Friday, March 31, 2000
Sycamore No. 1 in softball
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Strong pitching has again helped Sycamore, Ross and Fairfield land the top spots in The Enquirer's preseason softball poll.
“The No.1 ranking doesn't put any pressure on us because we were expecting it,” Sycamore coach Debbie Klemt said. “We're optimistic, but you never know.”
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COACHES POLL
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1. Sycamore (12) 187
2. Ross (3) 139
3. Fairfield (3) 136
4. Mercy (1) 100
5. McAuley 82
6. Lakota West 78
7. Seton 69
8. Lakota East 56
8. Northwest 56
10. Amelia 42.
Others: Hamilton 35, Mount Notre Dame 29, St. Ursula 28, Harrison 21, Mason 17, Princeton 10, Ursuline 10, Oak Hills 7, Glen Este 6, Lebanon 5, Colerain 5, Anderson 3, Milford 1, Western Hills 1.
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Here's a look at the top 10:
1. Sycamore: The combination of pitchers Beth Conner (13-3 last year with .038 earned run average) and Katie Quay (4-0, .388 ERA) gives Klemt one of the best staffs in Cincinnati.
The Aviators also have plenty of punch in their batting order catcher Laura Johansen (.276 batting average), Sarah Melvin (.412), Kelly Luning (.416), Lindsay Austin (.357), Brittany Frank (.329), Lauren Sanders (.300) and Emily Futscher (.323).
“Overall, we had a .324 batting average last year,” Klemt said. “We averaged eight runs a game and only allowed 25.”
2. Ross: The Rams have been Cincinnati's most successful team the past eight years with a 200-30 record under coach Paul Fernandez.
Pitching has carried the Rams to 13 consecutive Fort Ancient Valley Conference titles and 10 straight district titles.
This season, the Rams are led by senior pitcher Randi Huffman, who was 9-3 last year with a 1.13 ERA.
3. Fairfield: The Indians, who have had six straight 20-win seasons, return eight starters. Standout pitcher Emily Breitholle, a senior who was 15-2 last season with a 0.55 ERA, anchors the staff.
Coach Brenda Stieger's team also is strong defensively with shortstop Janae Chaney (.348 batting average), along with Jesse Burgess (.327) and outfielder Cheryl Brown (.321).
4. Mercy: The one-two punch of pitcher Shannon O'Donnell (17-7, 1.40 ERA) and catcher Angie Heintz (.371 batting average), will lead the Bobcats.
Coach Karen Kron looks for her squad to improve on last 17-7 record and second place GGCL standing.
5. McAuley: The lack of a proven starting pitcher is a problem for the Mohawks, who return five starters from a team that won the GGCL Scarlet Division.
First-year coach Nancy Gamm, who coached Badin last year, is counting on Stephanie Salas, Kristina Bodley (center), Shayna Huber (shortstop), Kristin Hildebrand (catcher), Kelly Rueckert (left field) and Christina Meyers (right field). Senior Kristen Eversman and sophomore Jennifer Esterman will anchor the pitching staff.
“Our ranking is pretty amazing since we have an untried pitching staff,” said Gamm. “Neither of our pitchers have any varsity experience.
6. Lakota West: If the Firebirds can develop their offense,they could challenge Sycamore and Fairfield for the Greater Miami Conference title.
Pitcher Sarah Beck, who compiled a 10-6 record with a 0.66 ERA, could easily have won 15 games if the offense had produced more runs.
7. Seton: The Saints have a strong pitching staff that includes senior Jackie Schriewer and eight returning starters.
Coach Mary Agricola will build the offense around Carrie Higgins (.345 batting average), Jodie Schroeder and Annie Neumann.
8. Lakota East: A team without seniors, coach Steve Castner's Thunderhawks will rely on Kristin Gray (.411 batting average) and Debbie Doyle (.354) for the offensive punch.
Sophomore pitcher Miriam Stetz will head a staff that lacks experience and includes freshman Ashley Keith and sophomore Erin Medley.
9. Northwest: Standout pitcher Robyn Swerdersky (13-4, 0.72 ERA), along with infielders Bobbi Meister and Lori Gray, are the major reasons for the Knights' top 10 ranking.
Coach Liz Burris expects Brynn Foggie, C.J. Aichele and Samantha Meister to carry the offense.
10. Amelia: If coach Mike Rapp comes up with a pitcher, the Barons could develop into one of Cincinnati's better teams.
Seven starters return for a team blessed with speed and strong defense.
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