Wesco 4A Softball Capsules
WesCo 4A fastpitch softball forecast
Predicted order of finish for the 1998 Western 4A Conference fastpitch softball race, based on a survey of league coaches, with first-place votes in parentheses and ballot points (coaches not allowed to vote for own team).
Team Pts.
1. Kamiak (4) 34 .
2. Marysville-Pilchuck (3) 32 .
3. Snohomish 27 .
4. Mountlake Terrace 16 .
5. (tie) Cascade 15 .
Oak Harbor 15 .
7. Sehome 8 .
Cascade
Coach - Wendy Close, seventh season.
1997 record - 11-7 in WesCo AAA (fourth), 12-8 overall.
Returning starters - Jessi Williams, jr., 2B; Loretta Radulescu, sr., OF.
Others to watch - Natalie Hardin, fr., SS; Candice Matson, sr., OF; Katrina Schreifels, sr., C.
Outlook - The Bruins are quick on the bases and solid at the plate, but pitching is suspect. Defense is tough, especially from outfielders who can gun down base runners. Williams, a switch-hitter, was a first-team pick last season; Radulescu was a second-team selection. Batting cleanup, Matson is off to a good start, hitting about .750. Hardin is batting .667.
Kamiak
Coach - Don Chambers, first season.
1997 record - 20-3 overall.
Returning starters - Awbrey Winckler, sr., RHP; Ashleigh Herman, sr., C; Amanda Grant, jr., P/2B; Devin Finco, sr., SS; Bethany Hoeschen, jr., CF; Kelly France, jr., 1B; Jessi O'Neal, jr., OF; Alexis Roberts, jr., 2B; Jamie Wagner, jr., OF.
Others to watch - Lori Hoffman, so., P; Brianna Lindner, fr., UT; Kjersti Johnson, so., 3B; Heather Hoeschen, fr., OF/1B.
Outlook - The Knights, last season's WesCo AAA champion, have perhaps the best battery in the league in Winckler and Herman, two Division I recruits. Pitching and defense are strengths, but Kamiak must consistently generate offense to meet expectations as the league's best. Winckler posted seven shutouts and one no-hitter last season as an All-WesCo AAA first-team pitcher. Grant, perhaps one of the league's most overlooked players, earned second-team honors (at second base) last season and has a changeup "that'll just screw that batter into the ground," Chambers said.
Marysville-Pilchuck
Coach - K.T. Goetz, second season.
1997 record - 18-2 in WesCo AAA (second), 26-5 overall.
Returning starters - Morgan Seibert, jr., RHP; Airron Jones, sr., C; Kristin Bissell, jr., SS; Chrysta Colebourn, jr., OF; Anna Soper, jr., 3B/1B/C.
Others to watch - Christi Curan, jr., P; Laura Nix, jr., OF; Missy Barnett, jr., 3B; Heidi Lane, jr., 1B/C.
Outlook - The Tommies finished second in WesCo AAA (behind Kamiak), third in the district and third at state last season and should contend with Kamiak for the league title in 1998. Pitching is perhaps team's biggest strength, as Seibert returns after throwing two no-hitters last season with one of the league's lowest ERAs. Camaraderie and unity also are strengths, as many of the juniors have played together since middle school. Colebourn led the team in batting last season. Seibert, one of the league's best pitchers, was a first-team WesCo AAA North Division pick.
Mountlake Terrace
Coach - Kim Stewart, third season.
Returning starters - Laura Hall, sr., 3B; Megan Baxter, sr., 1B; Gina Callia, sr., CF; Janaira Wargin, jr., SS; Heather Falkenbury, RF.
Others to watch - Kendra Preugschat, jr., P; Ashley Mathews, jr., 2B.
Outlook - The Hawks are led by solid pitching and an athletic, steady infield. Getting on base shouldn't be a problem, but Terrace needs to take advantage of its opportunities to be a contender.
Oak Harbor
Coach - Larry Kupp, 11th season.
1997 record - 8-9 in WesCo AAA North, 10-11 overall.
Returning starters - Amy Voorhees, sr., C; Laura Hawkins, sr., RHP; Taryn Branch, sr., 2B; Robyn Hartman, jr., CF; Sabrina Riggs, so., LF.
Others to watch - Jesse Kremer, jr., P/OF; Pam Demoore, so., RF.
Outlook - Despite a number of underclassmen, experience is a strength after losing just three players to graduation. The Wildcats are off to a slow start but have good potential. Voorhees, Hartman and Riggs were first-team All-WesCo AAA North Division picks last season; Hawkins earned second-team honors. Voorhees has been offered a scholarship to a community college in Jacksonville, Fla.
Sehome
Coach - Sharon Shaull, second season.
1997 record - 1-19 in WesCo AAA.
Returning starters - Jennifer Oberleitner, sr., CF/RHP; Christie DeMond, sr., SS; Heather Peterson, sr., 1B; Kelli Rome, sr., OF; Christina Palma, sr., 2B/3B; Kate Hudson, sr., OF.
Others to watch - Britt Potter, jr., RHP; Aaren McBride, so., 3B/1B; Trisha Fridrich, so., RHP; Katie Oberleitner, so., OF/RHP; Heather Shepherd, jr., C; Kelley Curry, jr., UT; Cathy Vercammen, jr., OF/IF; Sarah Barton, jr., OF; Tara Hulford, jr., C/OF; Jessica Ellis, fr., RHP.
Outlook - The senior class, which helped carry the team last season as juniors, is a solid and talented group playing with some promising underclassmen. Infield and tenacity are biggest strengths, but the Mariners must develop some consistency on the mound for success.
Snohomish
Coach - Vince Ivelia, sixth season.
1997 record - 12-5 in WesCo AAA (fourth), 15-8 overall.
Returning starters - Erica Cruzat, sr., 1B/C; Julie Mason, sr., 3B; Cheryl Thorndike, sr., P; Marylynn Zaugg, jr., CF; Sherri Mabit, jr., 2B; Andrea Williams, so., P/SS.
Others to watch - Neoma Huston, jr., RF; Ciara Chaffee, fr., P/SS.
Outlook - The Panthers return six starters and could vie for the league's top spot with Kamiak and Marysville-Pilchuck. Team speed and experience are keys. Cruzat is a two-time All-WesCo AAA first-team pick.