Experienced Redwomen look strong in all areas of game
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, April 3, 2007
PEDRO — The good just got better.
The Rock Hill Redwomen were good last season, finishing in a tie for second place in the Ohio Valley Conference.
This season, Rock Hill not only returns everyone from last season but has added a few more players.
“We have everyone back from last year and we expect them to be more experienced,” Redwomen coach Mary Harper said. “We have several young players that just need some time under their belts who can step in and play.”
With so many players returning, the Redwomen expect to be strong in all three areas: pitching, hitting, defense.
“Our defense is really good. That’s the key for us,” Harper said.
A major key for any team is pitching and Rock Hill returns its top two hurlers.
Senior Mary Harper was the ace last season and has picked up where she left off last season. Her battery mate and cousin is senior Shelli Harper. Sophomore Jazel DeAutemont, who plays centerfield, is the team’s No. 2 pitcher.
Katrina Settle is back at shortstop with Bobbi Harper her backup.
Brooke Long returns to play second base and give the Redwomen a strong tandem up the middle. Kristyn Phillips is a solid backup.
Candice Chaffins will hold down first base with freshman Brooke Skinner getting work at third base. Skinner can also play second or shortstop.
Joining DeAutremont in the outfield are veteran Kayla Kelley in left along with outfield candidates Samantha Massie, Megan Long, Katie Grant, Samantha Harris, Elisha Daniels and Leah Terry.
Kim Moore is the backup at first base and can play in the outfield.
The OVC should be a two-team race between Rock Hill and Fairland.