CAPSULES

JIM THORPEHead coach Bernice Bott (Sixth season)Assistant coaches Karen Marhefka, Jamie FedorLast year's record 3-17 overall (1-13 league)League Schuylkill League Division IDistrict 11 Classification AAAKey losses Rhiannon Milliard, Amber FiduciaKey returnees Christina Gibson (Sr., C/OF), Janieva Mallory (Sr., OF), Lauren Rich (Sr., OF), Ashley Tillou (Jr., P/1B/OF), Brittany Caufman (Jr., P).Others to watch Melissa Weber (Jr., C), Joy Mallory (Jr., 3B), Sydney Wernett (Jr., SS), Jocelyn DeMarco (Fr., 1B/3B), Courtney Santos (Fr., SS/2B), Nicole Murphy (So., 2B), Cara Highfield (Fr., 3B/P).Strengths Jim Thorpe will have the luxury of returning two pitchers in Tillou and Caufman. The two have worked hard over the off-season in hopes of improving as underclassmen. The Olympians also return a core group of players that will be looked upon to provide leadership for the inexperienced players.Weaknesses There will be a number of inexperiened players and key positions. The Olympians are hoping to negate that by being more aggresive at the plate this season. They will need to score more runs than last year if they want to compete.Quotable "We are looking to gain some respect in the league and become more competitive. We need to execute the fundamentals to make the easy plays and we must have confidence in our ability in order for that to happen," Head coach Bernice Bott.LEHIGHTONHead coach Todd Weaver (Second season)Assistant coaches Larry Koons, Shawneen Romito and Greg PorembaLast year's record 7-13 overall (xx-xx league)League Mountain Valley ConferenceDistrict 11 classification AAKey losses Sarah Snyder, Kayla Heckman, Kelcie SmithKey returnees Lauren Poremba (Jr., P/INF/OF), Echo Bretz (Sr., 2B/INF), Jenna Smith (Jr. C), Krysten Breiner (Jr., OF), Katlin Green (Jr., OF), Emily Kollar (Jr., OF)Others to watch Brook Lucykanish (So.), Krista Rehrig (Jr.), Ashley Sensinger (Jr.), Sam Snyder (So.)Strengths Lehightons's well-rounded defense will be a cornerstone to the season. They return key players in key positions that factor in to the season.Weaknesses Numbers, youth and inexperience. With some players have changed positions, the Indians will have to hope they find a comfort zone quickly.Quotable "Chemistry wise they are bonding pretty good. They are working hard and if they can translate that on to the field we can be successful and possibly complete for the league title." Head coach Todd Weaver.MARIANHead coach Joe DeAngelo (Second season)Assistant coaches Joe Brennan, Joe Nemeth, Mike Brennan, Jody SearfossLast year's record 13-9 overall (8-7 league)League Schuylkill League Division IIDistrict 11 Classification AKey losses Kayla Merchlinsky, Jess LathamKey returnees Alexa Nemeth (Sr., P/2B), Kayla Knight (Sr., P/2B), Nina Curran (Sr., 1B), Abby Burkhardt (Sr., CF), Katie Donovan (Sr., LF), Shannon Skotek (Jr., 3B), Abbey Hill (So., C)Others to watch Jeanne Cannon (Jr., RF), Marissa Webb (Jr., OF), Sam Faust (So., OF), Gabby Cann (Fr., INF), Ashley Donlin (Jr., SS)Strengths Veteran leadership led by 2 returning pitchersWeaknesses When the time comes, DeAngelo is concerned how the Fillies will adjusted from controlled indoor practices to outdoor elements and live pitching on an actual diamond.Quotable "Our goal is to continue the progress shown as the season went on last year and get better each and every day. If we do that, we feel we can put ourselves in a favorable position to make a run at the postseason," Head coach Joe DeAngelo.NORTHERN LEHIGHHead coach Brian Schell (13th season)Assistant coaches Robert Hicks, Jon Defrain, Missy Defrain, Nicky Chirico, Gary WarmkesselLast year's record 18-7 overall (11-5 league, Colonial League Champs, Dist. XI runners-up)League Colonial LeagueDistrict 11 Classification AAKey losses Julie Wagaman, Jocelyn Rodrigues, Jen Bet, Kayla TothKey returnees Erika Bowman (Sr., C), Maggie Lear (Sr., P/3B), Tamara Stubits (Sr., CF), Kristi Seiler (Sr., SS), Payton Marunich (Sr., 2B), Sarah Frantz (So., 1B), Megan Filchner (Jr., SS/OF/P)Others to watch Allie Beltz (Jr., 1B/OF), Taren Fritzinger (Jr., SS/3B/OF), Kelsey Hosford (Jr., C/OF), Amber Kibler (So., SS/OF/P), Kaelah Horwath (Fr., 3B/1B/P) Cassie Toth (Fr., 2B/OF)Strengths The main strength is the return of five seniors, a junior and a sophomore who went through last year's championship season. They know and understand the hard work