Friday, March 30, 2001
N.Ky. slow-pitch softball preview
NewCath primed for third straight state title
By Mark Schmetzer
Enquirer contributor
Just when it looked as if Kentucky high school girls slow-pitch softball was on life support, especially with Highlands and Louisville Holy Cross joining the teams playing only fast-pitch, a transfusion of old blood might have given it new life.
The Northern Kentucky area, which has produced the last four state champions, has been energized by the return of three schools -- Campbell County, Grant County and Calvary Christian -- to the scene after taking stabs at the fast-pitch game.
But while the overall picture is more crowded, there's still one team head and shoulders above the rest. Newport Central Catholic, which has won three of those last four state titles, including the last two, has been voted Northern Kentucky's No. 1 slow-pitch team in the Enquirer's pre-season coaches poll.
Newport is No. 2, followed by Lloyd, Dayton, Campbell County, Villa Madonna, Holy Cross, Ludlow, Dixie Heights and Calvary Christian.
The Lady Thoroughbreds lost just one starter, shortstop and state tournament Most Valuable Player Angie Tullis, from last season's 38-2 team, but coach Jenny Mertle is confident that the returning players can plug the gap. Junior Robyn Tucker will be moved from third base to shortstop, with senior second baseman Megan O'Hara waiting in the wings if Tucker stumbles.
“Megan is an exceptional defensive player who may have to move to shortstop,” said Mertle, who was 346-107 in her first 14 seasons at the NCC helm. “She batted .403 last season.”
Senior Amy Meyers will return for her fourth season as the starting pitcher. Meyers developed as a hitter last season, posting a .547 average. Senior first baseman Erica Ziegler hit .553 last season, and senior left fielder Beth Schuck and junior left-center fielder Danielle Kramer both hit over .400.
“We have a veteran pitcher, a fast and experienced outfield, and speed in the outfield and on the bases,” Mertle said. “We will need to be consistent with our hitting, and we need to find a third baseman. It probably will be a sophomore or freshman.”
No. 2 Newport counted a win over NCC in the semifinals of the state double-elimination tournament among the 23 the Wildcats rung up last season.
“After that, we fell off the mountain,” coach Tom Haas said. “We hope to learn from that experience this season.”
Newport has a solid core of seniors to depend on, led by outfielder Stephanie Atkins, who hit .468 with 68 RBIs last season, and pitcher-shortstop Ashley Mills, who hit .457.
“Stephanie is a powerful athlete who can do it all,” Haas said. “She is the strongest slow-pitch hitter in the state. Ashley is also a complete player with good speed and power who can also pitch and play anywhere on defense.
“With a (junior varsity) team that won the 2000 tourney and eight returning starters, this group has all the tools it needs to win. Speed, power and defense are all there. But they have never won it all. If they stay focused and healthy, they should have real shot this year.”
Other top returning players are Dayton junior Samantha Hollingsworth, who h it .515 last season, Ludlow junior Colleen Pavel, a .470 hitter last season, and Calvary Christian senior first baseman Amanda Wise and junior outfielder Angie Lee. Wise hit .494 and drove in 30 runs last season. Lee hit .547 with 28 RBIs.
This season's sleeper could be Holy Cross, which has eight starters back from a team that went 7-14 in its first year back in slow-pitch last season.
“We need to hit the ball stronger and catch the ball better in the outfield,” Indians coach Dan Trame said.
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N.Ky. slow-pitch softball preview
