Sunday, March 30, 2014
Division I
AUSTINTOWN FITCH Falcons
Coach: Melody Ward, 10th season (115-120).
2013 record: 20-9 (regional semifinalist).
Projected starters: Cali Mikovich (Sr.), AJ Corradi (Sr.), Gabby Butcher (Sr.), Jessica Walsh (Sr.), Alex Coe (Sr.), Chelsea Raymer (Sr.), Nicholette Zordich (3B-Jr.), Alex Franken (P-So.).
Other contributors: Christina Savo (LF-So.), Sierra Pierce (P/2B-Fr.).
Outlook: The Falcons return 11 letterwinners from their school-best state tournament showing a season ago. Ward isn’t afraid to praise Pierce’s ability and potential as a freshman either. But Mikovich, according to Ward, is her best. The Vindicator softball player of the year hit .555 last season. The Falcons were invited to play in the Wendy’s Softball Classic in Ashland, one of the top high school tournaments in the country.
East Panthers
Coach: Brooke Gingher, first season.
2013 record: 0-0
Projected starters: Lydalia Torres (1B-Fr.), Jalyssa Stanford (2B-Fr.), La’Breah Hilton (3B/CF-Sr.), Honay Ingram (SS/1B-So.), Keshana Harris (LF-Jr.), Ijhontay Heard (CF/2B-Jr.), Eushera McKinney (RF-Fr.), Olivia Atkinson (P-So.), Precious Boone (C/LF-So.), Estrella Gomez (DH-Fr.).
Other contributors: Karesha Brown (C/2B-Jr.), Savannah Sockwell (RF-Jr.), Lanyziah Johnson (RF/2B-So.).
Outlook: East returns to the softball field after a two-year absence, so obviously experience will be lacking. They will have one senior, La’Breah Hilton, and four juniors on the roster, but baby steps will have to be the mindset for this Panthers team.
Howland Tigers
Coach: Brian Earich, first season returning (eighth overall, 106-69).
2013 record: 14-11 (6-4 AAC American).
Projected starters: Olga Grech (3B-Sr.), Emily Price (SS-Sr.), Hannah Burke (P-Jr.), Morgan Remsey (LF-Jr.), Lexi Ross (CF-Jr.), Monica Kotyuk (C-Jr.).
Other contributors: Hannah Kowach (1B-So.), Victoria Rappach (2B-So.), Haley Mink (RF-So.).
Outlook: Price is one of the area’s better all-around players and the Tigers will need her experience and guidance. Rappach is also one to keep an eye on as she’ll soon stand out as a top hitter in the conference. She led a Howland upset of Canfield a year ago.
Warren Harding Raiders
Coach: Bruce Whetzel, fifth season (61-42).
2013 record: 23-6 (14-0)
Projected starters: N/A
Other contributors: Rai’Ale Chatmon (C/SS-Sr.), Ru’ Kia Allen (OF/3B-Sr.), Shelby Crist (C/SS-Sr.), Chelsea Dipolo (1B-Jr.), Alexis Stano (P/OF-Jr.), Taylor Long (P/OF-So.).
Outlook: It appears as if Warren Harding will be without some of its key players due to injury, meaning the younger players are going to be relied upon early in the season. Going unbeaten in conference play again this season will be a tough task.
Division II
Canfield Cardinals
Coach: Ray Melewski, third season (38-16).
2013 record: 19-8 (9-1, AAC Champions, district champions)
Projected starters: Darby Cockrell (1B-Jr.), Megan Kulisek (P-Jr.), Karina Kennedy (3B-Jr.), Amelia Manenti C-So.), Kara Rothbauer (OF-Jr.), Rachel Tinkey (SS-Jr.), Lynnae Whitehead (OF-Jr.), Maura Kennedy (2B-Fr.).
Other contributors: Carly Ttrefethern (2B-Jr.), Caroline Griswold (1B-Fr.).
Outlook: Canfield returns three lettermen, Rachel Tinkey, Amelia Manenti, and Kara Rothbauer, from last year’s district championship team. Tinkey, who was named all-state honorable mention, is a leader of a junior-heavy bunch for the Cardinals.
Jefferson Falcons
Coach: Don McCormack, second season (21-6).
2013 record: 21-6 (9-1, AAC champions).
