater Taylor Harpster, all of whom graduated.
Claar, a fellow Mirror first team all-star, led the area in strikeouts with 204 and batted .576 as she led the Lady Bulldogs (23-3) to their second straight PIAA Class A semifinal appearance, where they lost to Chartiers-Houston, 1-0.
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Here's a capsulized look at area teams:
Altoona
Coach: Christie Klausman, third year
Career record: 14-23
League: Central Penn League
Last year's record: 4-16
Returning starters: Kim Bumbarger, sr., of; Kasey Hatch, sr., 1b; Brooke Kudlaweic, sr., c; Kristie Mulhollem, sr., p; Bailey Sinai, sr., ss; Madeline Berry, jr., 2b; Summer Feathers, jr. of; Kayla Montgomery, jr., of; Didi Rizzo, jr., 3b.
Other returnees: Brittany Salyards, so., of; Marshe Barnes, so., inf; Shania Feathers, so., of; Jessica Harris, so., inf; Kirsten Kerr, so., inf; Kaylee Miller, so., of; Sarah Oswalt, so., of; Mackinzie Price, so., inf
Newcomers: Jazz Allanson, sr.; Melena Clark, so.; Julia Kenawell, so.; Stephanie Wise, so.; Morgan James, fr.; Kayla Lee, fr.; Sckylaur Kane, fr.; Amanda Parrish, fr.; Taylor Smith, fr.; Hayley Weaver, fr.
Strengths: "We are returning our entire varsity starting team. They gained experience as a team last year and have shown growth in the off season. We are looking forward to strong pitching and a strong defense led by our five seniors."
Concerns: "Our bats weren't as strong as they could have been last year. We are looking to improve our hitting this season. We also had numerous injuries throughout last season. We are hoping to have a healthy team all season long.
Overall outlook: "We are optimistic about our upcoming season. We have made gains in all areas from last season and have strong upperclassmen in our program. With strong leadership and desire to win, we should make a statement this season.
Assistant coaches: John Klausman, Shannon Farabaugh, Justin David
Bedford
Coach: Sarah Harrison, second year
Career record: 6-10
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 6-10
Returning starters: Kacy Blevins, jr, p-ss; Maggi Secrest, jr, 1b; Jolene Nave, jr, of; Chelsea Territo, jr, 2b.
Other returnees: Cari Arnold, jr, inf; Jordyn Cassidy, jr, p; Kara Gronborg, jr, inf; Rebekah Krupa, jr, util; Deanne Littlefield, jr, p; Darian Mickinac, jr, c; Kelsey Mortimer, jr, inf; Ashley Rush, jr, of; Taylor Shoemaker, jr, inf; Jenna Simon, jr, of; Rachel Stair, jr, of; Leslie Wolford, so, of.
Newcomers: Charity Cosner, so, of; Olivia Elizalde, sr, of; Erika Klavuhn, so, of; Maggie Pfaff, so, inf; Kiana Smith, sr, of; Katlyn Tew, so, inf; Rachel Yocklovich, so, of; Alydia Yothers, so, inf-of.
Strengths: "Depth at positions, many returning players."
Concerns: "Adjusting to the new pitching distance on both offense and defense."
Overall outlook: "Looking for a strong season and make a run for the playoffs."
Assistant coaches: Joe Krupa, Kenny Smith
Bellwood-Antis
Coach: Jim Payne, third year
Career record: 16-23
League: ICC North
Last year's record: 10-10
Returning starters: Ashley Hamer, sr., inf-of; Brooke McVicker, sr., inf; Ashley Heuston, sr, p-inf; Emily Andrekovich, sr., of; Krista Bonsell, sr., c-inf-of; Meghan McCaulley, jr., of; Sara Davensizer, jr., p-of; Jayme Fraser, jr., inf; Lauren Snyder, soph., inf-of; Taylor Payne, soph., inf-p-c
Other returnees: Marquie Parson, sr., of; Rochelle Donahue, sr., of; Kelsey Shawley, jr., inf
Newcomers: Taylor Baker, sr., of; Michaela Patton, jr., inf; Kelsey Decker, soph., inf; Scarlett Kirkpatrick, so., of; Andrea Chestney, so., inf-of; Emily Naugle, fr., of
Strengths: "Experience, defense"
Concerns: "Hitting, there are some very good pitchers in our league."
Overall outlook: "Very positive, this team is dedicated and goal-oriented and could win a lot of games if they stick to their plan."
Assistant coaches: Richard Shawley, Heather Quick, Jamie Focht
Bishop Carroll
Coach: Jamie Boyles, first year
Career record: 0-0
Last year's record: 11-10
Returning starters: Krista Krug, jr., ss; Gabby Gueguen, sr., p; Caroline Repko, sr., of; Lauren Bassaro, sr., p; Kayla Legros, jr., 2b-p
Other returnees: Ashlee Shook, jr., c-of; Lauren Wyland, jr., c; Cindy Gerber, soph., of
Newcomers: Dani Link, jr., 1b; Devyn Bex, soph., of; Melissa Lee, jr., of; Jessica Lee, fr., of; Hayley Krug, fr., inf; Janelle Gueguen, fr., inf-p; Taylor Rake, fr., inf; Ashton Hite, fr., 1b-p; Brooke Mento, fr., 3b-p; Gina Spinner, fr., of; Maggie Harteis, fr., of; Katelyn Clark, fr., of; Julie Patterson, soph., of
Strengths: "Pitching, returnig starters and work ethic."
Concerns: "Developing younger players and first year coach"
Overall outlook: "We have speed, solid hitters and experienced players with solid fundamentals. We are looking for a good season.
Assistant coaches: David Link, Rich Mento
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
Coach: Joe Merilli, fifth year
Career record: 54-24
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 2-12
Returning starters: Sarah Prosser, sr., 1b, of; Melanie Madey, sr., p; Megan Blake, sr., of; Rachael Potopa, so., ss; Shayna Hoover, so., 2b
Newcomers: Whittney Shaw, so.; Tori Liebal, so.; Morgan Horell, so.; Gabby Smith, fr.; Nikki Carrieri, fr.; Megan Liebal, fr.; Julianna Burk, fr.
Strengths: "Starting pitching looks strong. However, we will be very thin at that position. Solid infield and a good group of talented young players."
Concerns: "Lack of depth at all positions especially on the mound."
Overall outlook: "We have a very nice group of freshman and sophomore newcomers added to the team, which combined with our starting pitcher and other returning upperclassman, should prove to be an improvement over last year. The number of injuries must be kept to a minimum with the numbers we have this year."
Assistant coaches: Bill Kuny, John Madey
Cambria Heights
Coach: Lee Stanek, 18th year
Career record: 224-111
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 7-11
Returning starters: Abby Stanek, sr., p; Brittany Fye, sr., c; Danielle Bodek, sr., 1b; Amanda Bobby, sr. 3b; Erica Gray, sr., of; Brittany Barcelos, sr., Kaitlyn Eanest, sr., of
Other returnees: Breanna McCann, sr; Jamie Murphy, jr.
Newcomers: Alex Dunchock, so; Kayla Ferrell, so; Lindsey Kosicki, so; Heidi Kranz, so; Morgan Miller, so; Shelby Mishler, so; Cassandra Paronish, so; Molly Smithmyer, so; Alyssa Wills, so; Kara Cordell, fr;
Strengths: "Pitching should be better. Returning seniors should make our defense better."
Concerns: "Lack of depth at certain positions, we are very young after our starters."
Overall outlook: "We hope to be a good team and advance to district playoffs."
Assistant coaches: Tom Boyle, Janell Murphy, Tracy Neff
Central
Coach: Dale Walters, fourth year
Career record: 25-37
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 12-11
Returning starters: Marissa Ayer, sr; Allie Walters, sr; Kate Blattenberger, jr; Taylor McKnight, so.
Other returnees: Brooke Lefchick, sr; Paige Mock, jr; Blake Barnes, so; Kylie Gunnett, so; Kassidy Snyder, so.
Newcomers: Mona Fecke, sr; Lauren Aiello, fr; Morgan Ebersole, fr; Taylor Garman, fr; Ashley Smith, fr; Janine Snyder, fr; Taylor Burke, so.
Strengths: "Good core group, hardworking, great attitudes."
Concerns: "Lack of experience, pitching depth
Overall outlook: "Surviving early Mt. League schedule, I feel this team will get better as the season goes and has the potential to be a very good team until the end of the year."
