Baltimore County
Public schools
Carver A&T; Wildcats
1998 record: 4-12
Coach: James Tighe
Top players: Becky Feuster, Sr., CF; Shannon Taylor, Sr., LF/1B; Melissa Topper, Jr., SS; Colleen Tighe, Jr., P.
Outlook: First-year coach Tighe said a .500 record is his goal. That may be a tall order for the Wildcats, who play in Division I, the county's stronger of two divisions. The Wildcats return four starters and have a few holes to fill.
Catonsville Comets
1998 record: 18-4
Coach: Bill Nelson
Top players: Lauren Rosenberger, Sr., P; Chrissy Blake, Jr., OF; Kara MacLeod, Jr., OF.
Outlook: It looks like a transition season for the Comets, who list six starters. Nelson said he expects the team to be solid defensively. If some of the younger players develop quickly, the Comets could have a shot at reaching the regional for the fourth straight year.
Chesapeake Bayhawks
1998 record: 2-12
Coach: Matthew Mackey
Top players: Shirley White, Jr., 2B/C; Theresa Moody, Sr., RF; Charnelle Diamond, Sr., LF.
Outlook: First-year coach Mackey takes over a program that has hit hard times. He said he expects the team to be solid defensively.
Dulaney Lions
1998 record: 11-8
Coach: Mourine White
Top players: Beth Aust, Sr., P; Chrissy High, Sr., 2B; Maryn Mikula, Sr., CF; Marisa Singleton, Soph., SS.
Outlook: With four returning starters and some promising newcomers, the Lions are likely to be in the race for the county championship. Dulaney, a Class 4A state semifinalist last season, appears strong up the middle, and Aust has added some some velocity to her pitches.
Dundalk Owls
1998 record: 11-2
Coach: Debbie Henkel
Top players: Jessica Langston, Sr., 1B; Laurie Keatts, Sr., OF/P; Lisa Jones, Sr., OF.
Outlook: With six starters back, the Owls seem in position to repeat as county Division II champions. Much depends on the pitching, however, as Henkel plans to rotate three pitchers, two who saw limited action last season and one up from JV. Dundalk has a roster full of experienced players, with nine seniors and six juniors, including Keatts (.620 average, two home runs, seven triples, 30 RBIs).
Eastern Tech Mavericks
1998 record: 15-3
Coach: Dave Scrivener
Top players: Elisha Carter, Sr., SS; Amy Henry, Sr., P; Amy Wallner, Sr., LF; Stephanie Bragg, Jr., OF; Shawna Strebeck, Sr., RF.
Outlook: One of the county's top teams in recent years, the Mavericks will have a different look this season. If the pitchers step up, the Mavericks should be in the thick of the county Division I race, because the offense figures to be potent.
Franklin Indians
1998 record: 17-3
Coach: Rick Wiscott
Top players: Missy Farrell, Sr., CF; Missy King, Sr., SS; Sara Harman, Sr., 1B; Jen Fried, Jr., P; Jamie Widerman, Jr., P; Jessie Levy, Sr., LF.
Outlook: Unquestionably, the team to beat in the county's Division I. The Indians return seven starters, including All-City/County players Farrell, King and Harman. Fried, along with Widerman -- who was unbeaten on JV for two years -- provide the Indians with two solid pitchers.
Hereford Bulls
1998 record: 11-7
Coach: Sam Bowen
Top players: Jackie Harper, Sr., C; Natalie Rostek, Sr., P; Lynn Reithlingshoefer, Jr., SS/3B; Kelly Harris, Jr., OF.
Outlook: Bowen said he is "cautiously optimistic" about his team, which has just three returning starters but also several newcomers with a lot of potential. The Bulls may experience some growing pains competing the the county's stronger division.
Kenwood Bluebirds
1998 record: 7-7
Coach: Derek Maki
Top players: Megan Shkor, Jr., SS/3B; Jessica Evans, Jr., P; Kristen Heinlein, Sr., CF; Lauren Barrett, Sr., C; Amanda Godsey, Sr., OF.
