Softball preview: HC, Lakeview, Pennfield seek growth
Softball in the city is going through a rebuilding phase currently as 2015 saw only one Battle Creek program have a winning record, with young and inexperienced rosters being an issue.
But one positive to having young teams is that they get older and 2016 could result in more winning across the board as Pennfield and Lakeview look to have the tools to join Harper Creek on the plus side of the win-loss total.
Even Battle Creek Central has higher hopes in 2016 with 10 returning players in a program that has struggled with single-digit victories in the past several seasons. St. Philip does not have a softball team for 2016.
What the city lacked in success, area softball teams made up for with some quality squads returning from some standout campaigns in 2015. Bronson returns a good core group of players from a team that went to the state finals a year ago. Coldwater and Homer look to be loaded again after winning league titles a year ago and Climax-Scotts could take that next step and make a deep postseason run this year with a quality senior class.
Preview: Bronson, C-S, Homer lead area softball teams
Here's a closer look at all the city and area softball teams for 2016:
Battle Creek Central
Coach: Josh Dreps (2nd season)
2015: n/a
Top returners: Jaliyah Richardson (sr., SS), Jataya Smith (sr., OF/P), Dayna King (jr., 2B), Nia Johnson (so. 1B)
Outlook: Wins have been hard to come by the last few seasons for Battle Creek Central, but with more returning players than in past seasons, the Bearcats are hoping to turn the corner as a program. If they do, BCC will need big seasons from senior captains Jaliyah Richardson and Jataya Smith as well as sophomore Nia Johnson, who was All-City last year.
“With a team that is returning 10 girls from the previous year and adding some new talent to the bunch, we will look to build on the progress we have made as a program. The girls worked hard in the off-season and I am proud of my team’s progress. So I am expecting a different outlook to our season,” BCC coach Josh Dreps said.
Harper Creek
Coach: Bill Burritt (3rd season)
2015: 15-13
Top returners: Anna Pascoe (jr. 1B), Taylor Shellenberger (sr., ss/P), Jailee Keller (sr., 2B), Jamie Shreve (sr. ,OF), Haleigh Pickett (sr., P/1B)
Outlook: With five starters coming back from a winning season a year ago, Harper Creek hopes to be back in the discussion for a league title after finishing in the middle of the pack last year at 8-6. The Beavers have good experience on the mound with senior Taylor Shellenberger as well as in the infield with Haleigh Pickett, Anna Pascoe and Jailee Keller returning, as well as outfielder Jamie Shreve.
“The ladies that we have added this year have molded nicely with the returners. The girls have been working hard and it will be exciting to see what we do on the field this year. We have high expectations and hope to contend for the I-8 championship and the state tournament,” Harper Creek coach Bill Burritt said.
Lakeview
Coach: Brian Ratliff (17th year)
2015: 8-25
Top returners: Kim Kucharczyk (Sr.), Shelby Sanchez (Sr.), Maddie Wilson (Sr.), Kerynna Dean (Jr.)
Outlook: Lakeview struggled last year with single digits in the win column, and only went 2-10 in division play, but the Spartans are hoping an improved offseason program will mean more wins moving forward. Lakeview has three seniors returning to give the Spartans some experience in Kim Kucharczyk, Shelby Sanchez and Maddie Wilson, plus a junior in Kerynna Dean, who saw playing time last year.
“We hope to improve as a young team and to surprise some of our competitors. We expect to put a good product on the field due to the amount of offseason dedication. We also appear to have good team chemistry,” Lakeview coach Brian Ratliff said.
Pennfield
Coach: Pam Metcalf (5th season)
2015: 12-19
Top returners: Alexa Stephenson (sr., P), Jessica Roan (sr., C/OF), Kaylee Clothier (so. IF), Brooke Lenz (sr., 1B/P), Zoey McCleary (jr., 2B/C), Lexi Purvis (sr., OF), Destiny Hand (jr., IF)
Outlook: With a good group of returning players, Pennfield will be looking to climb over the .500 mark and compete for the top half of the Interstate 8 Conference. The Panthers bring back seven returning varsity players, including a senior pitcher/catcher combination in Alexa Stephenson and Jessica Roan as well as senior infielder Brooke Lenz and senior outfielder Lexi Purvis.
“We are optimistic about our chances in the I-8 league. We have several strong athletes to go with the seven returning players. With these experienced players as leaders, we should challenge opponents to play at their best. This year’s team has a positive outlook and, we are encouraged from what we have seen thus far. We look forward to watching our cohesiveness throughout the season,” Pennfield coach Pam Metcalf said.
Contact Bill Broderick (269) 966-0678 orbbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter @billbroderick