Softball preview
Preseason reports submitted by area coaches:
CLASS 4A GREATER ST. HELENS LEAGUE
BATTLE GROUND
Coach: Steve Taylor
Key players: Haley Hamilton, sr., Krystina Fischer, jr., pitcher; Delany Kelley, jr., 1B; Mickenzie Sachen, jr., catcher.
Outlook: The Tigers return nine varsity starters from the past two years. This is the year Taylor has been building toward. However, Taylor reports, this league is always strong. No team can be overlooked.
CAMAS
Coach: Ken Nidick
Key players: Amee Aarhus, sr.; Erin Tauscher, sr.; Harli Hubbard, jr., pitcher; Lena Richards, jr.; Katie Schroeder, so., pitcher; McKenzie Farnham, sr.; Rio Smith, so.; Hannah Welborn, jr.; Cailyn Grindy, jr.; Tori O’Neil, so.
Outlook: Those first five names all were key members of a team that went to the state tournament last year. Camas is now a 4A team, which brings new challenges. The Papermakers hope to compete with the big schools and make it to state.
EVERGREEN: No report received
HERITAGE
Coach: Angie Michaelis
Key players: Leila Stutesman, sr., of; Dalaney Tuholski, so., 1b; Allie White, jr., pitcher.
Outlook: Considers Camas the favorite, but “softball is interesting. Anyone could surprise you.”
SKYVIEW
Coach: Kim Anthony
Key players: Madison Anthony, sr., 3B; Michelle Brincefield, jr., pitcher; Emily Dobbin, jr., of; Michaela Lee, sr., of; Jessica Schaub, sr., 2B; Emily Garcia, so. catcher; Megan Settje, jr., shortstop.
Outlook: Lost five seniors from last season. Still, Storm have a lot of talent. Coach says players need to work hard to uphold the winning tradition at Skyview.
UNION: No report received
3A GREATER ST. HELENS LEAGUE
No reports received
2A GREATER ST. HELENS LEAGUE
RIDGEFIELD
Coach: Ed Bate
Key players: Carly Estes, sr.; Shannon Boyle, jr, pitcher; Megan Holman, sr. catcher; Shyanne Chandler so, ss; Sam Rice, so.. 3B; Madeline Ochoa, fr., utility; Jenna Rogers, jr., of.
Outlook: Back in the 2A ranks, the Spudders are looking to work for the top spot in the league. Pitching is a strong point, but offense and defense must step up to make it happen.
No other teams reported.
TRICO LEAGUE
LA CENTER
Coach: Randy Martinez
Key players: No returning all-league players
Outlook: No seniors and three juniors. Future looks good, though, because 39 athletes tried out for softball. La Center coach expects Woodland to be the favorite in the league, as well as a contender for the state championship.
WOODLAND
Coach: Damon Yeo
Key players: Emily Tesdale, sr., catcher; Makayla Lefever, sr., pitcher; Emma Pilkington, sr.; Karlee Dyson, sr.; Madie Sorensen, jr.; Kendell Grell, so.; Gracie Trice, so.; Taylor Jouwsma, so.; Reanna Fitzgerald, so.; Jessica Flanagan, fr.
Outlook: Look forward to a competitive season. Beavers have high goals for themselves.