Outlook: The Bluebirds, with Maki taking over as coach after 16 varsity seasons at Patterson, could be a sleeper in the county's Division II. Five starters return for Kenwood, which also has a good group of sophomores up from JV.
Lansdowne Vikings
1998 record: 6-9
Coach: Michele Patras
Top players: Lisa Brooks, Sr., 3B; Dawn Scott, Sr., P; Katie Dickel, Jr., P; Michelle Towles, Jr., 3B/LF; Karen Dudley, Soph., LF.
Outlook: With seven starters back, Patras said she hopes to reverse last season's won-loss record. The Vikings, who moved into the county's stronger division last season, figure to be better prepared for faster pitching after a year's experience. Patras' biggest concern is a possible lack of offensive punch.
Loch Raven Raiders
1998 record: 3-15
Coach: Richard DeCosta
Top players: Heather Soukup, Sr., SS; Nicole Oppitz, Sr., C; Amy Colley, Sr., 3B; Lauren Chapman, Jr., P.
Outlook: It could be another tough season for the Raiders, especially since one of their top hitters, second baseman Annie DeCosta, is out for the season with a knee injury. On the positive side, Loch Raven has its starting battery back, and Chapman appears to have improved her location.
Milford Mill Millers
1998 record: 8-8
Coach: Laura Bulgaris
Top players: Takeshia Campbell, Sr., 3B; Ali Gilliam, Sr., CF; Tiffany Taylor, Soph., SS.
Outlook: The Millers have no pitchers with varsity experience and are relatively young, so duplicating last season's record may be difficult. First-year coach Bulgaris, who coached JV last season, said she has been impressed by her team's unity and positive attitude.
Overlea Falcons
1998 record: 0-16
Co-coaches: Kirk Sykes, Charlene Diamond
Top players: Jamie Jordan, Jr., SS; Angela Kratz, Sr., P; Jamika Henry, Jr., 1B; Shannon McGee, Jr., P/1B.
Outlook: The Falcons are coming off their second consecutive winless season, but Sykes said he is expecting a turnaround this year, perhaps even a winning record. The reason for his optimism is the the arrival of Kratz, who moved to Baltimore from Georgia and "fills the pitching void. She should be good."
Owings Mills Eagles
1998 record: 8-8
Coach: Tom Coburn
Top players: Beth Caplan, Sr., 1B; Lindsay Garfield, Sr., 2B; Allison Sherman, Jr., C; Megan Menning, Sr., P.
Outlook: The Eagles return eight starters, and Coburn said his team will be "one of the top teams" in the county's Division I. Owings Mills probably won't have a problem scoring runs, but poor defense hindered the team last season. If the defense improves -- which it needs to because Menning is not a strikeout pitcher -- the Eagles could be a factor.
Parkville Knights
1998 record: 6-7
Coach: Karen Locke
Top players: Lindsey Addair, Jr., SS; Emily Anastasia, Jr., P; Sherri Rauenzahn, Soph., C; Kris Zlach, Soph., P; Crystal Wise, Jr., RF; Robin Meyer, Sr., 1B.
Outlook: With a good nucleus returning, Locke said she expects the Knights to improve on last season's mark. Anastasia and Rauenzahn form a solid battery, but the offense need to improve.
Patapsco Patriots
1998 record: 6-10
Coach: Tony Maggard
Top players: Sarah Hughes, Sr., OF; Meghan Watson, Sr., SS; Chrissy Chrisikis, Sr., P; Amber Knickman, Jr., OF; Emily Fishell, Jr., 2B.
Outlook: The Patriots lost their starting infield from last season, but they have some talented players up from the JV who may be able to fill the holes. Maggard said he expects the team to finish above .500.
Perry Hall Gators
1998 record: 12-3
Coach: Brian Radcliffe
Top players: Jen Wolfe, Sr., P; Courtney Outen, Sr., 2B; Amanda Fisher, Jr., SS; Nicole Pugaczewski, Jr., C; Julie Burke, Jr., OF; Robin Scrivani, Sr., OF.
