2011 SOFTBALL TEAM CAPSULES

Below are the 2011 girls softball team capsules, as compiled by NorthOaklandSports staff. All information sent in by coaches. Is your team’s information missing from the season preview? Please forward pertinent information to results@northoaklandsports.com or dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

Auburn Hills Avondale

LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 24-12, 13-1 OAA White Division (first).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 district semifinals to Waterford Kettering (4-2).

RETURNING STARTERS: Brianna Marzolf, jr. C (led team with .407 avg., 20 RBI);  Cady Zimmerman, sr. CF (.372 avg., 26 RBI); Sami Bolton, sr. 3B; Sarah Pink, sr. RF;

Kirsten Moy, sr. P (missed most of last season with a knee injury).

OTHER RETURNEES: Katie Tullock, sr. 1B; (coming off an injury which kept her out of the second half of the season; also runs track); Christine Wojtowicz, jr. INF.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Taylor Nault, sr. OF-C; Amanda Rosilli, sr. INF-OF; Erin DeMarois, sr. INF.

KEY LOSSES: Alyssa Stacherski, SS (all-league); Katie Moy, P (all-league; Oakland).

NOTABLES: Coming off a league championship season, the Yellowjackets have to replace one of the best pitchers in school history and a couple of other key players, but do have the talent to contend again in the OAA-White in 2011; Kirsten Moy returns to the fold after missing two-thirds of last season, while Marzolf, the other half of the battery, is one of the area’s top catchers; there are five players with starting experience, enough of a core to build around; Avondale will not have a home field this season, as the school began construction of a new outdoors athletics complex that will feature a turf field, new softball and baseball diamond, track, stadium and multi-purpose practice fields.

Auburn Hills Oakland Christian

HEAD COACH: Kyle E. Yee, first season.

LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-11, 4-8 MIAC (fifth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 4 district semifinals to Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest.

RETURNING STARTERS:  Amy Libka, jr. P; Caitlin Couch, jr. CF; Kimberly Ervin, jr.S; Alexis Fantin, jr. LF; Rachel Hole, sr. C; Jenna Bottiaux, jr. 2B; Rebecca Van Sloten, soph.1B;

OTHER RETURNEES: Heather Geer, jr. RF/U

KEY NEWCOMERS: Malie Couch, fr. U; Alexandria Kline, fr. U; Jenna Cantu, jr. RF.

KEY LOSSES: Rachel Jablonski, SS (all-league, all-district; Gardner-Webb); Lauren Haight, INF; Catherine Makowicz (home-schooled).

NOTABLES: The Lancers are under their fourth head coach in seven years and have been out of the picture of a high-level Division 4 team for several years; this team returns the bulk of its players, but does not have a ton of players that play travel ball in the summer and that lack of inexperience may hurt against some of the top Division 4 schools in the Detroit area.

Auburn Hills Christian Academy

HEAD COACH: Tina Barton.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD:

STATE TOURNAMENT:

RETURNING STARTERS:

OTHER RETURNEES:

KEY NEWCOMERS:

KEY LOSSES:

NOTABLES:

Clarkston

HEAD COACH: Don Peters, sixth season.

LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 28-11, 9-5 OAA Red Division (second).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 district semifinals to Hartland.

RETURNING STARTERS: Liz Zezula, sr. OF (honorable-mention all-state; Tiffin University); Megan Hastings, jr. P-INF (all-league); Shauna Siwicki, jr. INF (all-league); Allie Reeve, sr. (Macomb Community College); Tara Perry, jr. OF; Sarah Altene, sr. P-INF (Milwaukee School of Engineering); Sydney Hasselbach, soph. INF.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Allie Rachel, fr. OF; Sam Hoekksema, fr. P.

KEY LOSSES: Taylor Hasselbach, SS (Miss softball, All American; Michigan); Bailiee Braunreuther, P (Oakland).

NOTABLES: The always dangerous Wolves were upset in the districts last season and never had the chance with a anticipated third meeting with rival Troy in the regionals; Clarkston does return seven starters and have a solid cast of newcomers that hope to help this team remain one of the top squads in Oakland County; perhaps this year’s unit can help the school gain a berth in Battle Creek for the Final Four for the first time since 2004.

Lake Orion

HEAD COACH: Joe Woityra, third season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 23-11, 9-5 OAA Red Division (tied-second).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 pre-district to Oxford.

RETURNING STARTERS: Sandra Rippon, sr. P (Trine University); Emily Pillivant, sr. C (Hillsdale; limited in 2010 due to knee injury); Paige Hamay, sr. 1B (all-league, all-district); Julia Basso, sr. OF (missed half of last season with injury); Danielle Guldi, jr. 3B (third-year starter); Brianna Schwarcz, jr. 2B (third-year starter); Jessica Lucas, jr.  OF (injured part of last season); Alicia Grownowski, soph. P-SS.

OTHER RETURNEES: Kaitlin Kogut, jr. P-1B; Katlyn Clouse, jr. C-OF; \Corinne Listenbee, jr. U; Taylor Dillon, jr. OF.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Sierra Woods, soph. 1B; Hayley Gilbertson, soph. OF; Jennifer Warznie, fr. OF.

