SOFTBALL SPRING PREVIEW

Wednesday, March 13 - The coaching staff is excited about the outlook for the year 2002.  The team returns six starters among a roster of 13 players.  

    Erin Waltersdorf, the MVP of the 2001 team, leads the returning veterans.  Erin led the staff with a record of 16-10 and an ERA of 2.01.  She was also among the conference leaders in strikeouts with a total of 117.  Stacy Bean and Andrea Brady were both 1st team All State and Region XX selections in 2001.  Stacy led the team in hitting with an average of .462 and in RBI's with 37.  Andrea batted .367 with 24 RBI's.  She also maintained a fielding percentage of .992, which represented 1 error in 131 chances.

    Jennifer Brown returns as the shortstop.  Jen batted a stellar .375 with a fielding percentage of .918.  Jen was selected 2nd Team All State and 2nd Team Region XX in 2001.  Mandy McVerry, the winner of the 2001 coach's award, hit an outstanding .404 with 27 RBI's.  Melissa Speake is the other returning starter.  Melissa contributed timely hitting that produced 10 RBI's for the season.

    The 2002 recruiting class will prove to be one of our more successful classes.  Outfielders Amanda Kidwell, Allison Middleton, and Megan Oursler lead the new players.  All three young ladies started for their respective high schools that won the Maryland State Championship in their senior year.  Amanda Boswell will be a great asset to the team with her versatility.  She is expected to play 3rd, 2nd, and do some catching for the team.  Katie McSorley returns to softball following a three-year break from the game.  She starred for Calvert High School and also won a State Championship while at Calvert.  Miki Johnson returns to the team after a one-year break.  She starred for the 2000 team that finished 7th in the nation.  Nyeema Smalls rounds out the roster.  Nyeema is inexperienced but is steadily improving and should help the team with her outstanding speed.

   The 2002 schedule is an ambitious schedule amounting to 45-50 games before Regionals.  If the team can keep away from major injuries, especially to the pitching staff, then the coaching staff expects the team to contend for the Maryland JUCO championship and the Region XX title.  Each member of the staff agrees that this year's team is considerably stronger then the 2001 team that went 25-14.