Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 25, 1993 TAG: 9303250417
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
JAMES RIVER FAVORED TO BE SOFTBALL CHAMP
There shouldn't be a lot of difference in softball this spring from last year when Salem, Lord Botetourt, Glenvar and James River made it to the state semifinals.The only change might be which team goes on to the championship game. Glenvar beat James River 9-4 in the 1992 Group A state semis as Nikki Hall got the victory with six innings of superb pitching and also helped out with a homer.
But Hall won't be around this spring to help the two-time defending state champion Highlanders. She has told Glenvar coach Spike Harrison that she is giving up softball.
"Burnout," said Harrison of the reason for Hall's departure. "I guess playing three sports a year and the fact that it's the spring of her senior season. It'll hurt a lot. She's the most versatile player I've ever had. She could play anywhere."
The Pioneer District's favorite now is James River, with a veteran outfit headed by pitcher Sherry Allison (10-1) and all-around player Kara Mundy (4-1), who lost her only game to Glenvar in the state semifinals.
In Group AA, Lord Botetourt beat Salem 6-0 in the state semifinals last year, then lost 5-4 at Poquoson behind pitcher Janelle Sowers.
Sowers is back for her senior year after having pitched the Cavaliers to the state championship game twice in three years.
However, Salem appears to be a little stronger with Timesland player of the year Michelle Harrison and standout outfielder Yolanda Helm back along with veteran pitcher Amy Atkins and freshman Rhonda Rankin.
In the Pioneer, Glenvar has won the state title for the past two years after eliminating James River coach John Shotwell's team.
"I thought last year was our best team and the best chance we had to beat them," said Shotwell. "This can be a good team. We've only got two seniors with 20 kids out, so I really think next year will be even better."
Mundy was James River's best hitter, with a .472 average. The Knights also will be strengthened by the return of Melissa Markham, the starting catcher from two years ago who was out last year with an injury.
Amber Vines is moving from second base, where she made All-Pioneer District, to shortstop.
Allison had an earned run average of just over two runs per game and beat Honaker 9-3 in the first round of the state tournament to set up last season's duel with Glenvar.
The Knights also return designated hitter Stacy Brugh, who hit nearly as well as Mundy.
Glenvar isn't going to surrender easily. The Highlanders have back Bobbie Jo Wright, who plays first and third bases and pitches. Wright (12-2), an All-Timesland pick, beat Madison County 9-5 in the state championship game. She also hit .455 while recording a 1.62 ERA and striking out 172 hitters in 78 innings.
The Highlanders also return veteran catcher Jennifer Dennis, second baseman Kelly Winter, shortstop Kristy Robinson, all-district outfielder Amy Moses (.431) and defensive standout Chris Pulliam in center field.
Sowers (17-5) has more than established her credentials as a pitcher for Lord Botetourt.
The Cavaliers also return first baseman Ashley Moore (.380), shortstop Mandy Sowers (.447), catcher Susan Wyche and outfielders Cheryl Webb and Denise McNitt.
If Lord Botetourt can replace All-Timesland outfielder Karen Lee (.580 and runner-up to Salem's Harrison in Timesland hitting), the Cavaliers can return to the state championship game.
As for Salem, Harrison, will have a hard time matching her junior year in which she hit .656, knocked in 38 runs, stole 30 bases, had 12 doubles, 13 triples and four homers. She also played good defense at shortstop.
Helm hit .416, stole 23 bases and had 33 RBI.
Atkins went 13-5 with a 4.25 ERA last year as the Spartans' main pitcher. Salem coach James Wright says he'll stick with her on the mound, but Rankin may be a factor on the pitching scene.
"Rhonda has decent control, good speed and should help us a lot," said Wright. "We've also got Pam Glosser, who moved in from Pennsylvania who has good control and medium speed."
The Spartans also return catcher Christina Davis (.333), outfielder Dee Garrett (.208), first baseman Katherine Minahan (.317) and second baseman-designated hitter Candy Munsey (.488).
A look at the other teams:
\ CAVE SPRING: The Knights will build around returning pitcher Jenny Kallio (8-4, 1.95 ERA), who led them to the Roanoke Valley District title. Two starters, center fielder Angie Repass and first baseman Dena Hartman, elected not to come back. The only starters back are catcher Shannon Crowder and second baseman Beth Drombetta.
\ \ CRAIG COUNTY: The Rockets will be under well-known coach Tom Rudisill, who was Salem's coach when the Spartans were a state Group AAA power in the 1980s. He has only two seniors - pitcher Angie Hypes (0-2) and infielder Joyce Dudding (.300) - returning along with underclassmen catcher Teanna Francisco (.253), infielder Amy Lee (.250) and catcher-infielder Tracy Caldwell.
\ NORTH CROSS: One of three private schools in the slow-pitch Blue Ridge Conference, the Raiders return third baseman Erin Humphries (.457). The question mark is shortstop Blair Calvert (.630), who injured her knee in volleyball. North Cross must replace pitcher Kelly Baetz (8-3).
\ NORTHSIDE: Pitcher Shannon Yopp, first baseman Amanda Burke, outfielders Stephanie James and Stacy Byrd, and catcher Kristi Aashem return. The infield is a question mark for the Vikings.
\ PATRICK HENRY: The Patriots return seven starters, including sophomore Shelley King, who struck out nearly one hitter per inning. Emily Pecoul was an All-Roanoke Valley District first base selection and will lead the offense.
\ ROANOKE CATHOLIC: New coach John Cooke has a veteran team back from the one that won the Blue Ridge Conference. Lauren Phelan (10-4) was the main pitcher, while the best returning hitter is Liz Landry (.513). Also back are outfielder Jackie Hindman, third baseman Beth Fox, catcher Rosanna Hopper and second baseman Elaine Ronquillo.
\ ROANOKE VALLEY CHRISTIAN: The Eagles return first baseman Stephanie Webb (.614) and second baseman Amy Hickcox (.600), who will move to outfield along with Kimberly Rakes (.430). Also back is pitcher Amy Helton. For Roanoke Valley Christian to contend in the Blue Ridge Conference, the Eagles must improve defensively.
\ WILLIAM BYRD: New Terrier coach Billy Meador welcomes back first baseman Ashley McCallum, second baseman Mandy McCulloch, shortstop-pitcher Tracy Doupnik, third baseman Deedee Aldrich and outfielder Lyn Stohler. The Terriers must replace veteran pitcher-hitting star Marcee Hufton, who was co-Blue Ridge District player of the year with Janelle Sowers.
\ WILLIAM FLEMING: Junior pitcher Stacy Reedy is back, and the Colonels figure to improve with more candidates out for the team than in past years.