Projected starters: Deanna Comp (SS-Jr.), Emily Smock (2B-So.), McKenzie Wilber (P/Utl.-Jr.), Alyssa Irons (P/Utl.-So.), Bailey Beckwith (P/1B-Jr.), Sam Hamski (C/OF-So.), Kaycee Fusco (C/3B-So.).
Other contributors: Tayler Johnston (OF/3B-Sr.), Raquel Fularz (OF-Jr.), Shawna Dull (C/OF-So.), Natalie Hamski (OF-So.), Emily Sukalac (IF/OF-So.), Carley Truckey (OF/1B-So.), Nicole Hamski (OF-2B-Fr.).
Outlook: Second-year coach Don McCormack has to be pleased with what he returns this season from a conference championship team. The Falcons have seven starters back, including all three pitchers, despite having just one senior.
Lakeview Bulldogs
Coach: Vicki Lawrence.
2013 record: 12-8 (4-4 AAC National).
Projected starters: Taylor Waid (P-Sr.), Samantha Marino (C-Fr.), Lauren Casasso (1B-Sr.), Brooke Waid (2B-So.), Kylee Mann (3B-Fr.), Laura Innocenti (SS/1B-Sr.).
Other contributors: Caitlin McDivitt (LF-Sr.), hannah Petrosky (CF-Sr.).
Outlook: Waid is one of the area’s best pitchers, evidenced by her nine-strikeout performance against Poland and shutout of Ursuline last season. “Pitching is always a big factor in softball and I am excited to have Taylor Waid on the mound for us,” Lawrence said.
NILES RED DRAGONS
Coach: Ugo Scarnecchia.
2013 record: 2-20.
Projected starters: Bera Brazzon (OF-Sr.), Alexis Petrich (OF-Jr.), Haliey Fredrick (OF-Jr.), Hannah Wharton (P-So.).
Other contributors: Ashley Wood (C-So.), Braley Hale (1B-Jr.), Marisa Gardner (2B-Jr.), Dana Hughes (SS-Sr.).
Outlook: Scarnecchia says the key to the season is a young pitching staff and until it comes through, their strength at the plate will have to make an impact.
Poland Bulldogs
Coach: Matt Campbell, second season.
2013 record: 22-8 (7-3 AAC American).
Projected starters: Phoebe Bush (C/OF-Sr.), Taylor Miokovic (P/1B-Sr.), Ally Deemer (P/3B-Jr.), Amanda Kabetso (OF-Jr.), Kathryn Wilson (SS/2B-So.).
Other contributors: Bridget Bobby (1B/OF-Sr.), Dani Rutana (OF-Jr.), Brielle Nocera (2B/SS-Jr.).
Outlook: The Bulldogs return five letterwinners from last season. Miokovic, Deemer and Svetlak will be their trio of pitchers and they will need to be up to the task as soon as opening day hits. Poland plays a daunting schedule against the likes of Hathaway Brown, Sylvania Northview and Hudson before a spring break trip to Knoxville, Tenn.
Struthers Wildcats
Coach: Samantha Ditman, second season (6-16).
2013 record: 6-16.
Projected starters: Preshus Brown SS/3B-Jr.), Samantha Novits (3B/SS/OF-Jr.), Dana Wilkos (P/1B/3B-Jr.).
Other contributors: Alexa Bayus (P/1B-Sr.), Kaitlin Fuschillo (OF/C-So.), Brianna Leonard (OF/2B/P-Fr.).
Outlook: The Wildcats graduated eight seniors last season. “It’s almost a fresh start,” Ditman said. Novits hit .500 a year ago and Brown hit .400.
West Branch Warriors
Coach: Jennifer Woods, 28th season (318-356 overall).
2013 record: 22-6 (10-4, second in conference).
Projected starters: Allie Garrett (LF-Sr.), Kaylie Lewis (P/OF-Sr.), Bailey McElwain (CF-Sr.), Catie Metzgar (P-Sr.), Cheyenne Miller (C-Sr.), Jessica Richards (1B-Sr.), Jeni Stewart (SS-Jr.), Sarah Weber (P/RF-Jr.).
Other contributors: Ali Benedetti (PR-So.), Dani Lough (Utl.-So.), Kylee Manning (Utl.-So.).
