Softball team previews
Here are the softball preview sheets turned in by area coaches. We will add others to this if we get them.
CAMAS
Coach: Ken Nidick
Key players: Harli Hubbard, sr., pitcher; Lena Richards, sr., infielder; Katie Schroeder, jr., pitcher; Hannah Welborn, sr., Cailyn Grindy, sr., 3B; Rio Smith, jr., of; McKinley Johnson, jr., c; Tori O’Neil, jr.
Outlook: With 7 of 9 starters returning from a team that finished second in the Class 4A state tournament a year ago, the Papermakers expect to make another long playoff run. Camas returns one of the best pitching combinations in the state. Hubbard has signed with North Carolina State, and Katie Schroeder, a junior, has announced she will sign with Utah State next school year. The real trick, Nidick says, will not be about talent but about dealing with having the huge bulls-eye on the team all season. This is THE team to beat in the 4A GSHL.
SKYVIEW
Coach: Kim Anthony
Key players: Emily Dobbin, sr.; Michelle Brincefield, sr., p; Katie Bittner, sr., Megan Settje, sr., c; Erica Cook, sr., of; Emily Garcia, jr., 1B.
Outlook: Returning five seniors and two other starters who helped the Storm reach the 4A state tournament last year. With a young supporting cast, Storm expect to compete for a league title.
UNION
Coach: Alex Perry
Key players: MacKenzie Hill, sr., c; Courtney Huss, sr., 2B; Aisha Ensley, jr., of; Alexis Kron, jr.; Morgan Spieth, so.; Alexis Staton, so., Courtney Walworth, so., Lindsey Daron, so., Anna Aguon, fr., Maddie McClelland, fr., Halee Vinyard, fr.
Union is young but has a solid group of upperclassmen to lead the way. The Titans hope to compete for one of the three 4A GSHL spots to advance to the bi-district tournament. Camas is loaded, and Skyview looks strong, too, according to Perry. After that, it’s anybody’s guess.
HERITAGE
Coach: Angie Michaelis
Key players: Daleney Tuholski, jr., 1B/c; Ashley Edwards, sr., ss.
Outlook: League favorites are Camas and Skyview. But softball is interesting. Anyone can surprise you.
BATTLE GROUND
Coach: Arielle Wiser
Key players: Krystina Fischer, sr., p; Parker Boyd, so., pitcher; Delaney Kelley, sr., 1B/of; Mickenzie Sachan, sr., c; Brittany Langdon, sr.
Coach believes the team’s strong pitching, experienced players, and team chemistry will play a huge role in the success of the season.
FORT VANCOUVER
Coach: Crystal Wallace
Key players: Rachelle Bonneville, so., p; Sydney Brugman, fr., c; Desirae Esler, sr.
Outlook: Fort graduated six seniors but has a lot of skilled players coming in from JV as well as an influx of talent from the freshman class. That should help the program.
R.A. LONG
Coach: Jennifer Hafley
Key players: Julia Leggett, sr., of; Miranda Cunningham, sr., of; Kaily Hiatt, sr., p; Ryleigh Dobbins, jr., c/ss; Hannah Speed, jr., of; Addie Bailey, jr., 1B/of; Chelsea Zimmerman, jr., 3B; Brianna Harvill, so, 2B/of; Jordyn Reed, so., 2B; Madison Cathcart, so., p/1B; Hileigh Todd, f., c/ss.
R.A. Long has nine returners from a team that finished second in state last year. Has to be the team to beat in 2A GSHL.
HOCKINSON
Coach: Lynn Latendresse
Key players: Adrianna Anderson, jr.; Erin Bratt, so.; Elyse Fisher, fr.; Calli Garver, fr., Reagan Gregory, jr.; Grace Gunderson, so.; Hannah Hart, so.; Kaylee Harteloo, jr.; Morgan Mandeville, jr.; Haley Runyon, fr.; Cathrin Schulze, jr.; Emma Woolcott, so.; Katie Wynkoop, fr. Team manager: Chloe Bonife, fr.
LA CENTER
Coach: Randy Martinez
Key players: Samantha Zumstein, sr., c; Samantha Norris, sr.; Emily Muffett, jr., p; Rachel Moudy, jr.; Amanda Moudy, jr.
Outlook: La Center has a lot of young players this year but should be competitive. Woodland has to be the favorite in the Trico, while La Center, Kalama, Toledo-Winlock, White Salmon, and Stevenson compete for district tournament berths.
WOODLAND
Coach: Damon Yeo
Key players: Maddie Sorensen, sr.; Nicolette Nesbitt, sr.; Gracie Trice, jr.; Addy Perkins, jr.; Kendall Grell, jr.; Sidra Malik, jr.; Rianna Fitzgerald, jr.; Alysha Hazen, jr.; Jessica Flanagan, so.; Haley Michaud, so., Jacy Thomas, jr.
Outlook: Team took second in Class 1A state last year. This group wants another shot at a state title.
