THE PLAIN DEALER, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992- 7-D MP SCHOLASTICS: 1992 SOFTBALL PREVIEW V.n V.n Townsend Walter Same story: Hoban loaded Lady Knights are seeking sixth state championship By TIM ROGERS PLAIN DEALER REPORTER The history is undeniably overwhelming. The talent is, too. So, what else is new when it comes to fast-pitch softball and Summit, Medina and Portage counties, where the haves still have it and the have-nots have it too? Archbishop Hoban won 33 consecutive games and its fifth state championship last year. The Lady Knights could be better this year. Springfield finished with a 29-2 record and came within one game of winning the school's fifth state championship.
The Lady Spartans be better this year. Tallmadge finished with a 24-5 record and one bad inning, against the eventual state champ in the district championship game, cost it the chance at winning the school's fifth state championship. The Lady Blue Devils could be better this season. Green finished with a 23-3 record and advanced to the district semifinals. The Lady Bulldogs could be better this season.
Manchester finished with a 24-4 record and lost a district semifinal game in extra innings. The Lady Panthers could be better this year. Of the 42 state championships contested in three since 1978, schools from Summit and Medina counties have won 19. A Summit or Medina county school has won a state championship in each of the last six seasons. Look for the trend to continue.
Here's a look at the best in the area: ARCHBISHOP HOBAN: How do you improve on perfection? That's the task facing new Hoban coach Luke Darrah, who replaced Mary Ann King. Hoban rode pitching and defense to its state title last season. "My biggest concern is our hitting," said Darrah. "The potential is there for us to hit the ball real well, but they haven't gotten me excited yet. I don't think our defense can get any better." The infield of Margo Ruther (1B), Patti Godzinski (2B), Kim Givens (3B) and Kristin Bernert (SS) is solid.
The outfield of Angie Walter (CF), Amy Tomits (LF) and Anita Bertsch (RF) appears equally as leak-proof. Left-hander Angie Townsend, one of the best pitchers in the state, returns after going 23-0 with a 0.32 earned run average and striking out 197 in 150 innings. Givens (10-0, 0.49 ERA) will pitch when not playing third and Erin Kresowaty will fill in at third when Givens is on the mound and will also play some outfield. SPRINGFIELD: The Lady Spartans are as experienced and as deep as Hoban. The biggest tasks facing coach Ray Fowler (280-56) are finding a catcher and replacing the physical abilities and leadership qualities of pitcherfirst baseman Meredith Wade, the Plain Dealer's Player of the Year from Summit, Medina and Portage counties.
Fowler will turn to freshman Alanna Barker and senior left-hander Cindi Wood (16-1) to help fill Wade's pitching shoes. The infield of junior Heather Carney (1B), sophom*ore Missy Jones (2B) seniors Angie Morckel (3B) and Karen Cook (SS) returns intact, as do junior Laura Mercer (CF) and sophom*ore Tara Castilow (RF). Beth Kiggans, who led the Spartans with a .389 average, returns as the designated hitter. GREEN: Seven of nine starters return, led by junior pitcher Suzie Rector (17-1), senior centerfielder Kristy Boggs (.450) and senior first baseman-pitcher Beth Bancroft Coach Bob Dickerson feels that junior Becca Wineka is one of the best defensive shortstops in the area. Junior Sunny White batted .291 with six home runs and returns at catcher and Dickerson will use freshman Ryann Zarrilli in the outfield.
TALLMADGE: Green (in the Suburban League) and Hoban (in tournament play) have been Tallmadge's nemeses the last few seasons. Coach Roger Howard hopes that will change this year and has four top-notch players who feel the same. Howard will rely heavily on pitchers Denise Roadman (37-4 in her career) and Christi Gault (13-2 last season), second baseman Nikki Handschumacher (.550) and versatile Heather DeMass. Howard has moved DeMass from her customary shortstop spot to catcher and the senior has responded by throwing out two would-be basestealers in two games. MANCHESTER: It starts with junior pitcher Jennifer Boso, who pitched in all 28 games last year, compiling a 0.90 ERA.
