THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 22, 1996 TAG: 9603200210
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 15 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 112 lines
The 1996 softball season will follow the trend set last year.
As the pitchers go, 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 the Southeastern District, Western Branch will lead the pack again, though Great Bridge is certain to be in contention.
Princess Anne and Salem will battle it out 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 darkhorse.
Here's a team-by-team look at the Southeastern District:
WESTERN BRANCH
Coach: Christine Ake
1995 Record: 17-5 overall, 13-1 Southeastern District
Key performers: Nicole Belote (Sr., P); Jaci Morris (Sr., CF); Calee Morris (Sr., 1B); Jennifer Sajko (Sr., 3B); Cathy Arnette (Jr., C); Tara Stephens (Sr., 2B); Mary Beth Tinkham (Sr., IF).
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 RBI, will lead the offense.
GREAT BRIDGE
Coach: Noble Palmer
1995 Record: 17-5 overall, 12-2 district
Key performers: Denise Wack (Jr., P); Melissa Wooldridge (Jr., 1B); Elizabeth Bain (Sr., OF); Dana Crisostomo (Sr., IF); Melanie Robertson (So., OF); Heather Ward (Jr., C); Renee Scott (Jr., 2B/P); Starr Inge (Sr., 3B).
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.
OSCAR SMITH
Coach: Shane Smith
1995 Record: 11-7 overall, 8-6 district
Key performers: Starr Parker (Sr., SS); Chrissy Jones (Sr., P); Nicole Davis (Jr., 1B); Elisabeth Smith (IF/OF); Amber Parker (So., 2B/P); Leslie Doughtie (So., 3B); Evelyn Cahoon (So., LF); Brooke Lynch (Jr., CF); Lisa Taylor (So., C).
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.
WILSON
Coach: Cornell Gordon
Last year's record: 11-5 overall, 10-4 district
Key performers: Amanda Adams (Jr., P/3B); Erica Davis (Jr., 1B); Amanda Johnson (Jr., SS); Nikki Goral (So., C/P); Paula Miller (Jr., OF); Lynsey Ellis (So., 3B); Beth Justic (Jr., C/OF); Charity Strait (Jr., P/1B).
Outlook: The Presidents are young but return six starters from last year's third-place team.
CHURCHLAND
Coach: Bobbi Conrad
1995 Record: 11-7 overall, 6-8 district
Key performers: Ashley Miller (Sr., OF); Stacey Hundley (Jr., SS); Blanca Vazquez (Jr., C); Laurie Murden (Jr., 1B); Terra Best (Jr., RF); Jackie Bales (Jr., OF); Norma Johnson (Jr., OF); Michelle Pearson (So., P); Melissa Betts (Fr., 2B); Kim Keefer (So., CF); Kayt Keefer (So., 3B).
Outlook: The Truckers return only four starters. Pearson will begin her first varsity season on the mound. Hundley, who was named Portsmouth's most valuable player, will lead the offensive attack.
DEEP CREEK
Coach: Barbara Stephenson
1995 Record: 4-13 overall, 5-9 district
Key performers: Keri Carlson (Sr., 2B); Rhonda Rhoton (Sr., SS); Lauren Fowler (Jr., P); Michelle Gettier (Jr., 1B); Melissa Hollobaugh (Jr., 3B).
Outlook: The Hornets will rely on a combination of returning talent and newcomers to produce a winning season.
INDIAN RIVER
Coach: Gavin Harris
1995 Record: 4-12 overall, 2-12 district
Key performers: Stephanie Dyer (Sr., C); Michelle Pennington (So., SS); Erin Irelan (Sr., 1B); Leslie Jones (Sr., OF); Deona Newsome (Jr., OF); Megan Reynolds (Fr., P); Kim Crook (Sr., P); Michelle Garcia (Sr., 3B); Jenny Harrison (Fr., IF); Cheri Collins (So., OF)
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.
NORCOM
Coach: Rob Oliver
1995 Record: 0-15 overall, 0-14 district
Key performers: Jenny Franco (2B); Monica Steven (SS); Jennifer Goins (P); Stephanie Stills (OF);
Outlook: The Greyhounds, winless last year, are in a building program under a new head coach. Oliver promises some victories. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Stacey Hundley
Churchland High
Nicole Belote
Western Branch
Jaci Morris
Western Branch
by CNB