Softball preview
These are the reports submitted by area coaches. This file will be updated as more reports are received.
4A GSHL
Evergreen: Key players: Sondra Cardin, jr.; Alyssa Henry, sr.; Kierston Patterson, sr.; Sarah Miller, jr.; Shay Scott, so.; Bailey Sims, fr. Evergreen is looking for bounce-back season, and some younger players could be key to that. Sims could help team at pitcher, 3B and outfield.
Heritage: Key players: Emily Kutzera, sr.; Allie White, so.; Kyla Alley, sr.; Kaitlyn McCreary, sr.; Leila Stutesman, jr. The Timberwolves return a solid core of players, including five who earned all-league honors in 2011. White was first-team designated player, and Stutesman was a first-team utility player in 2011.
Union: Emma Alfonso, jr.; Parker Bonife, sr.; MacKenzie Hill, so.; Bri Mason, sr. The Titans are young with only four returnees with varsity experience. But Union has an athletic squad that will hope to compete for a playoff berth.
3A GREATER ST. HELENS LEAGUE
Camas: Key players: Mikaela Searight, sr.; Sarah Nidick, sr.; Lena Richards, so.; Harli Hubbard, so.; Amee Aarhus, jr.; Erin Tauscher, jr. The Papermakers return seven of nine starters from last season’s district championship team. The addition of some key player should keep Camas in the mix for the league title this season.
Kelso: Key players: Sierra Richards, jr.; Jessica Shaw, sr.; Julia Breidt, jr.; Carly Sims, jr.; Macy Ruth, jr.; Bailey Ellis, so. The Hilanders have four quality pitchers in Breidt, Sims, Ruth and Ellis. The problem — and it’s a problem a lot of coaches would like to have — is find enough innings for each of them. Kelso has just three seniors and many juniors.
2A GSHL
Mark Morris: Key players: Raime Sluder, jr.; Majerle Reeves, jr.; Monah Emerson, jr.; Taylor Bjorge, jr.; Kelee Lambert, sr. The Monarchs return all but one player off a squad that place second in the 2A GSHL last season. Mark Morris belted 23 home runs in 20 regular-season games in 2011.
1A Trico League
Kalama: Key players: Jordan Vossen, sr.; Jessica Stiffler, sr.; Ashton Kyllo, sr.; Jordyn Vandenburg, jr. The Chinooks return five starters, four with all-league honors. But the addition of some talented freshman gives Kalama hope of competing for a district berth.
La Center: Key players: Kaylee Hammack, sr.; Emily Rengo, sr.; Indika Frazier, jr. The Wildcats return only four upperclassmen, but that group includes the three all-leaguers mentioned above. Freshman and sophomore contributions will be key for La Center battling for a playoff berth.
Ridgefield: Key players: Carly Estes, sr.; Shannon Boyle, so.; Emily Burton, sr.; Kory Ryder, sr. Estes and Boyle were all-league performers in 2011. The Spudders look to repeat as league champions, but expect strong challenges from Castle Rock, La Center and Toledo.