KEY LOSSES: Tessa Tomlin, OF (all-state; Rochester College); Megan Dyer, P (Macomb CC); Jessica Bays, 1B(four-year starter).

NOTABLES: The Dragons were riddled with injuries last season with a revolving door of available players, yet the Dragons still tied for second in the league and won 23 ballgames; if this unit can stay healthy, they should challenge in the OAA-Red and be capable of making a long postseason run.

Oxford

HEAD COACH: Kristi McDevitt, third season (48-23).

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 23-13, 14-2 Flint Metro League (first).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost to Troy in Division 1 regional semifinals (7-2); district champions.

RETURNING STARTERS: Alyssa Hurtado, sr. CF-SS (only senior starter); Cathy Edgemon, jr. 3B (third-year starter); Autumn Cervantez, soph. C-SS; Amanda Boyer, jr. 1B.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Alyson Edgemon, fr.2B;

Hannah Rodgers, jr. P-INF; Kyla Kurczewski, fr. P-OF; Courtney May, sr. CF (will play hockey in college).

KEY LOSSES: Corrine Luxton, P(all-league, all-district; winningest pitcher in school history); Allie Laidlaw, SS (injured most of last season); Chelsea Kessler, INF; Kelly Cartner, C (played in coaches association all-star game).

NOTABLES: The Wildcats won league and district crowns in the season for the first time in school history last spring, but have bolted for a new conference and lost the cornerstones of their program last year in standouts Luxton, Laidlaw and Cartner; Oxford was placed in the ever-tough OAA Red Division this season.

Rochester

HEAD COACH: Jenny Morgan, seventh season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 26-14, 10-4 OAA White Division (third).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost to Troy in Division 1 district finals (7-0).

RETURNING STARTERS: Martha Troy, sr. P (all-league, fourth-year starter, 14-10 last year); Carly Cribbs, sr. SS-P (fourth-year starter, all-league; .387 BA); Jamie Trombetta sr. 2B (.355 BA); Maggie Irvine, jr. OF (all-district, all-region; .412 BA); Amanda Graham, jr. OF-P; Sarah Schedlbauer, soph. OF (all-district); MacKenzie Duff, soph.1B.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Emily Ellis, soph. 3B (transfer from Washington State); Adrianna Peruzzi, fr. C.

KEY LOSSES: Rachel Boreo, 3B (four-year starter; all-district, all-region); Lauren Reedy, jr. (not playing due to her being an elite diver).

NOTABLES: Rochester set a school record for wins last spring, remained in the league title hunt until the final week of the league season and reached the district finals; there are seven returning starters and a host of a talent as the school is going after another solid season; Falcons have not won a district since 1995, when Morgan was a senior at the school; Rochester has a potent lineup and should be one of the higher scoring teams in the OAA this season.

Rochester Adams

HEAD COACH: Fran Scislowicz, 24^th season.

LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 23-12, 12-2 OAA White Division (second).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 district finals to Oxford.

RETURNING STARTERS: Alex Bahner, sr. C; Claire Scislowicz, sr. 1B; Emily Bryce, sr. 3B; Alexys Pacioni, jr. RF; Chloe Kauffman, sr. CF; Bre Polcyn, soph. LF.

OTHER RETUREES: Anna Loscko, sr. RF; Ashley Durand, jr. LF; Melanie Kipke, sr. P.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Maddie Phelps, soph. SS; Alyse Wilson, jr. 2B; Rebecca Camiani, jr. RF; Molly McCain, jr. LF; Kristen Koltvedt, jr. P.

KEY LOSSES: Devin Olmack, INF; Jessica Wilson, P.

NOTBLES: While the Highlanders return most of their lineup, including seven starters and nine players with varsity experience, there is not any experienced pitchers in the program, as the No. 1 pitcher graduated and the No. 2pitcher transferred out east; Adams will look to some young arms to help them contend; the Highlanders do have experience around the horn and have a potent batting order, as Adams may have to out-hit teams and manufacture runs in order to stay in games as the pitching develops.

Rochester Stoney Creek

HEAD COACH: Jerry Price, first season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 3-30, 0-14 OAA White Division (eighth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 districts to Oxford.

RETURNING STARTERS: Jessica Lee, jr. SS-CF; Tianna Woloszyn, soph. P.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jenn Semaan, fr. C-3B; Adrian Saylor, soph. C (currently injured; transfer from Lansing area).

KEY LOSSES: Several players graduated or elected not to come back.

NOTABLES: Price, who coaches the freshman team last season, is the fourth varsity coach in the nine years of the school, which has yet to field a winning softball program; there is some daylight with a quality freshman class and a team without seniors, so Price can slowly mold together a winner if players stick with the program; at least two key players have opened the season on the disabled list with injuries; Cougars are 2-2 to start the year, one win from last year’s win total, and have dropped down to the OAA Blue Division this season to face team of like talent-base.

Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest

HEAD COACH: Jeff Ludwig, seventh season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 22-7, 10-0 MIAC Blue Division (first).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 4 district finals to Marine City Cardinal Mooney.

RETURNING STARTERS: Kirsten Thompson, sr. SS (all-league; first-team all-state; Lake Superior State University; Hit .610, 50 runs,3 HR,16 Doubles, 49 RBI,50 runs);

Stephanie Smith, jr.,P-3B, (all-league, first-team all-state (.464 avg., 33 runs, 51 RBI);

Rebecca Pierce,sr. LF (.437, 32 runs, 29 RBI; all-league, all-district); Ashly Riethmeier, jr.,1B. (.320, 21 runs, 16 RBI; second-team all-conference); Marcella Bolen, jr. CF.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Seven new players are on the roster.

KEY LOSSES: Kacie Todd, P (MIAC Blue League MVP, .380 average, 20-5 record);

Gracen Myers, C (All State Honorable Mention; Rochester College; .489, 56 runs, 25 RBI, 41 SB).

NOTABLES: The Crusaders have developed into a consistent top-20 team in Division 4in the past decade, but have always been in a tough district and have only captured one district crown in the past six years; this year’s team does have some talented players, including a pair of all-staters; if Northwest can find a reliable pitcher, this team should again compete for another league crown and make a run in the postseason.

Troy

HEAD COACH: Tom Calnen, 17^th season (401-176).

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 32-6, 12-2 OAA Red Division (first).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost to White Lake Lakeland in Division 1 state semifinals (5-2).

RETURNING STARTERS: Lynsey Mukomel, sr. 1B (fourth-year starter; .400 BA, 33 RBI, 40 hits);  Kamryn LaCarter, jr. SS (.459 BA lead the team with 57 hits, had 19 stolen bases; transferred from Alabama prior to last year); Laney Hart, jr. 2B-OF (hit .337, 30 hits; two-year starter in outfield who may move to 2B); Kristen Shetler, jr. OF (hit .325, 16 SB).

KEY LOSSES: Jordan Wheatley, P (Penn State; four-time all-stater); lost three other all-state players.

NOTABLES: Over the past decade, Troy has been one of the state’s sure-fire winning programs, backed by a pair of four-year starting pitchers in the span and a host of other all-state and college-bound players; most of those players have graduated, including four all-staters from last year’s Final Four squad; the Colts have more question marks than answers right now and are looking to a host of pitchers to keep them competitive in games and a young roster develops.

Troy Athens

HEAD COACH: Dave Marr, 35^th season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 14-20, OAA Red Division (eighth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost to Troy in Division 1 pre-district.

RETURNING STARTERS: Melissa Palmer, jr. SS-2B (all-league, all-area);

Erica Siismets, soph. P-OF; Meg Richter, jr. C; Jackie Klein, soph. INF.

OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Katie Koelzer, soph. OF; Amy Skotzky, jr. OF;

Kayla Rothenberg, jr. 1B-C.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Haley Zemmer, fr. P (No. 1 pitcher); Mary Grace Stark, fr. INF; Sarah Watson, fr. OF.

KEY LOSSES: Mandy Morton, 3B.

NOTABLES: While there are only four returning starters for a team that finished under .500 and winless in the OAA-Red, the Red Hawks do return one of the better players in Oakland County in Division I recruit Palmer and welcome in a coveted freshman class and seven total newcomers; the Red Hawks have two of the best freshmen in the area in Zemmer and Stark; Athens was dropped down to the OAA-White Division this season and will be immediate contenders.

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes-

Clarkston Everest Collegiate Unified

HEAD COACH: Steve Troy, third season (35-15).

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 7-17.

LEAGUE: CHSL- Intersectional.

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 4 district semifinals to Marine City Cardinal Mooney.

KEY PLAYERS: Michelle Cottrell, sr. P; Farrah Nordman, sr. 3B (all-league); Sarah Nuss, sr. (all-league); Hannah Garris, sr. C-1B (All-Catholic, all-district); Abbie Troy, sr. OF (All-Catholic, all-district); Lauren Robak, sr. SS-1B; Julie Mastromatteo, jr. C-SS.

OTHER RETURNEES: Amy Wolanin, jr.; Jessica Ebel, jr.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Abbigayle Kline, jr. OF-P; Angie Mastromatteo, fr. OF-2B; Sarah Kowalczyk, fr. OF-P.

NOTABLES: The Lakers struggled last season with injuries and inexperience and just one pitcher, but with a large senior class and three talented newcomers in the mix, this should be an improved team in the Catholic League; there are several players used to winning in other sports, with some of them playing on the school’s Class D girls basketball state championship squad this winter.

Category: Auburn Hills Avondale, Auburn Hills Christian Acadamy, Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, Clarkston, Clarkston Everest Catholic, High School, High School (M-Z), Lake Orion, Oxford, Prep Wraps, Rochester, Rochester Adams, Rochester Hills Lutheran NW, Troy, Troy Athens, Troy Bethany Christian, Troy Christian Leadership Acadamy, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes