PREP SOFTBALL Area teams at a glance

GROVE CITY
Coach: Sue Greaves, second season, 14-6.2005 record: 14-6.Players lost to graduation: P Krista Chiappini.Returning letterwinners: SS Steph Blakley, junior; 3B Maggie Orr, sophomore; 2B Jessica Hodges, senior; CF Kari Barnes, junior; RF Kait Moretti, senior; C Tara Walmsley, junior, first-team region.Promising newcomers: P Chelsea Filer.Team's outlook: Greaves says the team's strengths are pitching and defense while offensive power will be a weakness.
SHARON
Coach: Jen Santillo, second season, 12-9.2005 record: 12-9.Players lost to graduation: 1B Liz Leary, first team MCAC; Alison Pavietta; Stacy Schell.Returning letterwinners: P Markee Juranovich, second team MCAC; CF Aryn Christman, second team MCAC; C Connie Whalen, junior; RF Gabby Rahn, junior; INF Ellen Anderson, sophomore; INF Alex Miller, junior; 1B Julie Norris, sophomore.Promising newcomers: C/OF Sam Valley, freshman; SS Brittany Pope; 3B Heather Barlington, senior; 2B Ashley Bvchsenschutz, freshman.Team's outlook: Santillo says her Tigers "are a very fast team and will keep defenses on their toes. Last year, we had a play-in game to go to the playoffs and lost, so our goal is to officially make the playoffs."
UNION
League: WPIAL (PIAA District 7, Class A).Coach: Gary Trimble, second season, 16-6.2005 record: 15-6, 9-1.Players lost to graduation: None.Returning letterwinners: SS Brittany Lasky, junior, .420 batting average. 508 on-base percentage, 21 runs scored, 16 stolen bases, first team all-section; 3B Khyana Fitzpatrick, senior, .408, 20 RBIs, 15 runs, 10 stolen bases, first team all-section; P Michele Johnston, junior, 11-4, 155 strikeouts, .178 on-base average against, first team all section, .333 batting average, 17 RBIs; C Leah Trimble, sophomore; 2B Kristen Koszela, sophomore; CF April Griffith, sophomore; 1B Kaleigh Huff, junior; OF/P Ashley Barler, sophomore; CF Lindsay Quinn, junior; OF Alicia Mavey, junior; IF Ashley Baker, junior; OF Cassie Forletta, sophomore.Promising newcomers: OF/C Lacy Brogan, junior.Team's outlook: Gary Trimble says the team's strengths are pitching, speed and a strong batting lineup. His concerns are the health of his top pitcher and playing consistent defense.League outlook: Trimble expects Monaca and Union to challenge for first place, with Shenango and Rochester following.
Includes information from coaches who responded to preseason questionnaires.