Coach Scott Cantrell also has veterans Julie Swain (3B, .430) and Jenny Stephan (CF, who helped win the Principal's Athletic Conference-7 championship and are two of seven returnees from the 1990 state championship team. The others are shortstop Shawna Brown first baseman Kristen Brown leftfielder Jamie Morehart rightfielder Debbie Myers (.305) and catcher Julie Baughman FIELD: After halting Southeast's Portage County League title run at four straight last year, coach Whitey Prunty has one of the best young pitchers in the area in sophom*ore Amy Cheney, whose 55 mph deliveries accounted for a 23-2 record, a 0.52 ERA and 255 strikeouts. Senior Julie Duckworth returns to centerfield and the leadoff spot, from where she hit .324. Senior Angie Shahan returns to third base, bringing her .353 average with her. Junior Shana Barker (RF) and junior Jeri Demyan (2B) also will help.
CLOVERLEAF: If a second straight Pioneer Conference championship is in the Colts' future, pitcher Diana Aungst (15-2, 0.72 ERA) needs a swift and arrant recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery. Shortstop Beth Crilley third baseman Meghan 'Flanagan (.368) and first baseman-DH Amy Natherson (.274) return in the infield. HIGHLAND: The Lady Hornets have the unfortunate situation of playing in the same league as Green and TalImadge, but are one of the best in Medina County. Coach Scott Webb got his daughter, pitcher Jennifer, to transfer from Medina, enabling junior Jill Smith to return to her natural shortstop position. Third-baseman Karen Gedeon, returning for her third season, led the team in RBI and hit .338 last season and first baseman Lisa McDonald is back after leading the team with a .476 average.
AKRON CITY SERIES Nicholson; East Harold Ickes; Ellet Chuck Shuman; FireCOACHES: Buchtel For Foster; Central-Hower Barbara stone Jill Williams; Kenmore Greg Wilson; Garfield Toni Coleman; Akron North Jeff Collins. 1991 STANDINGS: East 7-0; Ellet 5-2; Garfield 5-2; Kenmore 4-3; Firestone 3-4; Buchtel 2-5; North 2-5; Central-Hower 0-7. TOP PLAYERS: Ellet- Chrissy Batchik, 3B; Jenny Stemple, SS. North Heather Gordon, SS. East Angie Riley, SS; Jeannie Robinson, DeNeika Whack, CF.
Ellet Michele Vardon, Leslie Howe, P. COMMENT: It will be a two-team race between East and Ellet. Four of the seven teams have new coaches. East has won four of the last five championships, but lost seven starters from last year's team, which finished 16-7 overall. An experienced Ellet squad, with arguably the best infield in the league, could emerge as the new champ.
Ellet has seven returning starters. Tim Rogers EAST SUBURBAN CONFERENCE COACHES: Berkshire Pat Casseday; Cardinal Dave Fulop; Fairport Harbor Harding John Sutch; Grand Valley Cindy Thomas; Kirtland Tony Ferritto; Ledgemont Terry Hietanen; Newbury Palina Blair; Perry Sharon Monas; Pymatuning Valley Beth Helfer. 1991 STANDINGS: Vienna Mathews 9-0 ESC (no longer in league); Ledgemont 6-3 ESC, 18-9 overall; Newbury 6-3, 9-7; Grand Valley 8-8; Berkshire 5-4, 11-8; Perry 5-4, 12-12; Cardinal 4-5, 10-9; Fairport Harbor Harding 4-5, 12-14; Kirtland 0-9, 0-18. (Note: Kirtland will play slow-pitch as an independent beginning this year.) TOP PLAYERS: Grand Valley Kelly Henson, Jill Drugatz, P. Ledgemont Carmen Shay, P.
Berkshire Brandie Drew, Denise Hess, C. Newbury Kristen Hayes, Heather Atkinson, OF; Shannon Kleve, SS. Cardinal Kim Thompson, C. Perry Amy Blythway, 1B. COMMENT: Defending champion Vienna Mathews no longer is in the league.
Grand Valley and Ledgemont have the best pitching and are the teams to beat, though Ledgemont's nucleus is young. Berskhire and Perry could be challengers with several key players back. Newbury will start at least three freshmen. Tim Warsinskey FAST PITCH TOP PLAYERS: Melanie Janos, OF; Annie Mielke, 1B. Shaker Heights Laura Hoppe, Laura Melograno, OF.
Lakewood Melanie Krutch, OF; Kristen Hayden, SS. Valley Forge Michelle Leopold, Dana Bodenschatz, 3B. Cleveland Heights Nicole Skettle, SS; Mandy Taft, C. Normandy Sue Donovan, 3B; Andrea Buffa, 2B. Shaw Celina Glover, Monique Johnson, P.
COMMENT: The race might be wide open, but the team with the most experience appears to be Lakewood. The Lady Rangers have their top three hitters back in Krutch, Melissa London and Hayden. They also have two solid pitchers in Dawn Hess and Josette Gowern. Shaker Heights shared the titie last season, but lost six players to graduation. Bob Fortuna LORAIN COUNTY CONFERENCE COACHES: Avon Mary Stroney, 1st year; Brookside Carol Zellmer, 21st year; Elyria West Debra Anderson, 3rd year; Firelands Jim Solomon, 3rd year; Keystone Dave Leffew, 14th year; Oberlin Bill Roniger, 4th year; Wellington Tom Roth, 1st year.
1991 STANDINGS: Keystone 27-4 overall, 12-0 LCC; Brookside 21-8, 8-4; Firelands 17-7, 8-4; Wellington 9-15, 6-5; Elyria West 5-13, 3-9; Oberlin 5-12, 3-9; Avon 1-10. TOP PLAYERS: Keystone Amy Johnson, 14-1, 1.20 ERA; Sarah Martin, 13-3, 0.35 ERA; Marcy Herwig, 1B, Jen Accavalo, .364. Brookside Wendy Surak, C. Firelands Cassie Wilmoth, Joanie Yakunovich, Jennifer Rogers, 3B, .425. Elyria West Becky Paukst, IF, .400.
Oberlin Deana Wolfe, OF, .349. COMMENTS: Keystone appears to be in a class by itself in a fairly strong conference. Last year's two freshman sensations, Johnson and Martin, could give the Lady Wildcats one of the best one-two pitching combinations in northeastern Ohio. Keystone, a regional qualifier last year, has beefed up its non-conference schedule to be ready for postseason play. Firelands is very strong, led by Wilmoth, last year's Plain Dealer Lorain County player of the year.
Bob Migra ERIE SHORE CONFERENCE COACHES: Admiral King Roger Farr, 2nd year; Elyria Sue Cohagan, 4th year; Lorain Jim Uszynski, 3rd year; Midview Brenda Brest, 1st year; North Ridgeville Norm Frindt, 13th year; Sandusky Jim Fish, 6th year; Southview Kim Telatnik, 1st year; Vermilion Shelley Steele, 5th year. 1991 STANDINGS: Elyria 16-6 overall, 7-1 ESC; North Ridgeville 13-9, 6-2; Midview 9-10, 3-5; Sandusky 6-14, 2-6; Vermilion 5-14, 2-6; Admiral King, Lorain and Southview did not compete last season. TOP PLAYERS: Vermilion Alynne Straight, SS, .508 average; Nicki Pryor, P. Southview Stacey McNeely, Danielle Lurry, SS. Admiral King Megan Harper, Marla Melendez, SS.
Elyria Ashley Anderson, Angie McCall, Jacquie Stephens, 3B. North Ridgeville Dawn Bier, Sandusky Kim Alexander, 3B Amy Bonner, shortstop, Megan McCune, outfield, .354. COMMENTS: Led by three returning all-conference first team selections, Anderson, McCall and Stephens, Elyria looks to be in position to repeat as champion. Sandusky, Midview and Vermilion also have quality returnees and could challenge. The unknown factor will be how competitive the three Lorain schools will be after sitting out last season because of budget deficits and the failure of several school levies.
Bob Migra LAKE ERIE LEAGUE COACHES: Parma Wayne Gibson, 5th year; Shaker Heights Lori Anthony, 3rd year; Lakewood Cochrane, 1st year; Valley Forge Bill Salvage, 6th year; Cleveland Heights Don Readance, 8th year; Normandy Jerry Comer, 18th year; Shaw Ed Jordan, 13th year. 1991 STANDINGS: Parma overall, 10-2 LEL; Shaker Heights 11-7, 10-2; Lakewood 11-14, 8-4; Valley Forge 10-10, 6-6; Cleveland Heights 6-14, 5-7; Normandy 5-16, 3-9; Shaw 0-15, 0-12. METROPOLITAN LEAGUE COACHES: Barberton Rudy Sharkey; Cuyahoga Falls Patricia Adlesic; Kent Roosevelt Ron Wills; Nordonia Jim Fox; Ravenna Jim Culler; Springfield Ray Fowler; Stow Gary Mattes. TOP PLAYERS: Springfield Karen Cook, SS; Missy Jones, 2B; Cindy Wood, Angie Morckel, 3B; Laura Mercer, CF. Kent Roosevelt Kristin Romanski, SS.