Assistant coaches: Mike Walters, Julie Hale
Central Cambria
Coach: Pat Stock, 34th year
Career record: 512-125
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 16-3
Returning starters: Ali Vogatsky, sr., p; Jordan Makin, sr., p; Breanne James, sr., c; Lindsay Beyer, sr., 1b; Mackenzie Magley, sr., 2b; Taylor Swatsworth, sr., ss; Kiersten Lorditch, sr., of, Kacey Haluska, sr., of; Aimee Espe, jr., of; Brooke Forcellini, jr., DH; Lexi Murin, so.,3b
Other returnees: Jackie Howell, utl
Newcomers: Alicia Archangelo, so; Erica Dreikorn, so; Kandace Long, so; Alyssa Rager, so.
Strengths: "All of last year's starters have returned, so experience is a plus."
Concerns: "The pitching strength of several of our league opponents."
Overall outlook: "A veteran team of mostly seniors with a goal of winning the league."
Assistant coaches: Jana Klezek, Jim Lehman, Dave Swatsworth, Jamie Dixon, Kathy Jo Getz
Chestnut Ridge
Coach: Chuck Corle, seventh year
Career record: 95-33
League: Sidling Hill League
Last year's record: 19-4
Returning starters: Stefanie McCoy, sr., p, ss; Alana Weyant, sr., p, 3b; Tiffany Clingerman, sr., of; Brittany Mock, sr., 3b, ss; Kayla Gates, sr., 2b, 1b; Makayla Dunlap, jr., of, c;
Other returnees: Tiffani Finnegan, sr., c; Karamee Fickes, sr., 1b; Stacie O'Brein, jr., of, c
Newcomers: Alexis Corle, jr., of; Kristi Batzel, so, 2b; Bridgie Yothers, so, p-ss-2b; Stephane Deaner, so., p-of; Jordan Hobson, so, 2b-3b; MacKenz Winegardner, so, of; Maddy Winegardner, so, of; Josie Neatrour, so, of; Hailey Roudabush, so, of; Brittani Ferguson, so, of; Morgan Smith, so, of
Strengths: "Pitching, six starters back"
Concerns: "Catching and first base."
Overall outlook: "We should have a strong team this year and be able to defend our District 5 title."
Assistant coaches: Donald Miller, Larry Weyant and Janell McCoy
Claysburg-Kimmel
Coach: Mike Barbarini, 10th year
Career record: 122-68
League: ICC North
Last year's record: 23-3
Returning starters: Kalee Harten, sr., c-ss; Kelsey Ickes, sr., p-1b; Samantha Barnes, sr., of; Lydia Fleck, jr., 2b; Ronette Claar, jr., p-of; Courtlin Holland, so, 3b-c; Kala Brumbaugh, so, of
Other returnees: Lindsay Long, jr., of; Mandy Echard, jr. 1b; Sydni Glass, so, 3b
Newcomers: Jennifer Klepser, sr., 3b, Mathilde Dalle, sr., dp; Brooke Ritchey, so, of; Shalynn McDonald, so, of; Mallory Cox, fr., ss-of; Kiersten Coho, fr., p-2b; Abigayle Kulick, fr., c-of.
Strengths: "Experience"
Concerns: "Consistency in our hitting"
Overall outlook: "To take one game at a time and continue to gain experience."
Assistant coaches: Karen Dugan, Tina Hoenstine, Amber Claar
Everett
Coach: Junior Bennett, fifth year
Career record: 64-21
League: Sideling Hill League
Last year's record: 12-7
Returning starters: Rachel Clark, jr, cf; Brandi Colledge, sr, 2b; Arika Layton, sr, c-3b; Kelly Whitfield, sr, p-ss; Jessica Wilt, jr, 1b-3b.
Newcomers: Rachel Appel, so, of; Logan Brallier, fr, c-ss; Harlie Brown, jr, of; Josie Clark, fr, p-3b; Desirae Donivan, so, of; Laura Duvall, so, of; Sadie Helsel, fr, of; Nicole Schurg, fr, 2b-of; Makinzie Showalter, fr, of.
Strengths: "Returning starters."
Concerns: "Very young team."
Overall outlook: "To have a productive season."
Assistant coaches: Kali Byers, Randy Clark.