and commitment it took to win it. With a solid off-season workout program, the Lady Bulldogs look ready to defend the league title.Weaknesses Schell's squad lost four important seniors including a front line pitcher in Wagaman. They also lost a large chunk of offense that could have some trouble in the league that is full of experienced returning pitchers.Quotable "I am truly excited for this season and to see how these girls react to being defending league champs. I know they are up to the task and take it seriously because we had the best turnouts ever during offseason training. You can never predict winning a championship, but what I can tell you is that this group of girls love softball and they will give their best effort every game to defend the title they've earned," Head coach Brian Schell.NORTHWESTERNHead coach Jen Horner (11th season)Assistant coaches Josh Zimmerman, Kelly Berg, Carey TroxellLast year's record 11-9 overall (8-8 league)League Colonial LeagueDistrict 11 Classification AAAKey losses Jackie Wear (C), Kyra Barron (1B), Nikki White (CF)Key returnees Tori Papp (Sr., P), Lauren Horner (Jr., SS), Katie Williams (Jr., C), Brooke Heller (Jr., OF), Jess Dietrich (Jr., OF)Others to watch Kayla Shoemaker (Sr., 1B), Nicole Metzger (So., 3B), Blaise Barron (xx., 2B/OF), Felicia Heckman (xx., 2B/OF),Strengths This season, Horner's squad is a hard working group that has good senior leadership that will be essential to compete in the Colonial League this season.Weaknesses There will be four new players at the infield positions that lack varsity experience. This includes Katie Williams, who will move from second base to catcher. The quicker the Tigers gel at those positions the more effective they will be.Quotable "If we can get the growing pains out early defensively with practically a new infield group, we can be a competitive ball club," Head coach Jen Horner.PALMERTONHead coach Glen Reimer (third season)Assistant coaches Jerry Kossyk, John Herring, Scott Levandusky, Scott Adcox, Kelly ArnerLast year's record 11-11 overall (8-8 league)League Colonial LeagueDistrict 11 Classification AAKey losses Kelly Arner, Liz Raub, Sara Smiley, Vicki Graver, Danielle Kleckner, Cait HollandKey returnees Martina Herring (Jr., P) , Jenna Ritter (Jr., OF), Sierra Miller (Jr., 1B) Michelle Rickert (Jr., CF), Lindsay Heinrich (Sr., OF), Katie Reimer (Sr., SS), Amber Hettler (Sr., INF)Others to watch Sara Lucykanish (So., OF), Emily Knauss (Jr., 2B)Strengths With Herring returning to the mound supported by the Moravian bound and 2nd team all-state shortstop Reimer and all-league outfielder Heinrich, the Lady Bombers are gearing up for a fight in the Colonial League. The core group of players have been playing together several years and fight for all seven innings. Last season they won the games they were supposed to an look to build on that experience as a team to vie for the League title.Weaknesses There are a few younger and inexperienced team members at the key positions of catcher and third base. They are going to have to fit in and play well from the for the Bombers to reach their team goals.Quotable "Were in a super tough league and everyone has their pitching back. Our expectations are to make the Colonial League Playoffs and do well in districts and have a state playoff game. The team clicks better than last year and our seniors don't want to take anything less," Head coach Glen Reimer.PANTHER VALLEYHead coach James "Buck" Gilbert (Second season)Assistant coaches John Gates, Jill ZweisdakLast year's record 1-19 overall (1-13 league)League Schuylkill League Division IDistrict 11 Classification AAKey losses Rosie Bauer, Demi OgozalekKey returnees Ashtin Walck (Sr., C), Ellen Krajcir (Sr., OF/1B), Krista Knepper Sr., INF), Georgiana Butler (Jr., OF), Kristyn Gates (So., SS), Jess Snisky (So., P), Sarah-Mary Tucker (So., 1B), Sam Zlock (So., 3B/P)Others to watch Lauren Frantz (Sr., OF), Nikki Matson (So., OF)Strengths Eight of the probable nine starters in the Panthers return after taking the competitive field for Gilbert a year ago. He also feels that the incoming group of sophomore players are already showing signs they are talented individuals.Weaknesses Gilbert would like for his Panthers to improve on their confidence level before they take the field of play. The second-year mentor is also hoping for someone to step up and provide