Barberton Heather Frey, SS; Mollie Karabatsos, C. COMMENT: Springfield will make its final season in the Metro a memorable one. No one can match the Spartans' depth and experience. Coach Ray Fowler's teams have gone 121-9 over the last four seasons and have won three state titles. A fourth title is not out of the question.
Falls and Stow are the leading candidates for second place. Tim Rogers AREA CONFERENCE-8 COACHES: Aurora Pam Fair, 3rd year; Beachwood Bill Flaherty, 14th year; Brooklyn Dale Nicklas, 9th year; Columbia Bill Heidinger, 10th year; Independence Jeff Enckler, 7th year; Lutheran West Cindy O'Hara, first year; Richmond Heights Norm Maneri, 9th year. 1991 STANDINGS: Columbia 16-5 overall, 11-1 MAC-8; Brooklyn 17-10, 10-2; Aurora 6-12, 6-6; Lutheran West 5-7 'MAC-8; Independence 4-17, 4-8; Richmond Heights 6-15, 3-9; Beachwood 6-10, 3-9. TOP PLAYERS: Brooklyn Kim Antal, CF; Theresa Weidokal, Inf; Julia Wright, Ann Marie Wiencek, 3B. Independence Michelle le Zayac, SS.
Beachwood Amy Gordon, Wendy Blaugrund, Aurora Karen Greig, P. Columbia Joanna Pietch, Becky Goforth, CF. Richmond Heights Erika Germano, OF. COMMENT: Columbia has a dominant pitcher in Pietch, who was last season's MVP with a 15-4 record, 0.68 ERA, and 177 strikeouts in 113 innings. Brooklyn returns seven starters, including Antal (.452 last season) and Independence has five seniors and six juniors who could bring back memories of the 1988 team that won 17 games.
Dennis Manoloff NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE COACHES: Ashtabula Jack Moravetz; Ashtabula Harbor Paul Bodnar; Conneaut Gerri Ewig; Edgewood Lori Smith; Geneva Bob Herpy; Jefferson Ed Pickard; Ashtabula St. John Ken Petrochello; Painesville Harvey Mike Scullin; Madison Bill Hance; Painesville Riverside Tony Montonini. 1991 STANDINGS: Jefferson 16-2 NEC, 25-8 overall; Riverside 14-3, 17-5; Geneva 13-5, 16-6; St. John 11-7, 17-9; Harvey 10-8, 16-10; Edgewood 10-8, 10-12; Harbor 6-12, 8-13; Madison 4-13, 7-21; Ashtabula 4-14, 6-16; Conneaut 2-15, 3-18. TOP PLAYERS: Jefferson Jenny Rogers, Anita Jurcenko, Sr.
SS; Steff Nemet, 1B; Sue Nemet, Sr. CF. Harvey Kim Pohl, SS; Dana Davis, 2B. Geneva Shawn Novak, Tiffany Leonard, Riverside Brandee Trader, Carrie Leech, OF; Lynn Lawrence, Jenney Boyd, OF. Madison Leslie Solden, SS; Harbor Kirsten Butterfield, P.
COMMENT: Defending champion Jefferson is the favoite. The Falcons lost a nine-inning regional final to eventual state champion Hoban last year and return 10 lettermen, including pitcher Jenny Rogers and shortstop Anita Jurcenko. Riverside and Geneva should play for second place with Madison and Harvey not far behind. Riverside sophom*ore right-hander Brandee Trader is one of the league's top pitchers. Tim Warsinskey PIONEER CONFERENCE COACHES: Berea Dawn Ruebensaal; Brecksville Denise Sinko; Brunswick Howard Cook; Cloverleaf Rose Marie Torma; Medina Barb Nixon; Midpark Pat Gatti; North Royalton Russ Wells; Strongsville Kim Stuart.
