New Edna coach expecting big things

BY COY SLAVIK - ADVOCATE SPORTS EDITOR

February 11, 2008 - 11:35 p.m.

 

The Edna softball team compiled a very respectable 21-11 record last season.

But in rugged District 28-2A, the Cowgirls struggled to a 6-8 mark and finished out of the playoff picture.

Eight returning starters have first-year Edna coach Kathy Johnson anxious to see if the Cowgirls can make the playoff for the first time since 2002.

"I can't wait to see how we do this season," Johnson said. "We only lost one senior, so these girls have already been working together for a year."

The Cowgirls were 21-11 last year, but struggled to a fifth-place finish and 6-8 record in rugged District 28-2A.

Three seniors first baseman Shelby Whitley, center fielder-catcher Katie Watton, and left fielder Lindsey Steffek are back as are junior second baseman Whitney Neal, junior shortstop Emily Nava, junior pitcher Kayla Ellington, junior right fielder Kelsie Angell, and sophomore center fielder Lauree Pearson.

Also expected to make an impact this season are three sophomores third baseman Carly Lambert, catcher Robbie Mathis, and outfielder-third baseman Kelli Miller and junior first baseman Kristen Hermes.

"The new additions to the team will only make us better," Johnson said. "We have a tough district ahead of us, but I know we have what it takes to make it this year."

Following are previews of other Advocate-area softball teams:

Boling Lady Bulldogs

First-year coach Tom Burnell inherits nine starters from last year's Boling team that compiled a 13-8 record and finished third in District 27-2A.

Back are senior outfielder Kelsie Stolle, senior shortstop Katie Womack, junior second baseman Caprice Lorenzen, junior first baseman Stephanie Rachunek, junior catcher Whitney Rachunek, sophomore outfielder Paige Bucek, sophomore third baseman Beth Llanas, sophomore outfielder Jaycee Lorenzen, and sophomore outfielder Reba Tios.

Two freshmen pitcher-infielder Alyssa Ferrell and infielder-catcher Ashton Kalina should see plenty of playing time.

Ganado Maidens

It's been a decade since the Ganado Maidens reached the playoffs. Fifth-year coach Teri Rabe is hoping this may be the year the Maidens end that long drought.

Ganado, which was 5-15 overall and 5-9 in District 28-2A play last season, returns eight starters, including senior first baseman Caylin Parks (.448, 15 RBIs) and sophomore third baseman Lila Stanley (.479). Also returning are senior outfielder Brooke Andel, junior pitcher-utility player Megan Diaz, junior catcher-outfielder Milena Vorajakkomol (.358), sophomore pitcher Lindsey Carroll, and sophomore shortstop Vanessa Salazar.

Junior outfielder Ashley Staff, sophomore catcher-utility player Katie Sherman, and sophomore utility player Bridget Janecek will also see playing time.

"We only lost one senior last year, so I have a lot of starters coming back," said Rabe, who has a 75-46-1 record in six seasons. "I am real excited about this group of girls. We have improved a lot since last year and I think we will surprise a lot of people that we play."

Hallettsville Lady Brahmas

The Lady Brahmas lost only to Weimar in finishing second in District 28-2A last season with a 12-2 record. Junior shortstop Callie Herrington (.341), junior catcher Emilie Jansky (.280), sophomore outfielder Timisha North (.347), sophomore third baseman Lauren Steffek, and junior utility player Haley Leopold (.312) are back for first-year coach Mike Mikeska.

"Pitching will be key," Mikeska said. "Our pitchers have no varsity experience. The defense will need to be solid and we'll have to play small ball and use our speed."

Mikeska is expecting pitcher Lindsey Steffek, infielder Mega Busselman, and outfielders Jade Patek and Latreece Haynes to step into starting roles.

Industrial Lady Cobras

Robert Elkins takes over the Lady Cobras' program after it compiled a 13-19 record and finished sixth in District 28-2A with a 5-9 mark.

Elkins inherits a team that is loaded with experience. Among the nine returning starters back from last season are four seniors outfielder Cassie Kusak, infielder Jessica Franz, infielder Bri Murphree, and catcher Kelsey Schoonover. Also returning are five juniors infielder Ashley Roessler, pitcher Adri Benavides, pitcher Aneysa Moreno, outfielder Taylor Milberger, and outfielder-infielder Jordan Milberger.

The Lady Cobras will have plenty of depth with junior outfielder Kelsey Burow, sophomore catcher-outfielder Megan Woodring, sophomore infielder Krystal Lindsey, sophomore outfielder Dani Clowers, freshman infielder Jocelyn Jones, freshman catcher-outfielder Brandi Stindt, and freshman infielder Reagan Newman.

"We are very excited about our team this year and look forward to improving on last season's record and competing in a tough district."

Schulenburg Lady Horns

Gilbert Price is the new Lady Horns coach after coaching at Shiner St. Paul. He has eight starters back from last year's team that went 18-11 and third place in District 28-2A with a 10-4 record.

"Our expectations are to get back to the playoffs," Price said. "We have a good nucleus returning and they have had lots of success this school year with volleyball and basketball and I'm hoping it carries over."

Pitcher-shortstop Jessica Schneider, first baseman Avery Trojacek, and utility player Anissa Vornsand were all 28-2A first-teamers. Catcher Ali Trojacek, third baseman Kayla Havrda, and outfielders Kristy Valchar, Rachel Besetzny, and Kennedy Rehac also return.

Tidehaven Tigerettes

Carrie York expects the Tigerettes to be much better than last year's team that went 0-14 in District 28-2A play.

"I am looking forward to the new season," York said. "We are more experienced this year. I am looking forward to a successful season."

Eight returning starters -- senior pitcher shortstop Gabby Perez, senior first baseman Ashley Massey, junior third baseman Tiffany Perez, junior pitcher-shortstop Kourtney McKissick, junior outfielders Daniela Palomares and Veronica Palomares, sophomore catcher Brianna Cruz, and sophomore second baseman Brooke Holzapfel give York reason for optimism.

Weimar Ladycats

The Weimar Ladycats will be hard-pressed to defend their District 28-2A title as they return only two starters from last year's 29-11-1 team that reached the state quarterfinals.

Coach Roger Maupin, who has compiled a 106-33-2 record in four seasons at Weimar, returns only three starters senior center fielder Lindsey Hadash, senior third baseman Brianna Mazoch, and junior second baseman Karli Sembera.

"We are going to be very young with only two seniors and four juniors coming out," Maupin said. "Our sophomore and freshman classes are really talented. The big question will be handling the pressure of varsity."

Yorktown Kitty Kats

It's no surprise that Yorktown coach Ruben Serrano is expecting big things from the Kitty Kats this season.

Yorktown returns six starters five all-district first-teamers and the District 29-2A Co-Newcomer of the Year from last season's 20-12-1 team thast reached the area playoffs.

"I expect this team to compete for the district title and make a strong run in the playoffs," said Serrano, who has a record of 59-26-2 heading into his fourth year as Yorktown's coach.

The Kitty Kats will be led by their two seniors pitcher Jade Stock and shortstop Katy Rodriguez. Stock struck out 221 in 173 innings last season with a 1.90 ERA. She also batted. 497. Rodriguez batted a team-high .501.

Also back are junior catcher Kymber Blaschke (.385), sophomore third baseman Dannielle Serrano (.378), who shared the 29-2A Newcomer of the Year honor last year, junior left fielder Claire Schendel (.218), and junior center fielder Casey Brysch (.289).