THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 15, 1996 TAG: 9603130182
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, CLIPPER SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 95 lines
THE 1996 SOFTBALL season should follow the trend set last year.
So go the pitchers, so go their teams.
Only Booker T. Washington graduated its top hurler and All-Tidewater Player of the Year, Donna Self. But the rest - Nicole Belote of Western Branch, Denise Wack of Great Bridge, Princess Anne's Melissa Hirsch and Salem's Bronwyn Blair, Elaine McCall of Granby and Nansemond-Suffolk's Sarah Putnam - are all back.
Mix in a few newcomers taking their turn on the mound and you have the makings of another pitcher-dominated season.
In Chesapeake, Western Branch should lead the pack again, though Great Bridge is certain to be in contention.
Princess Anne and Salem are favorites in the Beach District. But Bayside, with its core of experienced returners, could shake things up.
In Norfolk, Granby is the favorite, but Lake Taylor, with six returning starters, could be the dark horse.
Here's a look at how the Chesapeake teams shape up: DEEP CREEK
Coach: Barbara Stephenson
1995 Record: 4-10 overall
Key performers: Keri Carlson (Sr., second base); Rhonda Rhoton (Sr., shortstop); Lauren Fowler (Jr., pitcher); Michelle Gettier (Jr., first base); Melissa Hollobaugh (Jr., third base).
Outlook: The Hornets will rely on a combination of returning talent and the newcomers to produce a winning season. GREAT BRIDGE
Coach: Noble Palmer
1995 Record: 17-5 overall
Key performers: Denise Wack (Jr., pitcher); Melissa Wooldridge (Jr., first base); Elizabeth Bain (Sr., outfield); Dana Crisostomo (Sr., infield); Melanie Robertson (So., outfield); Heather Ward (Jr., catcher); Renee Scott (Jr., second base/pitcher); Starr Inge (Sr., third base).
Outlook: The Wildcats graduated the core of their offense in Emily Outzs and Marni Magyar. The defense and the pitching will be strong again, but Palmer is concerned with his team's lack of experience. INDIAN RIVER
Coach: Gavin Harris
1995 Record: Not available
Key performers: Stephanie Dyer (Sr., catcher); Michelle Pennington (So., shortstop); Erin Irelan (Sr., first base); Leslie Jones (Sr., outfield); Deona Newsome (Jr., outfield); Megan Reynolds (Fr., pitcher); Kim Crook (Sr., pitcher); Michelle Garcia (Sr., third base); Jenny Harrison (Fr., infielder); Cheri Collins (So., outfield)
Outlook: The Braves return eight starters, but have inexperienced players in key positions. Dyer will carry the offensive load and Pennington will bolster the defense. Reynolds and Crook will share duties on the mound. OSCAR SMITH
Coach: Shane Smith
1995 Record: 11-7 overall, 8-6 Southeastern District
Key performers: Starr Parker (Sr., shortstop); Chrissy Jones (Sr., pitcher); Nicole Davis (Jr., first base); Elisabeth Smith (infield/outfield); Amber Parker (So., second base/pitcher); Leslie Doughtie (So., third base); Evelyn Cahoon (So., leftfield); Brooke Lynch (Jr., centerfield); Lisa Taylor (So., catcher).
Outlook: Starr and Amber Parker solidify the Tigers' defense up the middle. With eight starters returning, Oscar Smith could make a run for the title if Jones is consistent on the mound. WESTERN BRANCH
Coach: Christine Ake
1995 Record: 17-5 overall, 15-1 Southeastern District
Key performers: Nicole Belote (Sr., pitcher); Jaci Morris (Sr., centerfield); Calee Morris (Sr., first base); Jennifer Sajko (Sr., third base); Cathy Arnette (Jr., catcher); Tara Stephens (Sr., second base); Mary Beth Tinkham (Sr., infield).
Outlook: The Bruins are loaded with experience and talent. Belote will be tough on the mound and Morris, an All-Tidewater performer in 1994 who hit .431 with five home runs and 32 RBIs, will lead the offense. ILLUSTRATION: HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL
File photo by L. TODD SPENCER
Nicole Belote, center, will pitch for Western Branch, which is
loaded with experience and talent.
File photo by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT
Senior Jennifer Sajko will play third base.
by CNB