1991 STANDINGS: Cloverleaf 14-0; Brunswick 10-4; North Royalton 8-6; Brecksville 6-8; Strongsville 6-8; Midpark 6-8; Medina 5-9; Berea 1-13. TOP PLAYERS: Brecksville Therese Powers, Niki Belanger, CF; Cathy Bernosky, 3B; Elissa Calzada, P.Brunswick Jaime Thomas, LF; Chris Ramion, SS. Cloverleaf Diana Aungst, Meghan O'Flanagan, 3B; Beth Crilley, SS. Medina Caroline McCombs, INF. North Royalton Laura Holzman, OF; Julie Barton, Amber Taylor, Chrissy Kohler, 2B; Chris Belcher, CF.
COMMENT: Cloverleaf is seeking a second straight championship, but the Lady Colts will be challenged by Brunswick, Brecksville and North Royalton. PORTAGE COUNTY LEAGUE COACHES: Crestwood Loren Barkhurst; Field Rich Prunty; Garfield Tom Rayburn; Mogadore Terry Saxe; Rootstown Dave Mullenix; Southeast Dave Dubinsky; Streetsboro Bill Buemi; Waterloo Jones; Windham Lee Sutley; Woodridge Karen Beavers. TOP PLAYERS: Field Amy Cheney, Julie Duckworth, CF; Angie Shahan, 3B. Woodridge Christy Richards, Tiffany Tutin, SS. Southeast Cyndi Clice, Shellie Hamrick, Tina Faulhaber, 2B.
Streetsboro Rachael Steffner, Tina Riffle, SS; Becky Ladich, OF. COMMENT: Field snapped Southeast's four-year stranglehold on the PCL last year and should repeat behind Amy Cheney and Julie Duckworth. However, Southeast will not go down without a fight and Woodridge and Streetsboro will be improved, but young. Tim Rogers SOUTHWESTERN CONFERENCE COACHES: Amherst Bill Matthews, 8th year; Avon Lake Brian Barnhart, 3rd year; Bay Don Chadwick, 5th year; Fairview JoAnn Allen, 9th year; North Olmsted Elaine Yambor, 11th year; Olmsted Falls Todd Bowers, 2nd year; Rocky River Gweynn Hampel, 10th year; Westlake Marcia Faber, 5th year. 1991 STANDINGS: Bay 20-5 overall, 12-2 in SWC; North Olmsted 16-5, 9-5; Westlake 18-9, 9-5; Rocky River 18-10, 7-6; Amherst 15-14, 6-8; Avon Lake 12-12, 5-8; Olmsted Falls 11-12, 5-9; Fairview 6-16, 2-12.
TOP PLAYERS: Bay Cynthia Winslow, Tricia Sorg, 1B. Rocky River Natalie McChesney, Noelle Clark, P. Westlake Robyn Shimelonis, CF; Lisa Anthony, Amherst Heather Zehel, 2B; Missy Johnson, SS. North Olmsted Missy Whalen, Fairview Anna Hannemann, Jenny Ziegman, 2B. Avon Lake Kim Kish, SS.
Olmsted Falls Cathy Schultz, P. COMMENT: Bay is a perennial power under Chadwick. If junior Cynthia Winslow can replace sister Karen, a second-team Division Il all-state selection last season, the Rockets will be in good shape to repeat. But there are plenty of challengers, led by Rocky River and North Olmsted. Amherst lost Ann Barnard from Division I district runner-up team, but returns entire infield and two outfielders.
Dennis Manoloff SUBURBAN LEAGUE COACHES: Copley Dan Witschev; Green Bob Dickerson; Highland Scott Webb; Hudson Dave Spohn; Norton Jaime Nilles; Revere Allison Stewart; Tallmadge Roger Howard; Wadsworth Phil Horrisberger. TOP PLAYERS: Green Suzie Rector, Kristi Boggs, CF; Beth Bancroft, 1B. Highland Jill Smith, SS; Jennifer Webb, Karen Gedeon, 3B; Lisa McDonald, 1B. Tallmadge Denise Roadman, Christi Gault, Nikki Handschumacher, 2B; Heather DeMass, Brooke Gustavel, 3B. COMMENT: One of the most competitive leagues in Northeastern Ohio, especially at the top.
