Second-year coach Mike Blagg took a winless team from the previous year and posted a 5-10 record.

Thursday, March 30, 2000

Second-year coach Mike Blagg took a winless team from the previous year and posted a 5-10 record. This season, the Rock Hill Redwomen softball team has 29 players, a first-ever junior varsity team, and enough experience to merit respectability.

"Last season was a big improvement. We had a lot of kids get playing experience and we have everyone back except first baseman Beth Medinger and pitcher Missy Montgomery," Blagg said.

Heading the list of returnees are All-Ohio Valley Conference shortstop Jamie Skaggs, all-district third baseman Amanda Mays, and catcher Tia Russell.

"Skaggs has shown a lot of improvement. We expect a lot out of her this year," said Blagg. "Mays hit .410 last year and led us in home runs, stolen bases, and runs scored. She has tremendous speed on the base paths.

"I didn’t realize how important a good catcher was until last year. Last year was Russell’s first year of high school softball. She has a great arm and a lot of potential. She’s made a great impact on our team defensively, and at the plate with the bat and she has good speed."

The backup catcher is Becky Whitworth and Blagg said "she’s shown improvement the last few weeks."

Cindy Boggs will move from catcher to first base to fill that hole. Blagg said Boggs "has been hitting the ball better and she’s always been a good glove."

The backup will be Marie Moore who Blagg said "has been working real hard."

Bridgette Barker returns at second base along with April Depriest. Blagg plans to platoon the pair with the other serving as the designated hitter.

"Barker has a pretty good bat and she’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around. She’s really dedicated," said Blagg. "Both of those girls hit the ball pretty well and they’ll both play."

Backing up in the infield will be Crystal Mullins and Jennifer Howard. Blagg said "they have good arms and are good with a glove."

Beth Raney and Sarah Rupp are battling for the right field job and Blagg expects them to share duties again.

"They’re excellent kids and hard workers. They won’t hurt you defensively and they can run," said Blagg.

Bobbie Clark is back in center field and Blagg said "she can be one of the best centerfielders in the league."

In left field will be the solid and dependable Michelle Matkins.

"She can really help us with her glove, and she hits pretty well and she can run," said Blagg. "Our defensive outfield will be one of the best outfields in the league."

Also in the outfield picture are Holly Schug and Alisha Qualls.

The burden of the pitching will land mainly on the shoulders of junior Tess Howard. Blagg said Howard is an extremely hard worker who is one of the better pitchers in the OVC.

"She throws year-round. We’re looking for her to lead the team," said Blagg. "If she throws strikes and our defense plays, we can win a lot of games."

Blagg plans to utilize both Moore and Mullins in his pitching plans as well.

In the OVC race, Blagg picked South Point and Chesapeake as the teams to beat, but he thinks all the teams are close in talent.

"You’ve got to pick South Point and Chesapeake, but Fairland will be right in the mix and Coal Grove is new but they’re not bad. I think if we do what we’re capable of, we can be in the thick of it," said Blagg.