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VW-Area spring sports previews: Wayne Trace Softball

Saturday, 29 March 2008

HAVILAND -- The 2008 Wayne Trace varsity softball spring sports preview is listed below.

Head coach: Melanie Forrer

2007 record: 10-8 (4-3 GMC).

Lettermen lost: Alaina Ross third base, Chelsea Holtsberry outfield; Brandi Bradmueller first base; Jennifer Roberts catcher; Sara Priest outfield; Renee Bidlack second base.

Lettermen returning: Becky Ruble (Sr) center field; Morgan Lee (Sr) catcher; Leah Ross (Jr) shortstop; Cassie McDougle (Jr) outfield; Shelby Critten (Jr) pitcher; Marcie McDougle (So) pitcher.

Promising newcomers: Courtney Young (Sr) pitcher; Jo Ellen Fickle (Fr) first base; Meaghan Egnor (Sr) first base; Lindsay Ross (So) catcher; Andrea Padilla (Fr) outfield; Ashley King (So) infield.

Strengths for season: "We have our two pitchers back again in sophomore Marcie McDougle and junior Shelby Critten. Critten may also see action at second base with the loss of Renee Bidlack. Senior Morgan Lee will play from behind the plate as well as from third base when needed. Shortstop Leah Ross will have to take control of the infield since she is the only returnee. Senior Becky Ruble will be leading the charge in the outfield, playing center field," Coach Melanie Forrer said.

Weaknesses for season: "We lost a lot in our infield from last year. We need someone to step up with a solid glove for first, second and third base as well as left field. We only hit for .276 last year so we need to capitalize when we get runners on base," Coach Melanie Forrer said.

Overall outlook: "We hope to build off the success of the basketball team and hope to be a contender for the conference title. We only have two returning varsity seniors so we are fairly young with only half of our team having varsity experience, but I do feel we may be overlooked by a few teams," Coach Melanie Forrer said.

League favorites: "Fairview will look to defend their GMC title from last year. Antwerp is always a good competitor. We hope to be in the running as well for another GMC championship," Coach Melanie Forrer said.