Green, which has won 11 straight league championships under veteran coach Bob Dickerson, has seven starters back from last year's 14-0 (23-3 overall) team. Tallmadge, three-time state champs in the 1980s, has plenty of experienced talent and missed a trip to the Division Il regionals in a one-run loss to eventual state champ Hoban in the district finals. Highland and Norton will round out the top four. Tim Rogers INDEPENDENTS COACHES: Archbishop Hoban Luke Darrah; Buckeye Leo Sparr; Elyria Catholic Craig Richards, 8th year; Lorain Catholic George Walts, 12th year; Magnificat Jim Gordon, 2nd year; Manchester Scott Cantrell; St. Vincent-St.
Mary Merry Lou Windhorst. 1991 STANDINGS: Hoban 33-0; Buckeye 12-10; Elyria Catholic 10-7; Lorain Catholic 5-13; Magnificat 21-4; St. Vincent-St. Mary' 17-9. TOP PLAYERS: Hoban Margo Ruther, 1B; Patti Godzinski, 2B; Angie Townsend, Angie Walter, CF; Kim Givens, Buckeye Natalie Cook, SS; Jody 1B.
Magnificat Carrie Mularz, SS; Adrienne Urbancic, CF: Sheila Wilford, SS; a LaShanda Taylor, RF; Emily Dahman, Weinert, 2B, Buckeye. Elyria Catholic Kathleen Griffin, OF. SVSM Tara Dyer, 2B; Amy Corrigal, 1B. Hoban lost its spiritual leader in coach Mary Ann King, but the Lady Knights have few weaknesses. Buckeye has three promising freshmen in pitchers Angie Couperthwaite and Amy Lutton and catcher Susie McMahon and talented junior shortstop Natalie Cook.
Magnificat is coming off a school-best slow-pitch season, but has left the Greater Cleveland Catholic Girls Athletic Conference to play an independent fast-pitch schedule. Manchester has considerable experience. SVSM has beefed up its schedule and welcomed back junior first baseman Amy Corrigal, who did not play last season. Eddie Dwyer, Tim Rogers SLOW PITCH CLEVELAND CITY SERIES COACHES: South Jenny Smith, 2nd year; John Marshall Ed Haller, 8th year; Collinwood Jerry Novak, 11th year; West Tech Carmen Rodriguez, 5th year; Lincoln-West Catherine Zak, 10th year; East High Doug Young, 8th year; John Adams Pam Koeth, 6th year; Glenville Gretchen Taylor, 1st year; John Hay Lorelei Hein, 8th year; Rhodes Nancy Hemel, 4th year; John F. Kennedy Jim Mitchell, 10th year.
1991 STANDINGS: South 19-2 overall, 16-0 league; John Marshall 14-5, 12-4; Collinwood 15-6-1, 11-4-1; West Tech 12-9, 10-6; Lincoln-West 9-7, 9-7; East High 8-7-1; John Adams 8-8, 8-8; Glenville 10-9, 8-8; John Hay 7-9, 7-9; Rhodes 4-12, 4-12; John F. Kennedy, 9-10, 2-1-4. TOP PLAYERS: South Lynn Kawzynski, OF; Lisa Kawzynski, SS. John Marshall Evora Baker, Danielle Drohan, 2B. Collinwood Leticia Washington, Jennifer Davis, West Tech Sandy Abraham, 3B; Barb Colegrove, P.
Lincoln-West Samantha lansky, Rosa Casiano, East High Lati- 1 Harvey ana Jones, Crystal 3B. John Adams Gina" Eaton, LaRhonda Pierce, SS. Glenville Sonja Cocil, 1B; Princess Davis, OF. John Hay Nicole Shaw, OF; Tanya Gibson, 3B. Rhodes Tammy VerhoseR; SS; Deanna Barth, OF.
John F. Kennedy Sonya Hare ris, SS; Bolando McDowell, 2B. COMMENT: South has won three straight titles and is fa-. vored again. The Lady Flyers will be led by the Kawzynski ters, Lynn and Lisa.
Both hit .680 last season. John Marshalke turns seven players and will be led by Evora Baker, Danielle Drohan and April Mixon. Glenville figures to be in the race and Rhodes is a veteran team. Bob CHAGRIN VALLEY CONFERENCE COACHES: Chagrin Falls Pamela Malone; Chardon Allison Mishler; Kenston Wanda Gemmel; Orange Rich Shrilla; Solon Ed Kramer; Twinsburg Bernie Factor; West Geauga Bill Dunkle; Wickliffe Pete Humphrey. DEA.
