Public schools

Atholton Raiders

1998 record: 2-21 overall, 0-18 league

Coach: John Zitko

Top players: Jessica McDonagh, Jr., SS; Sarah Costa, Soph., C; Kathleen Zitnay, F., P; Erin Caffrey, Sr., CF.

Outlook: A year ago Zitko said his program was "starting over and building for the future." That future is fast approaching. "We're a much better team," said Zitko, who is starting his third season. "I think we have a good shot at being in the top three in the county." The Raiders were not as bad as last year's record indicates. Atholton had to forfeit its seven regular-season wins, six against county teams, because of an ineligible player. McDonagh, a second-team All-County pick last season, had a team-leading 26 hits and batted .356. Costa, who led the team in doubles (seven), did most of the pitching last season but moves behind the plate this year. Zitnay, a freshman, takes over the pitching. "She's got the best control I've ever seen," Zitko said, "and her speed is probably third- or fourth-best in the county. She's a real exciting prospect." Caffrey, who scored a team-high 16 runs last season, moves from catcher to center field. "Now we're able to move her back to her natural position," Zitko said. Another welcome addition is junior Tiffany Mathis, a junior left fielder who transferred from Kentucky. Zitko said his players are very optimistic and enthusiastic about the season. "This year I think they're going to jell as a team," he said.

Centennial Eagles

1998 record: 14-8 overall, 11-6 league

Coach: Dale Huting

Top players: Kim Paulus, Sr., SS; Jen Roberts, Jr., 2B; Jessica Barrett, Jr., C; Amanda Hall, Soph., P; Laura Angle, Soph., OF.

Outlook: Huting begins his 13th season with a young team -- one senior, four juniors and eight sophomores. "We have to put things together," Huting said. "It might not happen in the first couple of weeks, but by the end of the season we should be a strong team." Paulus, a first-team All-County shortstop last season, is the lone senior. She led last year's team, which finished fifth in the county, in hits (29), including two doubles, and RBIs (19). Paulus is a captain, and Huting is counting on her to lead his squad by example. Roberts batted .540 before a hip injury forced her to miss half of last season. "She's a strong hitter and a very good infielder," Huting said. "We're hoping that this will be a strong, healthy season for her." Barrett, who Huting calls a "good all-around player" moves into the starting catcher's position. She'll be receiving mostly for Hall, a second-team All-County pick last year as a freshman who pitched 17 games and had a 2.68 ERA. Huting said Hall "looks a little stronger" this season. Angle, mostly a DH last season, will move into the outfield. Rebecca Decesare, who pitched four games last season, and Roberts are the Eagles' No. 2 pitchers. Five sophomores are up from JV, and two have stood out early -- Melissa Boone, a first baseman/catcher, and third baseman Jackie Case. Centennial's starting center fielder for the last two seasons, Angela Strittmatter, moved to Ohio.

Glenelg Gladiators

1998 record: 19-4 overall, 14-3 league

Coach: Dean Sheridan

Top players: Nicole Barnoski, Jr., C; Amanda Strandquist, Jr., P; Lauren Koutrelakos, Soph., SS, Laurie Driver, Sr., OF; Melissa Kruase, Jr., 3B; Kelly Jones, Jr., OF.

Outlook: The Gladiators graduated eight starters from last year's Class 1A state semifinalist, but "rebuilding" is not in Sheridan's vocabulary. "We'll be competitive in the first half and continue to improve," Sheridan said. Strandquist is the No. 1 pitcher, taking over for Shana Wyant, last year's Howard County Player of the Year. Strandquist started once and threw 19 innings last season with a .368 ERA. "She's very accurate, and her speed has improved," Sheridan said. "If she continues to place the ball well she'll be very effective." Sophomore Shannon Emerson is the team's No. 2 pitcher. Barnoski was one of six Glenelg All-County players last year (four on the first team), and she is the only returning starter. Driver, who shares captain duties with Barnoski and Strandquist, is the top returning hitter (.350). Koutrelakos, who started the last 10 games of the season at second base, moves to shortstop this season. Krause, one of six players up from the JV, is a solid third baseman and also will be the back-up catcher. Jones' family moved into the Glenelg area, and she brings along her .438 average. Sheridan has liked what he's seen from Erin Hollrah, a junior outfielder. "I think she's going to surprise a lot of people. She hits the ball hard," Sheridan said. Another junior, Kelly Ryan, could start at first base. The key for the Gladiators, who finished second last season in the county, will be how quickly the large group of former JV players can adjust to the varsity level.

