Kingco Conference 4A And 3A Softball Capsules

Bothell Cougars

Coach - Marlie Davis, fourth year. 1997 results - 11-7 league, 17-10 overall, fourth in KingCo Conference Crown Division, Sea-King district champions, Wes-Sea-King bi-district runners-up, 1-2 at Class AAA state tournament. Returning starters - 3B-P Shannon Fritzke, sr.; P-1B-3B Kelly Searight, sr.; P Tracy Dearing, sr.; OF Meghan Jones, sr.; 2B Brooke Whitney, sr.; C Courtney Dugan jr.; C-1B Carrie Marsh, jr. Impact newcomers - SS-OF Aubrey Worthen, so. Outlook - Cougars are favorites thanks to strong pitching staff, the core of which has been together three seasons. Fritzke is only one of four first-team all-league players returning, but second-team picks Dugan and Marsh return, which makes return to state good possibility.

Eastlake Wolves

Coach - George Crowder, fifth year. 1997 results - 8-10 league, 9-10 overall, fifth in Crown Division. Returning starters - 1B Tami Olson, sr.; C Kate Lightner, sr.; 2B Lauren Seyla, jr.; OF Allison Molstad, jr.; OF-IF Vanessa Prangley, jr. Impact newcomers - P-IF Hayley Noble, so.; P-IF Christy Kruse, so.; IF Joelle Muchlinski, so.; OF Alyssa Martin, so.; IF-OF Lacey Johnson, jr. Outlook - Gone are the Wolves' two all-league players - Sarah Hanson and Lindsay Noble - and much of the team's experience. Wolves are fast and should play solid defense, but must replace pitching staff. Picked sixth in league. That's about right.

Franklin Earthquake

Coach - Sharon Gard, fourth year.

1997 results - 3-1 league, 11-8 overall, Metro AAA champions, eliminated in Sea-King district tournament. Returning starters - C Adrienne Leavitt, so.; 1B Coriann McDonald, so.; 2B Dorothy Ng, jr.; SS Crystal Tzeng, so.; OF Katie Diers, jr.; OF Lisa Ciecko, sr.; OF Anna Kleppart, so.; P Sarah Salkin, jr.; P Remi Williamson, jr. Impact newcomers - IF Napsiyah Salayman, so.; IF Adriane Peralta, fr. Outlook - Gard thinks this is the best fastpitch team she's had. Quake will miss Michelle Yarbrough, who walked on at the UW. Will play solid defense, and this team is more experienced than previous teams. Pitching is question, but this should be best of city teams.

Garfield Bulldogs

Coach - Lyle Sheen, fifth year. 1997 results - 1-3 league, 8-9 overall, third in Metro AAA. Returning starters - C Stephanie Gustafson, 5-8, jr.; IF-OF Dana Robbins, 5-7, sr.; IF-OF Lisa Sweeney, 5-9, jr.; IF Megan Beaver, 5-8, jr.; 3B Jennifer Straight, 5-6, jr.; OF Dana Kramme, 5-6, jr. Impact newcomers - SS LaToya Manassa, sr.; IF Megan Brown, 5-8, so. Outlook - Bulldogs return most of their starters from last season, including All-Metro selection Gustafson. Pitching, however, is a concern. Garfield gave up 18 runs in its league opener yesterday.

Inglemoor Vikings

Coach - Jeff Skelly, 13th year. 1997 results - 17-1 league, 26-6 overall, Crown Division champions, Sea-King district runners-up, Wes-Sea-King bi-district champions, fifth at Class AAA state tournament. Returning starters - P Linsi Moy, sr.; CF Alicia Porterfield, sr.; 3B-SS Regan Riley, sr.; 1B Malia Akana, sr.; C Tara Dolin, sr.; SS Lindsey Pugh, jr.; 2B Mary Hathoway, jr. Impact newcomers - RF Melissa Smiley, jr.; C Kirsten L'Heareux, so.; LF Katie Smith, so.; 2B Brenda Paro, jr.; RF Jenelle Sutello, so. Outlook - Hmmm. Defending champs picked second this season, despite the return of three first-team all-league players - Akana, Pugh and Porterfield - and three second-team all-league players - Moy, Dolin and Riley. Add honorable mention pick Hathoway and the Vikings appear ready to return to state.