Outlook: The Gators' string of five consecutive Class 4A state semifinal appearances ended last season, but they appear to have the talent to get back there this season. Seven starters return, including Wolfe, a second-team All-City/County pitcher. The pitching and defense are solid, but offense is a question.
Pikesville Panthers
1998 record: 10-6
Coach: Marlene Honkofsky
Top players: Amy Roth, Sr., 3B; Sherri Barber, Sr., SS; Jen Katz, Sr., OF; Lindsay Cohen, Sr., 1B.
Outlook: The Panthers were dealt a blow when three-year starting pitcher Aviva Son did not come out for the team. Consequently, the pitching is inexperienced, and Honkofsky is working with two new catchers, as well. The defense figures to be strong, but the Panthers' success likely will depend on the development of their pitching.
Randallstown Rams
1998 record: 0-14
Coach: Mei Shum
Top players: Chanel Spencer, Jr., 2B; Monique Mason, Jr., P; Bronte Parker, Sr., OF/Inf.; Shekiva Foster, Sr., OF/C.
Outlook: The Rams, who have won a total of one game over the past two seasons, seem to be in a constant state of transition. Shum is the fourth Randallstown coach in as many seasons. Shum said she is hoping the Rams "can win some games."
Sparrows Point Pointers
1998 record: 4-12
Coach: Duke Vickery
Top players: Anna Petrovia, Sr., SS; Cindy Wazniak, Sr., OF; April Phillips, Jr., Inf./OF; Danielle Wood, Soph., Inf.
Outlook: The Pointers lost 11 seniors, including eight starters. On the positive side, junior pitchers Laura Shirk and Amy Stouten are back and have shown improvement after learning on the job last season.
Towson Generals
1998 record: 9-9
Coach: Paul Becker
Top players: Rachel Tracy, Sr., SS; Whitney Cline, Jr., P; Lisa Lally, Jr., C; Kristen Manzo, Sr., 3B.
Outlook: The Generals lost only two starters and return an experienced squad that has played together for a few years. Cline and Lally form a dependable battery and the defense appears solid. Becker said he doesn't see "any major weak spots."
Western T&E; Wolverines
1998 record: 6-9
Coach: Pat MacNabb
Top players: Katie Lanasa, Sr., C; Katie Wade, Jr., 3B; Megan Bowes, Jr., SS; Dawn Smith, Soph., OF.
Outlook: With seven starters back, MacNabb expects the Wolverines to improve on last season's record. After going 17-10 in their first two varsity seasons, the Wolverines slipped under .500 in their first season in the county's stronger division.
Woodlawn Warriors
1998 record: 9-5
Coach: Darlene Joyner
Top players: Stephanie McPherson, Sr., SS; Laura Estrada, Sr., P/C; Stacie Allen, Sr., 1B; Michel Ayres, Jr., 3B; Lynn Bruner, Sr., OF.
Outlook: After winning just 13 games over five years, the Warriors posted a winning record last season. Five starters return, but without an experienced pitcher, a winning season may be difficult.
Private schools
Arlington Baptist Eagles
1998 record: 5-2
Coach: Liz Byers
Top players: Erin Moore, Jr., C; Lori Veasel, So., P; Candice Moon, Jr., SS; Julie Barber, Jr., LF; Jocelyn Johnson, Jr., 1B.
Outlook: The Eagles sport a seasoned team balanced both offensively and defensively. Moore's return bodes well for Arlington Baptist, maybe higher than last year's third place.
Beth Tfiloh Warriors
1998 record: 8-5
Coach: Shira Katz
Top players: Aimee Norsoph, Jr., P; Toby Zelt, Sr., SS; Mira Herman, Fr., C.
Outlook: This young team comprised mostly of freshmen and sophomores will look to its only senior, Zelt, and only junior, Norsoph, for leadership. Katz wants the banner, and if Norsoph sets the tone and the Warriors follow with singles and stolen bases, good things will happen.
