DATE: Sunday, April 6, 1997                 TAG: 9704040179

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 24   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   65 lines

WARRIORS' SUCCESS HAD ITS START AT BENNETT'S CREEK

If the Nansemond Warriors softball team, 3-0 in Southeastern District play so far - appears to have the look of a champion, it's because, in the minds of the players and throughout state Little League softball circles, they already are champions.

The youthful nucleus of the Warriors - several sophomores and junior Kim Tribble - was also the heart of the Bennett's Creek Senior Little League team that rallied to win the District 6 state softball title last summer.

Stars of that squad, along with Tribble, included Susan Frank, Jennifer Shannon, Christy Hopkins, Laurie Outlaw, Jessica Mallory and Alexis Hough. All are also key contributors to the Warriors this spring.

``These girls have been playing together for years,'' Nansemond River coach Jerry Varacallo said. ``I just add a senior here, a junior there.''

So potent was the state championship Bennett's Creek team that talented players like Christina Gaffos and Catherine Butler have had to settle for spots on the Warriors junior varsity team.

``We just don't have any room,'' Varacallo said. ``Plus I don't want to totally wipe out the jayvee team.''

According to Varacallo, the summer-league experience would have been beneficial to this spring season had the team not won a game. The players used Bennett's Creek play to prepare for the high school campaign and familiarize themselves with positions they'd man for the Warriors. Outlaw, for example, trained at the second base spot she now holds for Nansemond River. Shannon got used to playing shortstop. And the whole team had a full summer to acquaint themselves with Frank, who transferred from Windsor last year.

``They all played the positions they thought they'd be playing in high school,'' Varacallo said. ``I didn't have to re-position or retrain them.''

This has also given the Warriors enviable versatility. Shannon, who was undefeated in six starts as a pitcher last season, willingly gave way to Frank. But when called upon to pitch last week against Indian River, Shannon fanned seven and didn't allow an earned run.

``Jennifer very maturely realized Susan was the pitcher, but I told Jennifer that doesn't mean she won't pitch at all,'' Varacallo said. ``I told her I was still going to call her in if I needed her and to be ready at any time.''

So let's see. Varacallo gets experienced, position-ready players who know how to win and are willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Does this coach need to do anything?

``Actually, my problem is keeping them together,'' Varacallo said. ``Last year, quite honestly, some inner turmoil had a lot of bearing on us not getting out of the district (the Warriors were eliminated in the first round of the Bay Rivers District tournament).

``I think, I hope we've taken care of that.''

ALUMNI REPORT: Two of the top Warriors from season's past will square off at the collegiate level Saturday when Mt. Olive visits Longwood. Kari Harrell, one of the stars of Nansemond River's Group AA state runner-up team two years ago, plays for Longwood in the outfield. Jennifer Ellis, a three-sport star at Nansemond River, is the Mt. Olive shortstop.

Both are coming off injuries. Ellis is back after breaking her nose; Harrell has rebounded from an elbow injury.

The game is also a family affair - the two players are cousins. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER

Susan Franks powers the ball toward home plate during a recent game

with Deep Creek.

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu