AAC softball preview

CANFIELD

Coach: Ray Melewski, first year.

2011 record: N/A.

Returning Letterwinners: Laura Beck (SR.), Sarah Vrable (SR.), Gina Mancini (SR.), Kaci Hyde (JR.), Abbey Baker (JR.), Kayley Keller (JR.), Sydney Opladen (JR.), Alexa Schmidt (JR.), Ali Prologo (SO.), Elizabeth Raber (SO.).

Other contributors: Kara Rothbauer (FR.), Rachel Tinkey (FR.).

Outlook: Melewski says the team should be well-balanced.

HOWLAND

Coach: Bill Amero, 16th year.

2011 record: 17-9.

Returning Letterwinners: Christina Brindley (SR.), Olivia Nicholas (SR.), Tori McCormick (SR.), Erika Nites (SR.), Kristen Vardavas (SR.), Katie Barnes (JR.), Mackenzie Blessing (JR.), Emily Price (SO.), Julia Sheffield (SO.).

Other contributors: Olga Gretch (3B-OF-SO.), Hannah Burke (P-FR.), Monica Kotuk (C-OF-FR.).

Outlook: Nine returning lettermen will pride themselves on defense, while a freshman (Hannah Burke) handles the pitching.

NEWTON FALLS

Coach: Bill Pelyak, first year.

2011 record: N/A.

Returning Letterwinners: Bailey Shade (P-JR.), Abbie Hannah (C-JR.), Jessica Benetis 1B-JR.), Tori Workman (2B-OF-JR.), Emmalee Antill (SS-OF-SO.), Lauren Henderson (OF-JR.), Alexis Novotny (2B-OF-SO.), Shannon Moran (1B-OF-SO.).

Other contributors: Brooklyn Bunguard (OF-FR.), Madison Spahlinger (3B-P-FR.), Alexis Jones (P-2B-OF-FR.).

Outlook: Strength is pitching and the Tigers are solid behind the plate. They lack experience with just one senior

STRUTHERS

Coach: Robert Zanni, second year.

2011 record: 11-13 .

Returning Letterwinners: Rachel Affagato (P-OF-SR.), Samantha Basista (IF-SR.), Hannah Dubec (P-1B-SR.), Christina Ford (IF-OF-SR.), Katie Jordan (OF-SR.), Nicole Carano (C-JR.), Anastasia Cardarelli (IF-JR.), Celeste Cavanaugh (C-JR.), Jessica Ditman (OF-1B-JR.), Katie Gue (P-JR.), Ashley Hefferon (OF-JR.), Alexa Bayus (P-IB-SO.), Suzeta Rosen (IF-SO.), Sara Sajnovsky (IF-SO.).

Other contributors: Kelsey Agnone (C-IF-FR.), Samantha Novits (IF-FR.), Emily Rosen (C-IF-FR.), Skye Vanek (OF-IF-FR.), Dana Wilkos (P-1b-FR.), Jazmyne Irizarry (OF-JR.), Kara Trella (IF-JR.), Amber Nakely (OF-SO.).

Outlook: The Wildcats return a wealth of experience, solid hitting and defense. Key will be the ability to manufacture runs.

Staff report