Hammond Golden Bears

1998 record: 5-13 overall, 5-12 league

Coach: Scott Farrow

Top players: Sarah Murray, Soph., P; Laura Erdman, Soph., C; Erin Coleman, Jr., OF; Nicole Sealfon, Jr., 2B; Christy Cannell, Soph., Sr.; Laura Berry, Jr., 1B.

Outlook: The Golden Bears have their third coach in three years, and Farrow knows what he has to do. "I'm not worried about wins and losses. I just want them to be as fundamentally sound as possible," said Farrow. "The wins will come when we start playing fundamental softball. That's what I'm shooting for." Hammond returns four players from last year's team -- Murray, who pitched every game last season and led the team in hitting (.360), Erdman, sophomore outfielder Abigale Keller and Berry. Outfielder Kathy Walker is the only senior. Farrow still is learning about his players' strengths and weaknesses, and the wintry weather hasn't helped. "It's going to be tough," said Farrow. "We just want to try [to] improve each game." Murray said with so many young players it "definitely will be a building year."

Howard Lions

1998 record: 13-6 overall, 12-4 league

Coach: Dave Vezzi

Top players: Stacey Swiney, Sr., C; Kelly O'Neill, Sr., P; Sarah Berg, Sr., SS; Lindsey Hasiuk, Jr., 2B; Shannon Tracey, Soph., 1B; Kim Palmer, Jr., CF.

Outlook: The Lions have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs the last two seasons, and that disappointment is a driving force behind this year's team. A few players on this year's team played on the 1996 team that reached the state semifinals, and they want to get back. This year's squad, ranked No. 8, has the talent to get there. "The team that went to the semifinals was good, but position-by-position, this is a better team," said Vezzi. Swiney and O'Neill are two of the best in the metro area at their positions. Swiney, a three-time first-team All-County selection, is the county's most feared catcher, with a strong arm and powerful bat. She had team highs in runs (29), hits (29), average (.453), slugging percentage (.641) and stolen bases (6). O'Neill, a two-time first-team pick, finished with a 12-6 with 116 strikeouts in 102 1/2 innings. She also batted .385 and had a team-high .646 slugging percentage. Berg, Hasiuk, the team's second pitcher, Tracy, and Palmer all started last season, as did senior left fielder Rahnee Kelly and senior third baseman Jessica Burns. Three players are vying to start in right field -- senior Dawn Phillips, junior Amber Slavotinek and freshman Beth Myers. Senior Jen Pattik, who played as a freshman but sat out the last two seasons, is back and will be used as an utility infielder and designated hitter.

Long Reach Lightning

1998 record: 12-10 overall, 10-8 league

Coach: Chuck Struhar

Top players: Kristen Schaper, Jr., P; Tina Rezaiyan, Jr., SS; Ashley Naimaster, Soph., 3B; Kristi Drew, Sr., C; Rachel Jordan, Jr., 2B.

