JIM THORPE

Head coach - Bernice Bott (10th season)Assistant coaches - Karen Marhefka, Katie Albert, Shari BeersDistrict 11 Class - AAALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - 6-14; 2-10Key Losses - Bryanna Kehrli, Brittany Loftus, Courtney SantosKey returnees - Anna Fiducia (Sr/3B), Gianna Bucci (Sr/OF), Talia Valentini (Sr/2B), Ciara Miranda (Jr/OF), Maggie Holloway (So, P), Brittney Marzen (So/C)Others to watch - Joclyn Day (So/P/2B), Jada Hoherchak (So/P), Leah Detweiler (So/SS)Outlook - Jim Thorpe was a young team last year that showed a ton of progress throughout the season. The Lady Olympians will look to be competitive this season behind a good core of senior leadership.Quotable - "The goal is to continue to build on the progress shown last season and to play together as a team. We need to gel early and have confidence in our abilities and ourselves on the field and we will be fine. The team got a taste of winning last year and is really excited, working hard and want to continue to build on that success." Head coach Bernice Bott.LEHIGHTONHead coach - Greg Poremba (Third season)Assistant coaches - Christi Carfagno, Larry Koons, Dave YobDistrict 11 Class - AAALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - 9-11; 7-5 (MVC)Key returnees - Kelsey Andrews (Sr/C), Sophia Everett (Sr/SS), Brooke Scott (Sr/OF), Jill Guzenski (Sr/1B), Kayla Heffelfinger (Jr/OF), Saige Miller (Jr/IF), Autumn Bickert (Jr/P), Hannah Binyon (Jr/P), Joclyn Hunsicker (Jr/3B), Amanda Loudon (Jr/OF), Cammi Nalesnik (So/OF), Allison Armbruster (So/OF)Others to watch - Shelby Snyder (Sr), Emily Greene (So)Outlook - Lehighton has a great deal of returning players from last season. The Lady Indians will look to make a splash in their first year competing in the Schuylkill League. Fundamentals and team chemistry continue to be the focus as the Indians continue to develop a well-rounded team.Quotable - "We are in a position to see success but we need to perform consistently and certainly we must have a short memory when we make a mistake. This game is a mental game first. There is a certain level of maturity and investment I have been seeing from our girls and I expect that to show on and off the field all year long. Last year they showed glimpses of the potential they have. If we stay focused and are able to take advantage of our team speed, play solid defense, have consistent pitching, and clutch hitting, good things will happen." Head coach Greg Poremba.MARIANHead coach - Joe DeAngelo (Sixth season)Assistant coaches - Joe Brennan, Peter SalernoDistrict 11 Class - ALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - 17-5; 10-3 Schuylkill LeagueKey Losses - Gabby Cann, Ashton Galasso, Lindsay NemethKey returnees - Bryianna Pearson (Sr/SS), Bethany Shaud (Sr/P), Alex Stroia (Sr/CF), Kaitlin Kowker (Jr/IF), Mackenzie Joy (So/1B), Miranda Antiga (So/OF), Karlee Gimeno (So/IF), Stephanie Lencovich (So/IF), Alise Shadle (So/OF)Others to watch - Brianna Wimmer (Jr/IF), Kayla Bobish (So/OF), Lexi Dutz (So/OF), Nicole Salerno (So/C), Reese Erbe (Fr/OF), Toni Galasso (Fr/OF), Payge Wufsus (Fr/OF)Outlook - With Shaud, Pearson, and Stroia each returning for their fourth varsity season, the Fillies should be solid in the circle and up the middle. Joy and Kowker also return as starting infielders as well as a few others who started at times last year. Some newcomers could also make an impact.Quotable - "As with any season, we are anxious to get started. The girls have worked hard in the offseason to maximize their potential. They understand that everything that you accomplish needs to be earned. With that in mind, there is good competition taking place at practice that will hopefully be carried into our season. We'd like to defend our divisional championship and, if possible, take things as far as possible." Head