SPRING PREVIEW Softball

Teams to watch: Boardman (Div. I), Howland (I), Poland (II), Ursuline (III), Champion (III), Mineral Ridge (IV), Bristol (IV).
Players to watch: Jaclyn Corroto (Boardman, Sr., SS/2B); Ashley DiDomenico (Boardman, Sr., P/3B/SS); Jen Purnell (Fitch, Jr., P); Gina Brunetti (Mooney, Jr., SS); Jenna Vrabel (Ursuline, Sr., 1B); Staci Ziobert (Ursuline, Sr., 2B/SS); Maureen Cearfoss (Ursuline, Jr., P); Nikki Garrett (Canfield, Sr., SS); Barbie Lewis (Howland, Sr., P); Steffi Graf (Poland, Sr., 2B); Shannon McGee (Jackson-Milton, Sr., INF); Kaili Gehring (Mineral Ridge, Jr., P); Katie Olive (Mineral Ridge, Sr., 1B); Jessica Spickler (South Range, Sr., INF); Kelly Hudy (Hubbard, Sr., SS); Jessica Carpenter (Champion, Sr., C); Cara Hardenbrook (Columbiana, Jr., C); Sarah Henry (Bristol, Sr., P).
Notebook: Boardman suffered some key losses, including pitcher Jennifer Pancake (The Vindicator's Performer of the Year in 2003), but should have enough talent to make another run at a state berth. The Spartans' motivation stems from a 2003 loss to Howland in the district title game. They will begin Federal League play for the first time.
In Poland coach Reid Lamport's 14 years of coaching, he has led the Bulldogs to 10 regional appearances. Of those 10 appearances, they've lost to the eventual state champion six times; they also lost in the 2001 state title game. Strong pitching and defense will be the key again for Poland this season as it attempts to keep its Metro Athletic Conference title streak alive. Since 1987, the Bulldogs have won or shared a league title. Howland and Canfield should provide the biggest obstacles for the Bulldogs.
Ursuline has won back-to-back Division III district titles and, with junior pitcher Maureen Cearfoss, will have a good shot at repeating. The Irish lost one starter (catcher Ali Vitello) off last season's team that lost to Jeromesville Hillsdale 1-0 in the regional semifinals. Seven players on the Irish's state basketball championship team also play softball, so coach Michael Kernan's program got off to a slow start in preparation but should build momentum for a tournament run.
With Kaili Gehring's arm and Katie Olive's bat, Mineral Ridge should be a contender in Div. IV with Bristol, which is led by pitcher Sarah Henry.
-- Vindicator staff report