some leadership skills for the up-coming season.Quotable "Early season success could have a tremendous effect on the rest of the season. If we can stay healthy and continue to make improvements throughout the season, we are not going to be a team to just overlook," Head coach James Gilbert.PLEASANT VALLEYHead coach Steve Caffrey (18th season)Assistant coaches Dan Beck, Steve Borger, Sean JonesLast year's record 18-5 overall (9-3 league)League Mountain Valley ConferenceDistrict 11 Classification AAAKey losses Jordan Borger, Nicoleta Briglio, Meagan Fitzgerald, Katie Kenny, Emily PierceKey returnees Alura Bellis (Sr., OF), Felicia Domenici (Sr., OF), Megan Hardy (Sr., INF/P), Diane Klapatch (Jr., INF ), Alison Heckman (Sr., INF), Christine Klingle (Sr., C), Nicole Kregeloh (Jr., INF), Hayli Marini (So., INF/P); Kasey Meckes (Sr., OF), Rachel Sisco (Jr., INF)Others to watch Rikki Correll (So., P), Corrine Urland (Jr., INF), Michelle Ejk (Jr., Utility), Alexis Beers (Sr., IF), Ashley Anewalt (So., Utility)Strengths In Caffrey's eyes, Pleasant Valley can always be considered a candidate to win the MVC. This year, the Bears' veteran coach feels the strength of the program lies on the idea of returning their entire outfield. That experience should leave PV poised to vie for the title again this year.Weaknesses This year's pitching has yet to be tested, according to Caffrey. They will need all of the experience in the field as well as the offensive production to spring board the team into the post-season.Quotable "Goals and Expectations are set high this year. Everyone needs to know their role and continue to work hard towards achieving them," Head coach Steve Caffrey.TAMAQUAHead coach Jillian Barron (First season)Assistant coaches Abigail Graver, Terry "Nails" Knoblauch, Lynn Dieter, Stacei Faust, Tony ZancofskyLast year's record 4-16 overall (4-10 league)League Schuylkill League Division IDistrict 11 Classification AAKey losses Sarah Zehner, Megan AmeyKey returnees Jordan Nowacki (Sr., 1B), Lauren Mateyak (Sr., CF), Allie Sotak (Sr., P), Vanessa Wagner (Sr., 3B), Cheyanne Bates (Jr., SS), Emily Zancofsky (Jr., C), Brianna Boyle (Jr., 2B)Others to watch Amy Zehner (Sr., IF), Brittany Oswald (Sr., OF), Aleida VanBuren (Sr., 1B), Ashley VanBuren (Jr., OF), Angelica Heisler (So., P/OF), Krissy Bates (So., OF), Alexis Boyer (Fr., C/2B), Lizzy Lehman (Fr., P)Strengths After serving as an assistant coach last season, Barron is fortunate enough to have last year's entire infield back in tact for her first season as the Blue Raiders' head coach. On top of it, Barron is blessed enough to have the luxury of a reliable pitching arm in the likes of seasoned pitcher, Allie Sotak, for one more season.Weaknesses Barron is concerned about her players' competitive attitudes right now. She's looking for the Blue Raiders to pick up their spirits on the diamond quickly after sustaining a sluggish 4-16 mark a season ago. However, Barron has faith in her players that they will be able to do so.Quotable "They just need to start believing in themselves and their capabilities on the field and we will do just fine this year. They are a great group of athletes that have some goals set for themselves this year and they are very much achievable," Head coach Jillian Barron.WEATHERLYHead coach Margaret Brown (33rd season)Assistant coaches Lori DeMoorLast year's record 9-11 overall (6-10 league)League Schuylkill League Division IIDistrict 11 Classification AAKey losses Kayla Furmanchin, Caitan Lesko, Sara HeisterKey returnees Kristin Parker (Sr., P), Taylor Shortway (Sr., SS), Rachel Heister (Sr., 1B), Jaime Dougherty (Jr., 2B), Tracy Galada (Jr., 3B), Tiana Genitti (Jr., RF), Sarah Dolinsky (Jr., CF), Erin Dougherty (So., C), Devin Bizarre (So., LF)Others to watch Becky Moyer (Jr.), Dominique Adamczyk (Fr.)Strengths Brown is expecting the experienced players returning from last season's team to be the foundation for this year's squad. She expects to have an extremely solid defensive team.Weaknesses Brown is concerned about the depth on her roster. The Wreckers lack experience after the first 10 players. Brown feels the team's success could be determined by their ability to put the ball in play.Quotable "The key for us is being aggressive at the plate and on the bases. Our goal for this season is a game by game trip to the playoffs," Head coach Margaret Brown.