GLENDALE
Coach: Mike Davis, first year
Career record: 0-0
League: ICC North, Moshannon Valley League
Last year's record: 2-17
Returning starters: Morgan Biddle, sr, 1b; Megan Gates, sr, rf; Laura Jeffries, sr, 3b; Kelli McGarvey, jr, c; Cassie Spangle, jr, ss; Sara Tarr, jr, p; Stephanie Tarr, jr, of
Newcomers: Brittany Gallaher, sr, ofl Marissa Grega, jr, of; Nina Heverly, so, 3b; Caitlin Kimberly, so, ss-of; Elisha Matier, so, of; Katelyn Matthews, so, 2b; Logan McMillen, so, of; Mallory Miles, sr, of; Megan Miles, sr, of; Cassidy Noel, so, 1b; Kristen Shaffer, so, of; Kelly Shomo, sr, of; Kyresten Whetstone, so, 1b.
Strengths: "Our team speed will be a valuable asset when we get runners on base. We have the potential to be a solid hitting team."
Concerns: "Our sense of urgency and determination need to improve. We have a few girls who are very determined to do whatever it takes to win games."
Overall outlook: "Starting the season strong will be important for building the confidence level of our team."
Assistant coaches: Jay Arnold, Mike Wagner.
HOLLIDAYSBURG
Coach: Mike Harris, 10th year
Career record: 71-95
League: Central Penn League
Last year's record: 4-14
Returning starters: Julie Brustle, jr, of; Ashley Creamer, sr, of; Hannah Mercer, so, ss; Kelsey Salyards, jr, p; Jordan Stubbs, so, inf.
Newcomers: Naalia Ali, fr, of-inf; Elizabeth Carter, so, inf; Payton Civils, fr, inf; Olivia Connely, fr, of-inf; Ashley Corle, fr, of-inf; Rachel Crossman, fr, of-inf; Lauren Dengler, fr, of-inf; Nicole Dengler, sr, inf; Casey Eckenrode, so, c; Lauren Felix, jr, inf; Emily Harris, jr, p-inf; Taylor Herr, so, c; Kassie Hurliman, fr, of-inf; Brooke Ickes, jr, p-inf; Kelsey Lantz, fr, of-inf; Maddy Martinsen, fr, of-inf; Macie O'Connell, fr, of-inf; Natosha Ramstad, jr, of; Sam Reinhardt, fr, of-inf; Marissa Rosensteel, fr, of-inf; Kendall Routch, fr, of-inf; Kat Sheehan, so, inf; Anna Springer, fr, of-inf; Chelsea Smith, jr, of-inf; Courteney Storm, fr, of-inf; Amy Trimarco, jr, inf; Taylor Widner, fr, of-inf.
Strengths: "They bring a great, positive attitude to practice and a desire to be the best they can be."
Concerns: "The main concern we have right now is experience, as we only have one senior returning with game experience. So, it's going to take time to gel and gain that experience. But the future looks bright."
Overall outlook: "We bring a competitive spirit to practice every day, and I believe that will carry over to games and allow us to compete in every game."
Assistant coaches: Paul Yakymac, Dave Soellner, Nicole Decker.
HUNTINGDON
Coach: Chris Patrick, seventh year
Career record: 17-76
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 3-14
Returning starters: Casey Baird, jr, 1b; Emily Bilger, sr, 3b; Brionna Mort, so, c; Sarah Snare, sr, p; Alexyss Spencer, jr, ss; Toni Strait, jr, cf; Atalie Yingling, jr, lf.
Other returnees: Kiley Dubbs, so, p-of; Cassandra Gutshall, so, 1b; Katie Laird, so, of-2b; Joy Oakman, sr, of; Jen Powell, sr, 1b-of; Cheyanne Snyder, so, 3b-1b Destiny Walters, sr, of; Leah Wilson, jr, of.
Newcomers: Jenna Conner, fr, 3b-of; Morgan Glover, fr, p-3b; Shannon Henney, fr, 2b-c; Ashley Irving, fr, c; Ashlen Johnston, so, 1b-of; Katie Kurtz, fr, 2b-of; Ashley Laird, fr, ss-of; Samantha Mansberger, fr, of-c; Kelsay McMullen, fr, 2b; Kadeja Nix, jr, of; Emily Roher, fr, 2b-of; Kyra Shea, fr, ss-of; Natanya Shingler, fr, c; Courtney Thompson, jr, of.
Strengths: "We have some nice experience returning in our lineup. We should be pretty solid, both offensively and defensively."