coach Joe DeAngelo.NORTHERN LEHIGHHead coach - Bob Hicks (Second season)Assistant coaches - Mark Hoffman, Brian Schell, Missy DeFrainDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - ColonialLast year's record - 7-13; 5-11Key Losses - Cassie Toth, Shannon WeilKey returnees - Kiana Marlatt (Sr/2B), Amber Thomas (Sr/P), Madison Bellesfield (Jr/OF), Sage Hargreaves (Jr/C), Meghan Handwerk (So/1B), Taylor Herman (Jr/OF), Tiffany Yesik (So/C/IF)Others to watch - Ashhley Wilcrout (So/IF), Casey Repsher (So/C), Paige Hemingway (So/IF), Danielle Hoffman (Fr/P), Kate Hoffman (Fr/IF), Shelbie Hyrowich (Fr/IN), Olivia Toth (Fr/OF), Katie Ziegler (Fr/P)Outlook - The Lady Bulldogs will look to be competitive in the Colonial League in 2015.Quotable - "Attitude is everything." Head coach Bob Hicks.NORTHWESTERNHead coach - Josh Zimmerman (First season)Assistant coaches - Jen Hammack, Heather HartmanDistrict 11 Class - AAALeague - ColonialLast year's record - 10-11; 7-9Key Losses - Kylee Bennett, Morgan Cleary, Cailie RehrigKey returnees - Emily Bennett (P), Lydia Danner (P), Sunny Greenberg (C), Claire O'Dea (2B), Brooke Wehr (SS), Kaitlyn Bowers (3B)Others to watch - Alyssa Rodda, Ellen SmithOutlook - Northwestern has an opportunity to be very successful this season, as a strong core of experienced players are returning to action this year. However, the Lady Tigers have just 22 total players on the roster between Varsity and JV. Staying healthy will be critical in order to make a postseason push.Quotable - "Speaking with the team in the preseason, we have high expectations for this season. We set two goals for ourselves during the preseason, which are to qualify for district play and qualify for the league tournament. If we get there, we have just as much of a shot as the other teams who qualify. Our upperclassmen are providing tremendous leadership and are setting a very strong example." Head coach Josh Zimmerman.PALMERTONHead coach - Bob Hock (Second season)Assistant coaches - Rodney Strohl, Nikki BocciaDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - ColonialLast year's record - 13-9; 8-8Key Losses - Tricia Connoly, Abby Reimer, Cassie KeiserKey returnees - Janel Tracey (Sr/SS), Ashley Lalik (Sr/3B), Lauren Campbell (Sr/C), Liz Heffley (Sr/OF), Steph Brinker (Sr/OF), Megan Peck (Sr/OF), Jocelyn Russo (Sr/IF), Kendra Pekurny (Jr/P), Reese Dugan (Jr/P), Shelby Gower (Jr/P), Darian Jacoby (Jr/IF), Alyssa Acker (Jr/C), Jordan Boyer (Jr/OF), Erika Easton (Jr/P)Others to watch - Trish Sterling (Jr/IF), Miranda Bellis (Jr/IF), Alyssa Olewine (So/1B), Loren Leyfert (So/C)Outlook - Everyone in Palmerton's starting lineup will be returning from last season, with the exception of the second base position. The Lady Bombers have many three-year starters and have a deep rotation.Quotable - "The team expects, as I do, to compete in all postseason play. They have set lofty goals this year. If we remain consistent on both offense and defense, and work together as a unit, there is no reason why we cannot reach them. For many of the girls, this is their last chance, as they are determined to make it count." Head coach Bob Hock.PANTHER VALLEYHead coach - Candace Olson (First season)Assistant coaches - Jill Zwiesdak, Gerald NewDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - 1-19; 0-12Key returnees - Megan Marachoc (Sr/SS), Kara Hoffman (Sr/P), Lexi Rodriguez (Sr/C), Cathy Binder (Jr/OF), Hannah Hill (Jr/3B), Mary Lazar (Jr/OF), Brianna Picht (Jr/OF), Cassidy Ryan (Jr/OF), Brandi Beers (So/P), Dana Greenall (So/2B), Mackenzie Lazar (So/OF), Daniela Maturana (So/P), Kiana Mertz (So/1b), Abby Turner (So/OF), Samantha Zalberrana (So/OF), Grace Weng (So/OF)Others to watch - Morgan Belzillaggio (Sr/OF), Amber Jangie (Sr/OF), Zoey Arnold (Fr), Sidney Clouser (Fr), Abby Hoben (Fr), Robin Krajcir (Fr), Sarah