Juanita Rebels

Coach - Tami Storseth, second year. 1997 results - 12-6 league, 15-8 overall, third in Crown Division, third in Sea-King district tournament, eliminated in Wes-Sea-King bi-district tournament. Returning starters - C Kim Stinson, sr.; P-3B Brandie Myers, jr.; RF Julia McNeal, sr.; CF Jill Miller, jr.; IF-OF Kristin Wilcox, jr.; P Andrea Fay, sr.; 1B Mackenzie Derreault, sr.; P-2B Shilo Walker, jr.; LF Alia Sao, sr. Impact newcomers - OF Lindsay Engen, so.; 1B Melanie Kasemeier, so.; 2B Keri Trine, so.; C Heather Davis, jr.; SS Desiree Zaccaria, so.; IF-OF Krista Jacobson, so. Outlook - Nine players who started at least one game return for Rebels, who figure to be better than last season. Defense should be a strength and the pitching staff is deep enough that a run to the state tournament is realistic. Stinson earned second-team all-league honors last season.

Lake Washington Kangaroos

Coach - Pat Ellinger, fourth year. 1997 results - 14-4 league, 17-7 overall, second in Crown Division, fourth in Sea-King district tournament, eliminated in Wes-Sea-King bi-district tournament. Returning starters - C-OF Alicia Jerome, sr.; 2B Katie Fitzpatrick, sr.; SS Brenda Hanley, jr.; P Jackie Kravetsky, jr.; P-3B Ashley Tennant, jr.; OF Brooke Barker, jr.; OF Nicole Daily, jr. Impact newcomers - OF Valerie Munoz, sr.; IF Katie Baldridge, jr.; C-IF Tiffany Strauss, jr.; IF-OF Aviva Jurstad, so.; OF Crystal Whitehead, so. Outlook - Kangs should be tough again, with first-team all-league players Jerome, Hanley and Tennant back and a solid nucleus surrounding them. They finished second to Inglemoor during the regular season last year. This year, they could do the same.

Redmond Mustangs

Coach - Tom D'Amico, second year. 1997 results - 6-12 league, 6-12 overall, sixth in Crown Division. Returning starters - OF Stephanie Anderson, jr.; SS Bree Barnes, jr.; OF Brittani Berg, sr.; 2B Katie Binz, sr.; 1B Caley Cook, sr.; C Monika Hjelte, sr.; P Lynda Mann, sr.; OF Colleen Powell, jr. Impact newcomers - 3B Michele Kennedy, so.; OF Meaghan O'Brien, jr.; OF Katy Morris, so.; IF Colleen Shaughnessy, so.; OF Heidi Tews, jr.; P Amanda Burris, so.; OF Katie Shaughnessy, so.; OF Margaret Martin, jr. Outlook - Most of the defense returns, so that should be solid. Mann, an honorable mention all-league choice last season, is a three-year starter on the mound, but the Mustangs must find second and third pitchers if they are to climb up standings. Barnes was also an honorable-mention selection.

Roosevelt Roughriders

Coach - Mike LaRock, first year. 1997 results - 2-2 league, 12-8 overall, second in Metro AAA, lost in pigtail game of Sea-King district tournament. Returning starters - 3B Paula Simon, jr.; 1B Emily Irwin, jr. Impact newcomers - CF Rachel Nord, jr.; P Jaida Kimmerer, sr.; P Milana Ward, jr.; SS-2B Brieah Marino, so.; C Anna Olson, jr.; C Anna Sarff, so.; 2B Aimee Espiritu, sr. Outlook - Don't bet on the Roughriders duplicating their basketball success on the softball diamond. Only two starters return, and only two seniors on roster. The athletes are there, but this team is probably a year away from competing successfully in KingCo. Pitching, defense will be key.