Outlook: Senior catcher Cheyenne Miller earned first team all-state, while center fielder Bailey McElwain was second team all-state for West Branch. They return, along with five other starters, to pack a heavy punch for the Warriors this season.
Division III
Brookfield Warriors
Coach: Ken Forsythe, second season (13-10).
2013 record: 13-10, Independent.
Projected starters: Alisha Quinlan (P-So.), Hayley Hogue (C-Sr.), Destiny May (1B-Jr.), Lauren Hawley (SS-Sr.).
Other contributors: Danielle DiCristafaro (2B-Sr.), KenYana Ashley (3B-So.), Katie McMullin (LF-Sr.), Ciara Rotunno (CF-Jr.), Jenna Clark (RF-Sr.), Michaela Gauding (C/DH-So.).
Outlook: Brookfield’s one-two punch of Destiny May and Lauren Hawley, who each hit over .500 with 20-plus hits and 10 stolen bases, provide most of the offense for the Warriors. They’re led on the mound by sophomore Alisha Quinlan, who had a 2.51 ERA with 53 strikeouts last season.
Cardinal Mooney Cardinals
Coach: Mark Rinehart, 23rd season (340-180).
2013 record: 8-12.
Projected starters: Tiffany Komara (P-Sr.), Sydney Brown (OF-Sr.), Kayla Lanzo (OF/C/INF-Sr.), Nicolette Filo (OF-Sr.), Melinda Toth (OF-Sr.), Brittany Hendricks (OF-Jr.).
Other contributors: Julie Cook (1B-So.), Jami DiFabio (SS-So.), Sydney Kocher (3B-So.).
Outlook: Rinehart says the combination of youth and talent will present strengths and weaknesses. He says seven underclassmen will see extensive time.
Champion Flashes
Coach: Cheryl Weaver, 14th season (273-83).
2013 record: 15-11-2 (7-3).
Projected starters: Page Davenport (OF-Sr.), Brittany Allen (3B-Jr.), Haylee Gardiner (P-Jr.), Carissa Hurst (2B/C-So.), Amber Ricci (1B-So.).
Other contributors: Mckenzie Zigmont (P/OF-Fr.), Molly Williams (C/SS-Fr.).
Outlook: Aside from the five returning starters, Champion will have six freshman fill out its roster. Junior pitcher Haylee Gardiner boasted a 1.94 ERA and hit .315 at the plate last season.
Grand Valley Mustangs
Coach: Beth Hooser, sixth season (30-60).
2013 record: 4-12
Projected starters: Katie Paskey (P-Sr.), Chris Futty (3B-Sr.), Abby Paskey (SS-Jr), Katie Futty (1B-Jr.), Alaina Brothag (2B-Jr.), Jessica Finley (CF-So.), Amber Sieracki (RF-So.).
LaBrae Vikings
Coach: Demetra Noble, third season (28-34).
2013 record: 18-9 (7-3)
Projected starters: Morgan Meyer (2B/3B-Fr.), Danielle Miracle (CF-Sr.), Emily Dugan (P/3B-Jr.), Brooklynn Weber (OF-Sr.), Kasey Rininger (C/2B/SS-So.), Lauren Rutherford (1B/OF-So.), Somer McCoy (2B/SS-Sr.), Skyler Gilanyi (P/3B-So.), Haley Davies (OF-So.), Amber Davidson (OF-Sr.).
Other contributors: Mariah Wilson (2B-Sr.), Carly Jones (1B-Sr.), Paige Losey (P/C-Sr.), Victoriea Woodyard (1B/DH-Sr.).
Outlook: Senior Somer McCoy returns for LaBrae after hitting .407 last season. Pitchers Emily Dugan (1.96 ERA) and Skyler Gilanyi (3.82 ERA) will be called upon often for the Vikings.
MINERAL RIDGE
Coach: Bill Croft, 12th year
2013 record: 12-10
Projected starters: McKenzie Garland (C/IF-Sr.), Darby Kolesar (P-Jr.), Allie Watkins (SS/C-Jr.), Gabrielle Ondik (OF-Jr.), Adrianna Reese (3B-Jr.), Macey Garland (1B-So.), Jaslynn Thomas (OF-So.), Michaela Darden (OF-So.), Kim Schilling (P/OF-So.), Kaitlin Christy (OF-Fr.), Leigha Cameron (2B-Fr.).