Outlook: Long Reach won 10 more games last year than during its inaugural season. Look for the Lightning to continue that improvement. "We're going to be very decent," said Struhar, last year's Howard County Coach of the Year. "If we get the pitching we expect, we'll be in every game." Schaper, a second-team All-County selection last year, led the area with 159 strikeouts. She had a perfect game against Oakland Mills and threw no-hitters against Howard and Oakland Mills. "I've had six All-County pitchers," said Struhar, who coached many years at Glenelg, "and by far, she is the fastest pitcher I'ver ever had." Schaper has battled control problems her first two years -- she had 90 walks last year -- but Struhar said "her accuracy has improved." Struhar added: "She has made the commitment to be good and has put in the time. I'm really pleased with her, and I'm looking forward to big things from her." Schaper is one of eight returning starters. Rezaiyan, a second-team All-County shortstop who led the team with a .333 batting average, anchors the infield. "She's fluid, can run and can hit. She's just a good softball player," Struhar said. Junior Corinne Leith will move from left to center field this season, and senior Genevieve Schrier moves from first base to left field. Senior Sheree Gross will start at first base, her position two years ago. She did not play last year because of a knee injury in basketball. "She's going to be a real pleasant surprise," said Struhar said. "She just solidifies the infield." Senior Kristen Lorch will start in right field. The Lightning will carry 14 players -- four seniors, seven juniors, one sophomore and two freshmen.

Mount Hebron Vikings

1998 record: 3-15 overall, 3-14 league

Coach: Tina Maddox

Top players: Heather Phipps, Sr., 3B; Julia Kurisch, Sr., SS; Lauren Merkle, Sr., C; Amanda Crehan, Soph., 2B.

Outlook: The Vikings fell a little short last season with their pitching, and Maddox thinks freshman Jessica Lewis and junior Melissa Litaker will help turn things around. Lewis has more pitching experience than Litaker and will get the start. "She throws the ball really hard and has good accuracy," Maddox said of Lewis. "She's working hard and improving daily." Maddox said Litaker, who began pitching for the first time last fall, "is coming along very well and will play an important role for us." Litaker was a JV infielder last season. Crehan and Merkle each had 10 hits last season, tying for second on the team. Crehan batted .244 and Merkle .256. Phipps, who played at shortstop in the second half of the season after Kurisch injured her thumb, will play third this season. Kurisch will start at shortstop. Maddox is hoping for big seasons at the plate from both Phipps and Kurisch. Maddox will start three juniors in the outfield -- Pam Sneddon in center field, Lindsay Evens in left field and Jenilee Hodges in right field. The Vikings will carry 16 players (four seniors, eight juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen) and a new enthusiasm into the season. "There's a high intensity and a real desire to begin the year," Maddox said. "I see a whole different team from last year. It's more focused." Maddox expects the Vikings to be more competitive and hopes they can maintain that edge throughout the season.

Oakland Mills Scorpions

1998 record: 3-16 overall, 3-13 league

Coach: Jon Browne

Top players: Erica Schmeckpeper, Sr., C; Holly St. Clair, Jr., SS; Amy Browne, Sr, P.

Outlook: Browne said he and his players are approaching the season with "a positive and optimistic outlook." The Scorpions return eight players with starting experience, including the battery of Browne and Schmeckpeper. Browne, not related to the coach, had a difficult season last yea, and is battling tenderness in her pitching arm. But coach Browne is counting her. "If Amy can stay healthy and pitch the majority of our games, we can be competitive and improve," coach Browne said. "I like our defense. It's very solid. We need some people to step with their bats, which could happen, because these girls have worked hard in the off-season." St. Clair is one of the top returning hitters, and Schmeckpeper is a solid catcher and captain. "She's a hard worker and a great leader for us," said Browne. Other players who will make contributions include senior center fielder Jamie Sauer, senior third baseman Elizabeth Pitta, senior second baseman Jessie Hinson, junior first baseman Dalton Cramer and senior second baseman Tania Chapasko. The Scorpions are looking for a back-up pitcher.

River Hill Hawks

1998 record: 18-4 overall, 15-2 league

Coach: Dave Vitagliano

Top players: Amanda Bile, Jr., SS; Lisa Humphrey, Jr. 1B; Brooke Kimball, Sr., 3B; Heather Doyle, Sr., CF; Carrie Kelehan, Jr., 2B.