Woodinville Falcons

Coach - Mark Leander, second year. 1997 results - 5-13 league, 5-13 overall, seventh in Crown Division. Returning starters - C Marie Potter, sr.; P Lisa Hanson, sr.; OF Rachel Liatala, jr.; SS Suzanne Culpepper, sr.; 2B Stacey Ahlgrin, sr.; 1B Alicia Ahlgrin, sr.; OF Megan Johnson, jr. Impact newcomers - 3B Erin Potter, so.; IF Emily Potter, so.; P Melissa Salos, so.; IF-OF Cassie Scott, jr.; OF Katie Wilson, so. Outlook - If there is a league darkhorse, the Falcons are it. Potter was a first-team all-league pick last season and Culpepper was a second-team pick. Four other field starters return, so defense has potential. Need to find pitchers to support Hanson.

KingCo 3A

Bellevue Wolverines

Coach - Jim Butcher, ninth year. 1997 results - 1-16 league, 2-17 overall, sixth in KingCo's Crest Division. Returning starters - OF Courtney Eastes, so.; P Anna Leavison, sr.; 3B Jamie Myers, sr.; SS Courtney Norris, so.; P-C-OF Greta Peterson, jr.; IF Carleigh Schraeder, sr.; IF Brooks Syctero, sr.; OF Maya Vergine, jr.; P-2B Kylee Zimmer, so. Impact newcomers - C Lindsey Gehrig, fr.; P-OF Barbara Bauman, jr.; OF Sarah Ryen, jr. Outlook - Wolverines have four seniors on roster for the first time in Butcher's tenure. They also don't have to play the KingCo 4A powers, so the opportunity is there for a few more wins. Still, young players must develop. So must pitching. Gehrig's fractured wrist doesn't help.

Cedarcrest Red Wolves

Coach - Kris McBride, second year. 1997 results - 6-9 league, 6-11 overall, sixth in WesCo AA Conference. Returning starters - 1B Jayne Lodee, jr.; 2B Mariel Besner, sr.; 3B Emilie Soptich, sr.; CF Marissa Shoemaker, sr.; SS Heidi Vandanselea, so.; LF-2B Casi Lee, so. Impact newcomers - C Nicole Deason, so.; P Tanya Burrite, fr.; P Lauren Pederson, so. Outlook - Red Wolves return six position starters but no pitching for their inaugural season in KingCo. They'll count on a freshman and a sophomore to pitch the bulk of the innings, but this close-knit team should be competitive this season.

Interlake Saints

Coach - Dar Bullock, eighth year. 1997 results - 11-6 league, 14-10 overall, second in Crest Division, fifth in Sea-King district tournament, eliminated in Wes-Sea-King bi-district tournament. Returning starters - 1B Lisa Henthorn, sr.; C Rosalie Shaw, sr.; SS Suzanne Santos, jr.; OF Mandy Rasmussen, jr.; 2B Lyndsay Henthorn, so.; OF Chelsea Potter, jr.; P Megan Hemingson, so. Impact newcomers - P-OF Lisa Christopher, so.; 3B Jennifer Lorella, so.; 3B Katy McBride, so.; OF Jessica Jansen, fr. Outlook - Interlake's athletic renaissance in girls sports should continue this spring on the softball diamond. Five first-team all-league picks return, so hitting and defense should be excellent. Replacing all-league pitcher Erika Goeckeritz will be tough. If they succeed, Saints could win title.

Issaquah Indians

Coach - Andrew Sage, first year. 1997 results - 16-1 league, 17-5 overall, Crest Division champions, sixth in Sea-King district tournament, eliminated in Wes-Sea-King bi-district tournament. Returning starters - P Cherstin Johnson, sr.; C Brie Nyberg, sr.; OF Lynn Rebhuhn, sr.; 3B K.C. Thompson, jr. Impact newcomers - SS Sarah Cox, so.; 1B Christa Decker, so.; 2B Jennifer, Tedder, jr. Outlook - The Indians are preseason favorites for good reason - beating Johnson is nearly impossible. She's been first-team all-league the past three seasons. Battery mate Nyberg has also been a perennial all-star, and Rebhuhn was first-team all-league last season, too. Only five upperclassmen on roster, however.

Liberty Patriots

Coach - Julie Jackson, second year. 1997 results - 19-9 overall, third in Seamount AA League, Sea-King AA district tournament runners-up, 0-2 at Class AA state tournament. Returning starters - 3B-OF Kelly Meeks, sr.; 2B Rennie Elwell, sr.; OF Bryn Sulton, sr.; C Sarah Carrier, so.; SS Hannah Owings, so.; P-1B Tera Street, jr.; 1B Krisen Lee, sr. Impact newcomers - OF Heather Kier, jr. Outlook - Pats return seven starters from only team in KingCo 3A that played in a state tournament last season. Their defense should be among the league's best, especially with addition of first-team All-Seamount player Kier, who transfered from Kennedy. If Owings and Street pitch well, Pats should contend.