Garrison Forest Grizzlies
1998 record: 1-9
Coach: Nick Burns
Top players: Rachael Deckelbaum, Jr., SS; Holly Sutton, Sr., 2B; Maria Reynaud, Fr., P; Renee Friedel, Jr., OF; Jennifer Lieberman, Jr., OF; Stephanie Albury, So., C.
Outlook: Burns aims for a .500 season and hopes to win close games that eluded last year's team. The pitcher/catcher combination, freshman Reynaud and sophomore Albury, will have to mature quickly.
Lutheran Saints 1998 record: 7-6
Coach: Gary Barth
Top players: Nikki Null, Jr., SS; Kristen Williamson, Jr., C; Jen Engesser, Sr., 1B; Michele Caple, So., OF.
Outlook: The Saints return with eight starters and should contend, if everyone's eligible to play, Barth said.
McDonogh Eagles
1998 record: 13-6
Coach: Mickey Deegan
Top players: Leah Clelland, Sr., P; Lauren Cohn, Sr., SS; Catherine Brandt, Sr., OF; Katie Nelson, Soph., CF; Jen Mishner, Jr., 2B.
Outlook: The Eagles lost six starters, but the return of Clelland (12-6, 1.54 ERA, 174 strikeouts in 122 innings), the metro area's leader in strikeouts last season, should ensure McDonogh remains in the thick of the Catholic League race. Deegan hopes for an improved offense.
Mount Carmel Cougars 1998 record: 4-10
Coach: Teri Moser
Top players: Stephanie Wilson, Jr., CF; Kristi Lochary, Jr., SS; Kirsten Herold, Sr., P.
Outlook: Moser feels confident with her squad, because she can fill all nine positions with returning players.
Mount de Sales Sailors
1998 record: 17-5
Coach: Pete Waskiewicz
Top players: Stephanie Waskiewicz, Sr., 3B; Christie Urban, Sr., P; Julie Bahr, Sr., SS; Kerry Poissel, Jr., CF; Erin Riggins, Soph., C; Cynthia Clark, Fr., 1B; Amy Kolodzieski, Sr., 2B.
Outlook: The Sailors return seven starters from the team that upset Archbishop Spalding to win the Catholic League tournamemt title last season. Eleven players are back. The senior-laden Sailors have an All-City/County pitcher in Urban and are solid offensively and defensively.
Notre Dame Prep Pirates
1998 record: 8-4
Coach: Sam Lappan
Top players: Emily Lessner, Sr., 3B; Kristen Peters, Sr., C; Liz Hineline, Fr., P; Lauren Stone, Fr., SS/1B.
Outlook: Last year's runnerup in the Association of Independent Schools A Division, The Pirates enter the more challenging Catholic League B Division. Hineline has shown early promise as one of seven freshmen on the 16-player, flu-bothered roster.
Park Bruins
1998 record: 5-8
Coach: Larry Lichtig
Top players: Molly Hamilton, Jr., CF; Laura Greenberg, So., SS; Jayne Nochumowitz, Jr., 3B; Heather Perlberg, Jr., C; Samantha Friedman, Jr., 1B.
Outlook: Lichtig plans to turn back the clock to the glory days of two years ago, when the Bruins went 12-0. Juniors and freshmen could be the right mix for the B Division tile.
St. Timothy's
1998 record: 2-7
Coach: Ted Cook
Top players: Staley Slaughter, Sr., IF/SS; Meryn Pinch, Sr., IF; Meredith Gibboney, So., 3B; Candice Vossler, Jr., IF/1B; Margie Goodale, Sr., OF; Candace Dold, Fr., P; Kate Drury, Jr., IF.
Outlook: Cook feels encouraged with Dold's pitching and the team's overall hitting.
Towson Catholic Owls
1998 record: 10-4
Coach: Carroll Brown
Top players: Kristen Carpenter, Jr., P; Kristen Capobianco, Jr., SS; Megan Brown, Sr., C; Betsy Partilla, 3B, P.
Outlook: Last year's AIS B Division champions lost only three starters and keep the same pitcher/catcher combo, Carpenter and Brown.
Pub Date: 3/18/99