1991 STANDINGS: Wickliffe 14-0 CVC, 29-5 overall; West; Geauga 10-4, 28-8 (Division I1 state champion); Solon 10-4 CVC; Twinsburg 7-7. CVC; Chardon 5-9, 9-13; Kenston 5-9, 10-4; Orange 5-9; Chagrin Falls 0-14. TOP PLAYERS: Chardon Jodie Tagliaferri, SS. Kente ston Meg Haas, 2B. Wickliffe Amy Shaw, Jenny.
Brazalovics, Laurie Zagar, OF. West Geauga Jackie Prots, 2B; Rachel Ruggerio, LCF; Nanci Shelton, P. Solon Jessica Williams, OF; Sara Montanez, So 1B. Chagrin Falls Kristin Barnhouse, 3B. COMMENT: Wickliffe is the favorite to repeat with West: Geauga and Solon not far behind.
Wickliffe lost some of its vet; eran leadership, but has plenty of depth coming up. Shaw is one of the best young slow-pitch pitchers in the area. West? "2 Geauga might have lost too much to graduation to win the league, but Solon has a veteran team back. Tim Warsinskey GREATER CLEVELAND CATH. GIRLS COACHES: Beaumont Gary Bill, 8th year; Erieview Marc Amos, 3rd year; Regina Maureen Becker, 7th year; St.
Augustine, Dan Moran, 4th year; St. Joseph Academy Don 241 Kostell, 14th year; Villa Angela-St. Joseph Mark Chicone," 5th' year. 1991 STANDINGS: East Division: Notre Latin 8-2 in GCCGAC (no longer in conference); VASJ 18-12 7-3: Regina 11-7, 7-3; Beaumont 13-15, 5-5: West Division Magnificat 10-0 (no longer in conference); St. Joseph 6-4; St.
Augustine 5-14, 5-5; Erieview 1-13, 0-10. 1:04,3 TOP PLAYERS: Beaumont Kim Weldon, ren Chernisky, 3B; Colleen Quinn, VASJ Barb Grbac, OF; Stephanie Davis, SS. St. Joseph Colleen Marquardt, Jill Satanek, 1B; Tina Bauer, Jr. SS.
Regina Karen Lukacs, INF; Kathy Benander, Erieview Juliana Erne, St. Augustine Amy. Steinbicker, SS. COMMENT: The GCCGAC shrinks from two four-team sions to one six-team group. Gone are division champs ficat (West) and NDCL (East).
St. Joseph, behind Marquardt; left as the team to beat. VASJ graduated seven starters from r. last year and will start three freshman and a sophom*ore. But, the Vikings have perhaps the most prolific power source in the conference basketball standout Grbac and should con tend.
Regina finished a game back of NDCL and will be heard from. Dennis Manoloff GREATER CLEVELAND CONFERENCE COACHES: Willoughby South Mike Citraro, 4th year; Mentor Walt Klepac, 5th year; Brush Orin Marvin, 6th year; Euclid Dan Maxson, 10th year; Maple Heights Marsha Wilson, 2nd year; Eastlake North Rocque Trem, 14th year; Mayfield Mike Crowe, 11th year; Bedford Matt Bis: tritz, 6th year. 1991 STANDINGS: Willoughby South 22-4 overall, 12-2; Mentor 20-10, 11-3: Brush 14-9, 8-6; Euclid 18-11, 8-6; Heights 9-13, 6-8; Eastlake North 9-16, 6-8; Mayfield 7-13, 3-11; Bedford 3-15, 2-12. TOP PLAYERS: Willoughby South Lisa Currett, Tara Collins, OF. Mentor Katy Foley, OF; Mary itrick, So.
Brush Shannon Wallace, SS; Marisa OF. Euclid Kim Swearingen, SS; Joy Lewin, P. Maple- Heights Jennifer Baron, Heidi Bennett, SS. Eastlake North Annie Barsdaitis, OF; Sandy Delzoppo, 2 P. Mayfield Ange Celico, SS; Heidi Loomis, OF.
Bedford Tara Hruby, SS; Beth Walker, OF. COMMENT: The loss of five senior starters may have South coach Citraro concerned, but the rest of the coaches feel the Lady Rebels have a good shot at winning their seventh GCC championship. South, led by Currutt and Collins, will be challenged by Euclid and Mentor. Euclid is led by four-year date starters Kim Swearingen and Joy Lewin. Mentor has played bridesmaid the past four seasons.