Markovich (Fr), Chloe Miller (Fr), Kaleyia Polanco (Fr)Outlook - Panther Valley has a number of players returning from last season and hope that the experience they gained will translate into more success this year.Quotable - "We're coming off of a one-win season so my goal is to have a couple of more wins. I'm looking for an overall improving season get better in offense, defense, and running the bases. We're looking for a building year." Head coach Candace Olson.PLEASANT VALLEYHead coach - Steve CaffreyAssistant coaches - Dan Beck, Steve BorgerDistrict 11 Class - AAAALeague - Eastern Pennsylvania ConferenceLast year's record - 20-5; 11-1 (MVC)Key Losses - Jordan Meckes, Tracy Deubler, Kelci Miczak, Mackenzie CaffreyKey returnees - Kiersten Griesback (Sr/P), Madison Shaneberger (Sr/SS), Katie Lenart (Sr/2B), Britney Bonser (Sr/OF), Crystal Morales (Sr/OF), Cassie Hill (Jr/C)Others to watch - Madison Kymer (Jr/IF), Alyssa Kotzmann (So/IF), Jenna Scheller (So/OF), Morgan Fouts (Jr/C), Naomi Morales (So/C), Alexis Richey (Fr/OF), Brittney Werner (Sr/OF)Outlook - Pleasant Valley has a good group of returning players with a very experienced pitcher in Griesback. The younger players worked hard to make the transition from JV to varsity. However, the Lady Bears lack numbers this season. They will look to compete in their first year in the EPC.Quotable - "With a little hard work, we should be able to make the playoffs and compete for a league title." Head coach Steve Caffrey.TAMAQUAHead coach - Jillian Barron (5th season)Assistant coaches - Nails Knoblauch, Kyle Faust, Tony ZancofskyDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - 12-10; 9-3Key Losses - Alexis Boyer, Alyssa Gerhard, Lizzy LehmanKey returnees - Shayna Dietrich (Sr/3B), Carly Sassaman (Sr/C), Bailey Hartung (Sr/OF), Bri Wittig (Sr/IF), Taylor Fritz (Jr/1B), Lynn Kistler (Jr/SS), Bailey Pedersen (Jr/P), Hannah Perla (Jr/OF), Cailyn Joseph (So/OF)Others to watch - Madison Davis (Jr/OF), Kayla Miller (Jr/P, IF), Merranda Zehner (Jr/IF), Courtney Hoffman (Fr/2B), Taylar Donnon (Fr/C, IF), Kaitlyn Stauffenberg (Fr/C, IF)Outlook - Tamaqua brings almost everyone back from last year's team and adds some athletic players that will allow it to have some versatility to work with throughout the team. The Lady Raiders hope to build team chemistry so everyone knows each other's next move without thinking twice about it. The team hopes to improve on last season's record as well as reach and have success in the league and district playoffs.Quotable - "The girls have set their expectations high this year for themselves. I believe that they can achieve them as well. As long as we stay healthy and continue to work hard everyday we should have a very successful year." Head coach Jillian Barron.WEATHERLYHead coach - Margaret Brown (37th season)Assistant coaches - Diane Polchin, Leann MillerDistrict 11 Class - ALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - 5-13; 2-10Key Losses - Dominique Adamczyk, Angela BrillKey returnees - Jenna Bartel (Sr/OF), Jessica Maiello (Sr/C), Jessica Polchin (P/Sr), Kelly Parker (Sr/P), Jasmine Rivera (Sr/1B), Catherine Strizak (Sr/3B), Tea Heister (Sr/OF), Morgan Gower (So/OF), Jackie Henery (So/2B), Molly Isom (So/P), Samantha Kane (So/OF)Others to watch - Jessica McKee (Fr), Shannon Frye (Fr), Samantha Knepper (Fr), Khadijah Zuberi (Fr)Outlook - The Lady Wreckers are returning three players, who have started since their freshman year, and have some quality pitchers. Weatherly has experience, and will look to be competitive when District playoffs come around.Quotable - "We're hoping for consistent pitching and improved hitting to try to make a return trip to the district playoffs. The last two years we came up a little short. We feel we have the talent to accomplish this goal." Head coach Margaret Brown.