Mercer Island Islanders

Coach - Lee Smith, first year. 1997 results - 2-15 league, 2-15 overall, fifth in Crest Division. Returning starters - 3B Julienne Oyler, sr.; CF Brandy Evenson, sr.; LF Jamie Koebler, sr. Impact newcomers - P Kelli DeHann, so.; DH Cate O'Leary, so. Outlook - Islanders picked last, but they should be competitive with the bottom half of the league this season. The three returning starters are all seniors. Oyler is an excellent athlete, but the young players will determine this team's success.

Mount Si Wildcats

Coach - Dirk Hansen, first year. 1997 results - 18-2 overall, second in Seamount AA League, eliminated in Sea-King AA district tournament. Returning starters - P Hillary Strom, jr.; SS Kelli Duvall, jr.; OF Carrie Gross, sr.; P Jodi Peterson, sr.; IF Traci Tawney, jr.; C Trish Schlaht, jr. Impact newcomers - IF-OF Emily Helmley, fr. Outlook - Wildcat girls have had excellent success in their first year in KingCo, winning the regular-season title in soccer and winning their division in basketball. This team should also do well. If pitching produces, they could challenge for league title and a state berth.

Newport Knights

Coach - Steve Anderson, second year. 1997 results - 3-14 league, 4-16 overall, fourth in Crest Division. Returning starters - SS Melissa Ferguson, sr.; OF Tyrell Coates, sr.; P Sarah Grandstand, sr.; OF Katie Brothkopp, jr.; P Janin Kleid, so.; C Christy Fast, sr.; 3B Amy Broder, sr.; P Brandy White, jr. Impact newcomers - IF Jackie Lew, so.; C-OF Lanny Kim, so.; 1B Breanne Youngs, so.; IF-OF Tara Wood, fr. Outlook - Too many young players on roster to expect Knights to make big leap up in the standings. Coates was an honorable mention all-league selection last season, but the Knights need to find some pitching.

Sammamish Totems

Coach - Mike Eckhart, fifth year. 1997 results - 8-9 league, 9-11 overall, third in Crest Division, eliminated in Sea-King district tournament. Returning starters - SS Rachel Bonnington, sr.; CF Brittany McDowell, sr.; 3B Myah Nilsen, sr.; P Kelly Reil, sr.; 1B Claire Parsons, so. Impact newcomers - LF Jen Kuske, sr.; C Lindsay Anderson, so.; 2B Kim Samek, jr.; P-OF Kathy Phon, fr.; P-IF Ivy Mulkins, jr.; C-OF Laura Andrews, sr.; IF-OF Michelle D'Angilo, sr.; OF-IF Patricia Benzinger, jr. Outlook - Seven seniors will start for Totems, who could beat a few of the league heavyweights this season. One of the non-seniors, Parsons, was a first-team all-league choice. Reil, a four-year varsity player, made second team. Her success on the mound this seasons is critical.

Skyline Spartans

Coach - Shelly Brown, first year. 1997 results - None, first-year school. Returning starters - none. Impact newcomers - P Rebecca Sanders; Callie Bergan. Outlook - Expectations are unusually high for first-year program. Spartans picked sixth in preseason by league coaches, and could do better than that. The young players are talented. How much that talent hides their inexperience is the question. ------------------------------- KingCo Conference softball forecast

Predicted order of finish based on input from league coaches

KingCo 4A .

1. Bothell .

2. Inglemoor .

3. Juanita .

4. Lake Washington .

5. Woodinville .

6. Eastlake .

7. Redmond .

8. Franklin .

9. Roosevelt .

10. Garfield .

KingCo 3A .

1. Issaquah .

2. Interlake .

3. Mount Si .

4. Liberty .

5. Sammamish .

6. Skyline .

7. Cedarcrest .

8. Bellevue .

9. Newport .

10. Mercer Island .