As we look ahead to the 2001 version of the Lady Red Devil Softball team, we are as excited and optimistic as we have ever been. With consecutive NWAACC championships, for the first time in our history, in 1999 and 2000; expectations are high. We believe that our squad will once again be favored to win it all. Being the favorite puts a large target on our back that everyone will be shooting at, but we believe this group of ladies is up to the challenge.
We return four players from last year's 35-5 squad. Back are Allie Hall, Michaela Willet, Ciara Friese, and Michelle Roy. Allie Hall played first base last year and was named to the 1st team NWAACC all tournament team. She is a power hitter who hit .404 with 2 homeruns and 28 runs batted in, and she will be counted on heavily for run production again this year. Michaela Willet anchors our defense at shortstop and is also a power hitter. She was 1st team all-league and was also named to the 1st team all NWAACC tournament team. She hit .425 with 3 homeruns and 28 runs batted in last year. Ciara Friese was our starting right fielder last year, and will be in competition there again this year. Michelle Roy played third base and is also expected to see some action at second this season.
The past two season's we have been blessed with top flight pitching, and will continue this year. After being named NWAACC Most Valuable Player in 1999, Jennifer Lybrand will be back after red shirting last season. Jennifer is not only a power pitcher, but has a great ability to locate the ball. She also has competitive spirit that can't be coached. Sharing the mound duties with Jenn will be Columbia River High School and Greater St. Helens 1st Team All League Pitcher Jess Wilhoit. She also was by far one of the tip hitter's in her league. She has been impressive in both areas during the fall. She will be used as a designated hitter when she's not pitching.
The battery mate for these two fine pitchers will be Cassie Kocker. We were thrilled when Cassie committed to us as she was without question one of the top catchers in the state. She graduated from Evergreen High School in Vancouver where she was named 1st team all league. Cassie is not only an excellent defensive catcher, but also a power-hitting machine. She will hit in the four spot in this year's line-up, and we're confident that she'll have great power numbers.
Other infielders include Sarah Rismoen from Kelso, Katie Fiola from Rochester, and Neena Williams from Camas. Sarah Rismoen did not participate her freshman year, but is excited about coming back to softball, which she missed. She has looked great in early workouts and is in competition for the starting second base job. Katie Fiola is a shortstop who has really impressed the coaches with her hitting, and we feel that she will definitely contribute immediately. Neena Williams is competing for a position at third base. She has shown a great glove and very strong bat. She will be another one of our power hitters and will be counted on for run production. Neena was 1st Team all league last year and led the 3A Greater St. Helens League in runs batted in.
Rounding out the outfield is Jaime Wright from RA Long, Megan Getchell from Evergreen, Amanda Hinton from Columbia River, Sara Gregory from Kelso, Shanna Charlton from Winlock, and Rikki Nikkila from Evergreen.
Jaime Wright was an all league second baseman at RA Long last year, but will be used primarily in the outfield this year. We have been impressed with her versatility in that Jaime is also a very good catcher. Megan Getchell was an all league outfielder at Evergreen H.S. and has been played for the outlaw gold summer team, which has helped her. She is in competition for the starting left field position. Amanda Hinton was a red shirt freshman at Division I Fresno State last year. Our expectations are high in regards to her joining the team, because she is such a great player who has also shown the leadership you need to be a centerfielder. Amanda will most likely be our lead off hitter. Sara Gregory has been away from the game for a while, but her work ethic and athletic ability have impressed the coaching staff. She is battling for the starting right field spot. Shanna Charlton also missed last season, but has worked very hard and shown great improvement. Rikki Nikkila is a left-handed hitter who has shown promise offensively.
This team has more balance than any team we've had. The whole package of hitting, pitching and defense are all there. We understand, however, that the games aren't played on paper and many things have to come together for us to "Three-peat." We like our chances, though and can't wait to get started. We look forward to seeing you at the ballpark.