A large group of newcomers, including nine freshmen, have given the St. James High School softball team some much-needed depth for the 2010 season.
The Lady Tigers are scheduled to open their season on Monday, hosting Vienna at 4:30 p.m. at Nelson Hart Park.
St. James softball head coach Brad Purvis has 21 players on his roster this fall. Included in that group are four returning starters and a total of six returning varsity lettermen from last season’s 7-14 unit.
The Lady Tigers have not had enough players to field junior varsity teams at times in the past.
“Our numbers are up,” Purvis said. “But so much of it is inexperienced. That’s very encouraging to the program. We look for our seniors to step up and be leaders.
“Our freshmen have come to practice eager to learn and improve. And they really do improve every practice.”
Returning starters back are seniors Ashley Steen, Tory Scott and Renee Recker and sophomore Kaylee Yowell.
Steen returns as the Lady Tigers’ main pitcher. With pitching being so key in fast-pitch softball, Steen’s progress will be vital.
“To me it’s obvious the work she has put in over the summer,” Purvis said of Steen. “She’s been more consistent throwing strikes. She seems to be better in locating pitches.”
Recker, the top hitter back for the squad, figures to be catching Steen.
Amie Diestelkamp, one of several freshmen who will start for the Lady Tigers, will be at first base.
Second base has featured the most heated battle for a starting position. Sophomore Shantel Howard has the inside track on the job. Others who have been working there are freshman Courtney Crider and sophomore April McKinnon.
Freshman Maegen McEnnis is at shortstop and freshman Catelyn Snitker is at third base.
The left field position is being fought over by Scott and freshman Caitlyn Donnelly.
Yowell is in center field and freshman Kaycee Orlando is in right.
Sophomore Monica Ruggles is also vying for innings in the outfield.