Concerns: "Strength of schedule, lack of varsity depth - particularly in the pitching department. We have to avoid injuries at least until our underclassmen are ready for the varsity level."
Overall outlook: "Our key will be pitching consistency. If our pitchers keep us in games, we have the potential to do well. We have to make that potential translate from looking good on paper to playing well on the field each and every day. Our first goal is making districts. When we get there, we'll set new ones."
Assistant coaches: Nick Payne, Terry Shope, Toby Mitchell, Katie Keating, Lizzie French.
JUNIATA VALLEY
Coach: Tony Payne, second year
Career record: 15-7
League: ICC North Division
Last year's record: 15-7
Returning starters: Heather Carper, jr, p; Desiree Endres, sr, of-p; Cecilia Grugan, jr, 2b; Taylor Walker, jr, c; Abby Zinobile, so, of-p.
Other returnees: Morgan Ayers, jr, of; Bryana Beam, so, of; Kimi Houck, sr, of; Nikki Long, so, of; Olivia Stewart, so, inf; Kaydee Trish, so, inf-of; Scarlett Vogle, so, inf-of.
Newcomers: Katherine Allison, fr, of; Kerrigan Ammerman, fr, ss; Taylor Cooper, fr, of; Orchid Downs, fr, of; Amanda Eaken, fr, inf-of; Tara Glenny, fr, inf-of; Jena Hampton, fr, inf-of; Michaelann Hite, fr, of; Mandy Hutchison, fr, inf-of.
Strengths: "Pitching and hitting."
Concerns: "Rebuilding the infield and backup pitching."
Overall outlook: "Looking the make the district playoffs and make a run in districts. We'll have a young team, but should prove to have benefits in the future."
Assistant coaches: Jim Rivello, Rachelle Hopsicker
MOSHANNON VALLEY
Coach: John Murarik, fourth year
Career record: 27-32
League: ICC North, Moshannon Valley League
Last year's record: 6-14
Returning starters: Chelsea Domanick, so, 3b; Kristen Gallagher, jr, p-c; Mikayla Lewis, so, of; Kristen O'Donnell, jr, of
Other returnees: Tayia Swoope, so, 1b-c; Kelsey Walshell, jr, inf-of.
Newcomers: Lucy Baker, fr; Olivia Cutler, fr; Katie Davis, jr; Kacie Gallo, jr; Laura Harris, fr; Sara Harris, sr; Brandee Keith, fr; Carly Kitko, fr; Kelsey Kitko, fr; Mackenzie Kitko, fr; Cayenne Lantz, so; Lauren O'Donnell, fr; Miranda Pinto, fr; Justine Sherkel, fr; Jessica Smith, fr; Katelin Thompson, sr.
Strengths: "Team speed."
Concerns: "Overall team experience."
Overall outlook: "We look to improve on last season's record."
Assistant coaches: John Gallagher, Brandon Murarik, Dave Stodart, Taylor Murarik.
NORTHERN BEDFORD
Coach: Christa L. Moyer, third year
Career record: 14-23
League: Sideling Hill, ICC
Last year's record: 11-8
Returning starters: Michelle Browell, jr; Sierra Chesney, jr; Clarice Fluke, jr; Chelsea Grace, jr; Megan Guyer, jr; Allison Lingenfelter, jr; Ann Steele, sr.
Other returnees: Harley Bruening, jr; Kieren Ott, jr; Sara Rouser, jr; Chelsea Rupp, jr.
Newcomers: Randi Airhart, so; Amanda Dennis, so; Morgan Eshelman, so; Lindsay Hale, sr; Chelsea Kimberling, jr; Tara McMillen, jr; Kaytee Potter, so; Felicia Risbon, sr.
Strengths: "They got a taste of the playoffs last year and have a strong desire to make it further this season."
Concerns: "Our girls are often stubborn in nature and will try to play with injuries and other health issues."
Overall outlook: "At our first official practice, the girls set goals to pick up where we left off last season and continue to keep striving from there for excellence."
Assistant coaches: Mike Brode, Randy Vasas, Darryl Barton.
NORTHERN CAMBRIA
Coach: Paul Artley, 17th year
Career record: 248-82
League: Heritage Conference
Last year's record: 14-6
Returning starters: Lauren Ashurst, sr, of; Becky Britton, jr, c; Giana Butterworth, so, 3b; Ashley Kanouff, sr, of; Samantha Kollar, jr, 2b; Shawna Serafin, sr, 1b.