Outlook: The good news is, the Rams have good pitching, a strong catcher and good infield chemistry. The bad news is they only have 11 players and a young outfield.
Newton Falls Tigers
Coach: Bill Pelyak, third season (34-11).
2013 record: 17-6 (8-4)
Projected starters: Alexis Novotny (OF-Sr.), Cammie Cochran (OF-So.), Brooklyn Bungard (OF-Jr.), Madison Spahlinger (3B-Jr.), Hallie Stamm (SS-Fr.), Kate Wainwright (P/2B-So.), Jenna Ballas (P/1B-So.), Sadie Sutton (2B-Jr.), Natalie Georgalis (1B-So.), Rhonda Rothacker (C-So.).
Other contributors: Megan Wilson (C/2B-So.).
Outlook: A young team on paper, Newton Falls will start the season with six underclassmen in the lineup. The Tigers lost the school’s all-time leader in strikeouts, Bailey Shade, and all-league catcher, Abbie Harrah, so replacing those two will be crucial to their success.
Springfield Tigers
Coach: Taylor McMullin, second season (13-10).
2013 record: 13-10 (9-5 ITCL Tier One).
Projected starters: Charley Troggio (C-Sr.), Baylee Felger (LF-Sr.), Julia Denmeade (1B-Sr.), Emily Stacy (CF-Jr.), Bailey Lowery (C/OF-Jr/).
Other contributors: Shelby Sandrock (2B-Jr.), Taylor Johnston (P/3B-Jr.), Nikki Boro (P/SS-Fr.).
Outlook: Troggio, Felger and Denmeade lead a relatively young team that should be competitive in the conference once again.
Ursuline Irish
Coach: Michael Kernan, 13th season.
2013 record: 20-10 (district champions).
Projected starters: Macey Gunther (IF/OF-Sr.), Anny Carroll (2B-Sr.), McKenzie Stimpert (P/C/SS-Sr.), Dana Creatore (C-Sr.), Makayla Shore (P-Jr.), Stephanie Ohalek (IF/OF-Jr.), Christina Xenakis (OF-Jr.), Megan Ross (OF/IF-So.).
Other contributors: Zoie Amatore (OF-So.), Janessa Rich (IF/OF-So.), Paige Guerrieri (P/OF-So.).
Outlook: It never hurts to return eight starters from a district championship team, which is exactly the position Ursuline finds itself in this season. The four seniors on the roster are all three-year starters, including Macey Gunther who’s a three-time all-district selection and is a Wright State commit.
Division IV
Bristol Panthers
Coach: Debbie Rowles, 13th season.
2013 record: 18-3 (16-2)
Projected starters: Lindsey Elza (CF-Sr.), Lauren Elza (SS-Sr.), Lauren Slusher (3B-Jr.), Kylie Stoneman (C-Jr.), Ashlynn Slusher (P-So.), Kaylie Rowland (2B-Fr.), Autumn Miller (RF-Fr.), Hailee Elza (LF-Fr.), Kayla Adams (1B-Fr.).
Other contributors: Christina Wolin (Utl.-Jr.), Stephanie Hulicic (Utl.-So.).
Outlook: Bristol returns five starters from last season’s impressive squad and also welcome four freshman, who are expected to have an immediate impact.
Jackson-Milton bluejays
Coach: Kelly Snowden, 17th season.
2013 record: 22-9 (ITCL Tier One second place, district champions).
Projected starters: Gina Catone (OF), Becca Jones (OF), Beth Ritchie (INF), Taylor Tharp (INF), Gabby Tharp (INF), Madison Tomaino (INF).
Other contributors: Michaela Delaney (OF-Jr.), Kori Edwards (UTL-Jr.).
Outlook: “Our key to a successful season will follow the strength of our defense,” said Snowden, who has guided the Bluejays to two straight district titles. Snowden also says they have six starters back from those teams and eight who contributed. Will they get over that regional hump this time around?
LEETONIA BEARS
Coach: Lori Deem, first season.
2013 record: N/A.