Outlook: The defending county champion Hawks are inexperienced at two critical positions, pitcher and catcher. Sophomore Shannon Jackson was the top JV pitcher last season and retains that role on the varsity. "She's got the mentality to deal with the pressure," Vitagliano said. "She throws hard, and her control has been good." Behind Jackson are two freshmen -- Megan Mitchell and Kelly Smith. Mitchell has been pitching less than a year and, said Vitagliano, "has come a long way. She has a great arm and good control." Smith has more experience than Mitchell. "She's throwing a lot harder now then she did the first day of practice," Vitagliano said. Sophomore Tara Fadrowski and Smith's twin sister, Robin, will catch. Fadrowski was the starting JV catcher last season and is expected to start. "She's looking pretty good," Vitagliano said of Fadrowski. The Hawks return eight players from last season, five of them full-time starters. Bile led the team in runs (34), walks (16), stolen bases (24) and batted .403. Humphrey led the Hawks in at-bats (75), hits (30), RBIs (28) and hit .400. Kelehan moves from center field to second base this season, and junior Killi Myers, a varsity infielder last season, will play right this year. Vitagliano said the Hawks will "go as far as our pitching takes us. Defensively, we stack up with anybody in the county. If the pitchers throw strikes, we can compete with anybody." Vitagliano said his team's speed is "phenomenally better" than last year, so expect the No. 14 Hawks to go for the the extra base whenever they can.

Wilde Lake Wildecats

1998 record: 14-7 overall, 12-5 league

Coach: Sal Milio

Top players: Jen Babish, Sr., P; Megan Quinn, Sr., P; Lindsey Smardon, Jr., OF.

Outlook: "I like this team," Milio said. "I like their capabilities, and I like their attitude." The No. 12 Wildecats are young (one freshman, eight sophomores, two juniors and three seniors) but not inexperienced. Seven of the sophomores played varsity last season, and many started. Second-team All-County pitcher Babish returns, with Quinn and sophomore Megan Lucks as back-ups. "All three of them are throwing well," said Milio, who added that he wants to get Quinn more pitching time this season. Babish was 13-5 last year with a 1.84 ERA. Quinn threw 19 innings and Lucks went three. Milio said the infield "should be pretty solid. They look good in practice, but we've only been practicing in the gym." Tentatively, sophomore Diane Caporaletti will play third, sophomore Shannon Fitchett will go at shortstop, Lucks will play second and senior Jessica Seldomridge will be at first. Sophomore Sarah Taliano will catch. The outfield positions are still open, Milio said. "Our strengths will be pitching and defense," Milio said. "They key to how far we go will be our offense -- how we hit the ball." Babish led the team in hits (25), triples (3) and average (.391) last year. Smardon batted .362 and had a team-leading 13 RBIs.

Private school

Chapelgate Flames

1998 record: 9-7 overall, 4-2 league

Coach: Steve Kunkel

Top players: Laura Starsoneck, Jr., SS; Tori Marriner, Sr., LF; Hope Meisinger, Soph., P; Lena Fanara, Sr., 2B; Meghan Price, Sr., CF.

Outlook: Meisinger, at first base last season, moves into the starter's role. "If she can stay consistent and have the control she's shown in practice, we should be OK," said Kunkel, whose team plays in the Association of Independent Schools A Division. Marriner, who led the team in steals last season, will lead off. Starsoneck, who hit .577 and had two doubles, six triples and five homers last season, will bat third. Five starters return from last year's team that lost in the first round of the conference playoffs. "Last year, 13 kids came out, and four of them had never picked up a ball before," said Kunkel, who starts his third season. "I'm carrying 16 this year, and all of them have played before. It's going to give me a lot more depth." Three transfers from Montrose Christian School in Rockville also will help -- junior third baseman Ellie Kogok, sophomore first baseman Emily Brundage and junior Alyson Wrightson, who probably will play the outfield. Kunkel said freshman Carly Fyfe has looked good.

Pub Date: 3/18/99