Other returnees: Jessica Barrett, jr, of; Miriah Butterworth, sr, p; Alexa Frontino, sr, of; Amy Lieb, jr, of-2b; Ann Lieb, jr, 1b-2b; Carina Perrone, so, of; Lauren Prasko, so, of-c; Breanna Sabella, so, p; Kelley Sedlock, sr, p.
Newcomers: Paige Benton, fr, 3b-ss; Ashley Buterbaugh, so, of; Ashley Farabaugh, fr, 1b; Kelsey Hager, fr, of; Tiffany Hollingsworth, fr, of; Jenna Lecorchick, so, ss; Kelly Lieb, fr, 2b-of; Bryanna McDermott, fr, of-3b; Nessa Myers, fr, p; Abryanna Neff, fr, of; Samantha Toney, jr, 3b; Alyssa Walters, fr, c; Paige Welland, fr, of.
Strengths: "Infield and outfield should be strong with six starters returning."
Concerns: "One of our three varsity pitchers will have to step up. The shortstop will be inexperienced."
Overall outlook: "If our pitchers can come through, we should be very good."
Assistant coaches: Denny Marshall, Bob Sabella, Wayne Farabaugh, Bob Butterworth.
PENN CAMBRIA
Coach: John Casale, fourth year
Career record: 15-33
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 8-9
Returning starters: Taylor Freeman, so, of; Kate Reese, sr, p; Emily Roberts, so, 2b; Brianna Toth, sr, c.
Other returnees: Allison Kleman, so, of-1b; Sarah Roberts, so, 3b; Crystal Smith, so, of.
Newcomers: Sarah Hurley, fr, of; Kristen Krumenaker, so, of; Melanie Livingston, fr, 2b; Mackenzie McIntosh, fr, of; Holly Patterson, so, of; Alli Reese, fr, ss; Candice Smith, jr, dp; Kelly Yusko, fr, 1b-p.
Strengths: "Strong pitching, catching and team chemistry. We have a very dedicated team."
Concerns: "Keeping the younger players from being overwhelmed, consistent hitting throughout the lineup, the ability to score runs."
Overall outlook: "We are looking to improve on last year's record and have more success in the playoffs. I believe these are goals that can be achieved, despite our overall lack of experience."
Assistant coaches: Jim Perracchino, Barb Trybus.
PHILIPSBURG-OSCEOLA
Coach: Jim Gonder, 28th year
Career record: 489-121
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 25-2
Returning starters: Amanda Arnold, sr, 1b; Kate Burge, so, 3b; Macy Harpster, sr, cf; Kelci Knepp, sr, dp; Chelsea Rex, sr, p; Mackenzie Wilson, sr, ss.
Other returnees: Chelsea Brown, so, of; Jessie Burns, so, inf; Katie Carpin, jr, of; Carly Gonder, so, c; Aisha Goss, so, of; Abby Hayward, so, of; Taylor Keith, so, of; Lindsey Knepp, so, p; Jordyn Miller, so, 1b-of; McKayla Myers, so, 2b; Kayla Wisor, jr, of.
Newcomers: Emily Bush-Clark, fr, inf; Drew Costenbader, jr, inf; Hannah Franchock, fr, of; Haley Frank, fr, p-inf; Katie Meersand, fr, of; Brandi Miller, fr, of; Taylor Olenick, fr, c; Kylie Scovern, fr, inf-of; Rene Williams, fr, inf.
Strengths: "The Lady Mounties return a strong core of players that made it to the Class AA state championship game last June. Senior pitcher Chelsea Rex will return to the circle and figures to lead a team that has a mix of seasoned seniors and talented and experienced underclassmen."
Concerns: "We will have to find additional offensive support after graduating four outstanding players from last year's squad - right fielder Morgan Coble, pitcher/third baseman Kelsey Gonder, catcher Taylor Harpster and second baseman Chasity Myers."
Overall outlook: "With strong pitching and defense, if we can find some offensive suport, the outlook is optimistic. We'll be looking to improve as a team offensively and defensively in the early part of the season and hope to be playing our best softball at the end of May."
Assistant coaches: Mike Harper, Dave Brown, Steve Shedlock, Mike Ammerman, Doug Myers, Jerry Watson, Brian Wood, Joe Shedlock, Heather Sagaities, Steve Frank.
PORTAGE
Coach: Bryan Jubina, first year
Career record: 0-0
League: WestPAC
Last year's record: 13-7
Returning starters: Kaitlyn Dividock, jr, 2b; Ashleigh Kissell, sr, c; Alyssa Madigan, jr, ss; Ashley McCabe, sr, 1b; Emily McCabe, so, p, Tiffany Sossong, sr, 3b.
Other returnees: Jordan Forst, so, of.
Newcomers: Erica Bocco, so, of; Courtney Cadwallader, fr, of; Lindsay Fox, jr, of; Tina Gallo, fr, 1b; Rebecca Gorba, fr, of-p; Haley Heidler, fr, of-p; Courtney Jubina, fr, c; Kaitlyn Jubina, fr, of; Kayla Thrower, fr, of.
Strengths: "Our pitcher and catcher are pretty solid, and the infield is pretty experienced."
Concerns: "The outfield. We're looking at maybe three freshmen playing the outfield."
Overall outlook: "I feel that we're going to be good. I think we have the potential. If all comes together, we'll see,"
Assistant coaches: Bernie Gorba, Brian Randall, Breane McCabe.
TUSSEY MOUNTAIN
Coach: Rick Reed, third year
Career record: 16-32
League: ICC, Sideling Hill League
Last year's record: 8-13
Returning starters: Sam Buhrman, jr, inf; Jess Drenning, so, of; Kristen Foor, sr, of; Joelle Kaminsky, so, of; Morgan Lemin, jr, c; Cindy McCormick, sr, of; Kelsey McCue, jr, p; Madison Ramsey, so, inf; Erika Swope, jr, inf
Other returnees: Erin Curfman, so, inf; Carrie Myers, jr, inf; Whitney Watkins, so, of.
Newcomers: Adrian Altobelli, jr, of; Jerri Carson, so, inf; Tinesha Curfman, fr, inf; Jamie Houser, so, inf; Alyssa Zelanko, fr, inf-of.
Strengths: "Pitching."
Concerns: "Hitting and fielding."
Overall outlook: "To be competitive in our league."
Assistant coaches: Lindsey Smith, Gene Neville.
TYRONE
Coach: John Hammond, third year
Career record: 0-31
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 0-17
Returning starters: Kristin Bonsell, so, 2b-of; Alex Brooks, so, ss-of; Mikayla Fisher, so, c; Kelly Moore, jr, 2b-of.
Other returnees: Candace Ellenberg, so, of; Jordan Henderson, so, 1b;
Newcomers: Tessa Corle, so, p-3b; Amber Friday, so, inf; Liz Hill, so, c; Lucy Raftery, fr, c; Keturah Weaver, so, of.
Strengths: "These kids are working hard to become one. Great work ethic so far."
Concerns: "We are young. We will start at least seven sophomores. Pitching and catching, and academics. JV team is iffy also."
Overall outlook: "We are looking to be competitive every game. Our pitching needs to come around for us to stay in games."
Assistant coaches: Jim Cushion, Todd Emigh, Bruce Tepsic, Harry Gearhart, Paul Bonsell, Dave Hills, Kristin Reese, Jenn Wiser, Stanley Allen, Jeff McNelis.
WILLIAMSBURG
Coach: Lucy Miller, first year
Career record: 0-0
League: Inter-County Conference
Last year's record: 3-14
Returning starters: Breanne Barronner, sr, of-inf; Casey Detwiler, jr, inf; Cassondra Kensinger, so, inf; Alyssa Miller, sr, c; Tori Murtiff, jr, p; Emily Shaw, so, inf; Amber Smith, sr, of.
Other returnees: Julia Faust, jr; Megan Grove, jr; Hailey McCall, so; Andrew McKnight, jr; Natia Repine, so; Kara Stayduhar, so.
Newcomers: Alyssa Detwiler, fr; Katie Kennedy, fr; Paige Pearson, fr; Haley Rhule, fr; Tiffany Reed, jr.
Strengths: "Key returning starters, experienced pitcher, talented group of freshmen, depth coming off the bench. We should be solid defensively."
Concerns: "Limited depth at the pitcher and catcher positions. Not as strong offensively."
Overall outlook: "We're very excited and enthusiastic about this season. We have a talented group of girls that are eager to get the season started."
Assistant coaches: Lisa Miller-Learner, Lacy Goad.