Projected starters: Emily Hupp (C-Fr.), Kristy Eckman (P-Fr.), Alyssa Harris (1B-Sr.), Kobey Simpson (2B-So.), Alexa Bruderly (3B-Sr.), Emily Schneider (SS-Sr.), Delaney Mellinger (LF-Fr.), Caitlin Lewis (CF-Fr.), Taylor Bean (RF-Fr.).
Other contributors: Lauren Louk (OF-Sr.), Baylee Yeagley (3B-Jr.), Nicole Danko (OF-Jr.).
Outlook: Deem’s first Leetonia squad has a core group of seniors that will be replied upon heavily. They did win a sectional game last season before falling to Western Reserve.
Maplewood Rockets
Coach: Robin Rae, seventh season (82-67).
2013 record: 15-8 (14-4 Northeastern Athletic Conference).
Projected starters: Brooke Dawson (P-Sr.), Taylor Lewis (INF-Jr.), Courtney Peters (INF-Jr.), Ryley Urchek (INF-Jr.), Miranda Wood (OF-Jr.), Danielle Elwood (C/OF-Jr.).
Other contributors: Kassandra Scott (C/INF-So.), Rayelle Kenney (INF/OF- So.), Josie Campbell (INF/OF-Fr.).
Outlook: Dawson is a three-sport standout (volleyball and basketball), but the Rockets will need her pitching this spring above all for success. She is the one senior on a young, but talented team. They will be after Mathews and Bristol for league title hopes.
Mathews Mustangs
Coach: Jim Nicula, third season (50-13).
2013 season: 24-7 (17-1)
Projected starters: Maddi Grimes (1B-Sr.), Amanda Johnson (DH-Sr.), Paula Sponsler (CF-Jr.), Jenna Siefert (C-Jr.), Karli Romesberg (2B-Jr.), Maddie Williams (SS-Jr.), Cheyenne Eggens (3B-Jr.), Meredith Grimes (RF-So.), Lenna Hoff (LF-So.), Kaitlyn Menci (Utl.-So.).
Other contributors: Nicole Watts (P/Utl.-Fr.).
Outlook: The two-time defending Northeastern Athletic Conference champions, Mathews has qualified for the regional tournament in four consecutive years. If they want to make that five, the Mustangs will need more of the same from pitcher Cheyenne Eggens. They’re also excited about freshman Nicole Watts and what she can provide the team on the mound.
southern indians
Coach: Eric Sampson, fifth season (27-60).
2013 record: N/A
Projected starters: Kayla Huff (P-Sr.), Casey Howdershelt (C-Sr.), Hailee Polen (1B-So.), Tesa Calvin (2B-Sr.), Alexis Marshall (3B-Jr.).
Other contributors: Alysia Canterbury (SS-Jr.), Brooke Spence (CF-So.).
Outlook: Sampson is back as the Indians’ coach after taking two years off. If nothing else, his team has depth with 18 players ready to contribute. They are learning a brand new system, he says.
Western Reserve Blue Devils
Coach: Joe Serensky, 10th season (160-54 overall).
2013 record: 18-4 (13-1)
Projected starters: Alexis Lude (C/IF-Sr.), Marley Oles (C/IF-Sr.), Gabby Stubbs (OF-Sr.), Tory White (OF-Jr.), Jenny Stubbs (IF-So.), Sydney Miller (OF-So.), Maddie Kreitzburg (P/IF-So), Aleah Hughes (P/IF-Jr), Abby Hemphill (IF/OF-Jr.).
Other contributors: Alexis Miller (IF/OF-So.), Maia Cormell (IF-So.).
Outlook: Joe Serensky returns to the dugout for Western Reserve for the first time since 2009 and he’ll have plenty of talent at his disposal. Marley Oles, and Gabby and Jenny Stubbs were named first-team All-ITCL and first-team All-District last season and look to continue their success for the Blue Devils.
Windham Bombers
Coach: Elliot Thompson, second season (20-7).
2013 record: 20-7 (13-1).
Projected starters: Britney Collins (Sr.), Jordan Burns (Sr.), Savannah Rutherford (Sr.), Madi Kilgore (Jr.), Karsyn Mullen (Jr.), Jessica Isler (Jr.), Paige Frazee (Jr.).
Other contributors: Samantha Dean (So.), Brittany Knight (So.), Taylor Gump (So.).
Note: Previews include schools that returned preseason questionnaires.