Fib Bob Fortuna NORTH COAST LEAGUE COACHES: Central Catholic Chris Lottig, 14th year; Chanel Maryanne Zamborsky, 2nd year; Holy Name Sad. rah Regan, 14th year; Lake Catholic Jack Coyne, 2nd Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Rhonda Rickelman, 6th year; Padua Linda Palko, 3rd year; Trinity Anthony Camino, year. 1991 STANDINGS: Trinity 32-4 overall (8-1 in fast-pitch), 8-2 NCL; Holy Name 22-11, 7-3; Lake Catholic 18-11, 7-3; Central Catholic 22-13, 4-6; Padua 9-11, 3-7; Chanel 6-17, 1-9; NDCL was not a member of the league last season. 'P TOP PLAYERS: Central Catholic Renee and Shari Ta? 0. paszi; Holy Name Chris Doeringer and Melissa Simon; in A Chanel Nicky Began a and Erin Lynch; Lake Catholic ger Frame and Angie Martello; NDCL Kata Zatrajsek and Ann DiCello; Padua Michelle Barth; Trinity Michelle Ponzin ano and Jen Menge.
COMMENT: Led by PD All-Scholastics Simon (1B) and ringer (OF), Holy Name will be the team to beat. Doeringer is one of the top defensive outfielders in the state. Lake Catholic which tied Holy Name for second place last season, has the hitting but must shore up its defense. Frame (LF) batted last year and Martello (SS) hit .494. Trinity, which won the last four NCL titles and last year's Division I state slow-pitch tournament in Mount Vernon, has a new coach and a lot of new faces in the lineup.
470 Eddie Dwyer PRIVATE SCHOOL LEAGUE COACHES: Andrews Pat Reynolds, 10th year; Orange Christian Kevin Herston, 2nd year; Gilmour Larry Tucci, 4th year; Hathaway Brown Lori Kern, 1st year; Hawken Jesse Bernstein, 2nd year; Laurel School Marilyn 1st: year; Western Reserve Academy, Dick Walden, 2nd year. 1 1991 STANDINGS: Gilmour 13-5 overall, 11-1 PSL; Hawken 12-14, 9-1; Laurel 7-5; Andrews 7-4, 6-6; Western Reserve Aca: demy 9-9, 5-5; Hathaway Brown 3-9; Orange Christian 0-12 p2 0-12. Star TOP PLAYERS: Gilmour Christina Sichta, Laura Shoemaker, 3B; Ann O'Neil, Hathaway Brown Cammy Stites, OF. Hawken Ginger Theis, Sr Tracy Vitonis, Kim Crone, Nikki Adler, 2B; Kim Crone, Andrews Melissa McKim, LF; Jenny Manuel, 3B. Laurel Julie Powell; 1B; Alice Kennedy, SS; Kristen Lau, LF.
Orange Christian Jennifer Jones, Shannon Binns, Western Reserve Academy Alison Day, LF; Anita Patif bandla, SS. COMMENT: Defending champion Gilmour has a young team, but if the new players mature quickly, the Lancers should contend. Hawken also has a young team and is looking for its versatile squad to improve with experience. Andrews has power but not speed and is hoping that its long-ball hitters will: carry the attack. Baptist Christian did not have softball for six years.
Dick Zunt: INDEPENDENTS COACHES: Cuyahoga Heights Ron Meffley, 7th year; Garfield Heights John Sullivan, 8th year; Warrensville Sharon Sanders, 15th year. 1991 STANDINGS: Cuyahoga Heights 23-9; Garfield Heights 5-14; Warrensville 9-11. TOP PLAYERS: Cuyahoga Heights Jennifer Combs, Tracy Stih, 1B; Terri Baron, P. Garfield Heights Melanie Markovitz, SS; Nicole Rood, OF; Michelle. DiMarco, 2B; Carrie Prosen, 1B; Melanie Kaliszewski;" P.
Warrensville Latecia Jolly, Twilia Roberts, Sr. OF; Lucionne Lewis, SS. COMMENT: Combs, a .505 hitter last spring, is one of nine juniors in the starting lineup for Cuyahoga Heights. Warren sville returns seven starters, but only two are seniors. The key x7 for Garfield Heights will be how fast its talented sophom*ore frio.
of DiMarco, Prosen and Kaliszewski matures. Eddie Dwyer.
