Experienced pitchers lead Lady Lakers

The 2008 Shakamak softball team members includes front row (from left) Kristi Pearson, Marki Collins, Amanda Gilbert, Casey Fougerousse and Kelsey Farris. Middle row (from left) includes Heather Gilbert, Brandi Ashcraft, Erin Wilson, Lacy Ashcraft and Sydney Weinzapfel. Back row (from left) includes Bethany Simpson, Keshia Deschamp and Leah Keller. Not pictured are Annie Strahla, Morgan Bohnert, Cassandra Holdaway, Kelsey Nash and Kendra Stevenson. (By Travis David/Greene County Daily World).

Sports Writer

JASONVILLE -- The first word Shakamak softball coach Paige Wolf used to describe the 2008 version of the Lady Lakers was "experienced." Wolf's squad returns six starters in the field and the top two starting pitchers from last years 16-10 team.

"We have a lot of experience returning this season," Wolf said. "We hope that we can build on last season's success."

Wolf and company will have a good indication on how good of a team she will have after the first two weeks on the season. The Lady Lakers play Class 4A powers, Bloomington North and South, Northview, Terre Haute South, and Illinois perennial power Casey as well as opening up against Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference foe White River Valley in their first eight contests of the season.

"The beginning of our season is not very forgiving with the level of competition that we will be facing in the first two weeks of play," Wolf said. "After that stretch of games we will have a good indication on what the season is going to be like for us."

Wolf noted that one key area that will need improved on from last season is the offense. The Lakers dropped a handful of games last season that was decided by one or two runs.

"Hitting is one area we will definitely have to improve on this season," Wolf said. "Last year there were games that we would lose 1-0 or 2-1 and we just couldn't get a key hit that would of turned the game around. Our pitchers were giving us a chance to win games and we just were not able to put runs across the plate."

Sophomore Kristi Pearson may be one player that could step up and fill that void this season, according to Wolf. Pearson will be penciled in as the primary catcher with the departure of Chelsey Baker to graduation.

"Kristi has a chance to make a big impact on playing at the varsity level this season," the second year coach said. "She will have the opportunity to see a lot of playing time behind the plate and has the chance to make big contributions with her bat as well."

The Lady Lakers roster consists of seven freshman which in early practices has impressed their head coach.

"We have some freshman that have looked pretty in practice so far, and they will have a chance to work their way up to the varsity level."

Wolf will also have the luxury of her top two starting pitchers from last season's team back to anchor the pitching staff once again.

"Our pitching staff will most definitely be the strong part of our team this season," Wolf said. "Heather (Gilbert) and Annie (Strahla) are both seniors that have played at the varsity level for four seasons now. I feel like they are a good 1-2 combination."

The duo in the circle is joined by Morgan Bohnert as the only three seniors on the team, which Wolf will lean on for leadership for the rest of the team.

"We don't have announced team captains, so we will look to our seniors to provide leadership for the team, so I guess you can say they are the unsaid captains in a way."

The Lady Lakers will take to the diamond for the first time when they travel to county and SWIAC foe WRV on Tuesday.

2008

Shakamak

Softball Roster

Head coach: Paige Wolf (second season, 16-10)

2008

Shakamak

Softball