THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 21, 1996 TAG: 9603190123
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 23 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
The Eastern District's most dominating softball players may be gone, but the most feared team is back in full force.
Granby, behind pitcher Elaine McCall, a tightly knit defense and an equally potent offense is the heavy favorite.
Lake Taylor is the only legitimate threat to the Comets' reign. Booker T. Washington, which graduated Tidewater Player of the Year Donna Self and shortstop Sharon McClannan, will struggle to rebuild its program. But the Bookers could be a darkhorse come tournament time.
Elsewhere in South Hampton Roads:
Beach District: Princess Anne, which finished atop the standings but fell to Booker T. in the region playoffs, returns seven starters including sophomore pitcher Melissa Hirsch. Salem, a Group AAA state quarterfinalist, also returns its ace in junior Bronwyn Blair. Blair has collected 40 wins in the past three seasons and will be the key to the Sun Devils' success again this year.
Southeastern District: Western Branch should cruise to another title with its powerful offense and nearly perfect defense. Great Bridge suffered some key losses due to graduation, but should contend.
This is a look at how the Eastern District teams will fare in the predicted order of finish:
GRANBY Coach: Mickey Lamastra.
Last year's record: 14-3 overall, 8-0 Eastern District.
Key performers: Elaine McCall (Jr., P/SS); Gina Frazier (Jr., OF); Lauren Bowen (Jr., OF); Rachel Gerloff (Sr., 1B); Nicole Bland (Sr., 2B/SS/OF); Erin Justus (Jr., C/OF); Kristy Alexander (Fr., SS/2B/P); Trisha Gordan (Fr., OF/C); Maria Hillard (Fr., 3B).
Outlook: McCall returns as the Comets' ace. Granby only lost three starters from its traditionally powerful program, but Lamastra has replaced them with a talented group of freshmen. Jessica Osborn, also a freshman, will help out on the mound.
LAKE TAYLOR Coach: Laura Felch.
Last year's record: 6-9 overall, 3-5 Eastern District.
Key performers: Penny Fay (Sr., 1B); Erin Finn (So., 2B); Tracey Millard (Jr., SS); Holly Robinson (So., CF); Mary Rosenbaum (Fr., C); Shannon Rosenbaum (Jr., P); Kacey Wardlaw (Jr., 3B).
Outlook: Shannon Rosenbaum worked hard during the offseason and will help the Titans contend with a stellar performance on the mound. Rosenbaum could develop into one of the league's most dominating pitchers. Wardlaw is the top offensive threat.
NORVIEW Coach: Ginger Rothermel.
Last year's record: 3-7 overall, 3-5 Eastern District.
Key performers: Tami Langston (Sr., SS); Dorian Tinard (Sr., CF); Heidi Grace (Jr., LF); Larika Jones (Jr., P); Heather Emerick (So., C); Rian Share (Sr., DH/1B); Khara Willis (Fr., 3B); Sara Peoples (Jr., RF/1B).
Outlook: The Pilots return five starters and should have a strong defense that makes few errors. Depth on the mound could be a problem, but Rothermel predicts her team will get stronger as the season progresses.
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON Coach: Paul Palombo.
Last year's record: 20-4 overall, 6-2 Eastern District.
Key performers: Raquita Washington (Jr., SS, .412 BA, 27 SB); Jennifer McMullen (Jr., P, .407); Cheryl Haynes (Jr., C, .371, 16 RBIs, 12 SB); Bonnie Phelps (Jr., 3B, .282); Blair Sherwood (So., CF, .259, 10 SB); Jill Layug (Jr., LF); Jennifer Self (Sr., IF, .298); Tasha Basnight (Fr., 1B); Janell Wiggins (So., OF).
Outlook: The Bookers are rebuilding. Washington, a second team All-Tidewater outfielder, moves to shortstop and McMullen will take over duties on the mound.
MAURY Coach: Joe Stupka.
Last year's record: 0-15 overall, 0-8 Eastern District
Key performers: Shannon Sprangler (Sr., OF/SS); Ruth Romillo (Sr., P/IF); Katie Owen (Jr., IF); Kerry Brown (Sr., 1B/OF); Jennie Saunders (Jr., P/C); Erin McCrillis (So., OF); Rachel Rashti (Sr.); Dawn Hirsch (Sr., OF); Annie Schultz (Fr.); Carie Chambers (So., OF).
Outlook: The Commodores have a new coach and some key newcomers who will help put numbers in the win column; consistent pitching will be the deciding factor. Owen will move from behind the plate to the infield after suffering knee problems. Schultz could be one of the top freshmen in the league. ILLUSTRATION: File photo by L. TODD SPENCER
Catcher Erin Justus, a junior, is among the players who are back for
Granby, which is expected to be the district's best.
by CNB