A brief look at area softball teams
CAPSULES
Lancaster
• Coach Greg Rosser
• In 2014 12-15
• Key returners Camie Shumaker, So., P/2B; Savanna McGraw, Sr., C; Anne O'dell, Jr., 1B; Justice Ogg, Jr., P/2B; Brooke Lambert, Jr., SS; Ashtyn Saunders, Jr., 3B; Megan Grubb, Jr., 2B/OF; Maddie Wyant, Jr., P/OF; Stacy Trenholm, So., OF.
• Key newcomers Katie Heimberger, So., P/OF; Cassie Hamilton, Jr., OF; Maddie Alhers, So., OF; Alexis Matheney, Fr., OF.
• Outlook The Golden Gales return eight starters and are primed to make a move to contend for a league and district title. Key will be scoring more runs than they did in 2014.
Berne Union
• Coach Jon Parker
• In 2014 16-11
• Key returners Cerena Woodgear, Sr., P; Abbie Wright, Sr., SS; Megan Shephard, Sr., 2B; Keirstan Mirgon, Jr., C; Lauren Zody, Jr., 1B; Carlee Fuchs, Sr., OF; Abby Helber, Jr., 3B.
• Key newcomers Cassie Woodgeard, Fr., P/IF/OF; Paige Probasco, Fr., OF.
• Outlook With Woodgeard on the mound and plenty of experience behind her, the Rockets have high expectations. They finished second in the Mid-State League-Cardinal Division and were district runner-up in 2014. They have a great chance to take it another step, but they need to win when it counts in big games.
F
isher Catholic
• Coach Jeremy VanDermark
• In 2014 8-8
• Key returners Emily VanDermark, Jr., P; Libby Beiter, Sr., 1B; Kierstin Woolum, Jr., 3B; Haley Novena, Sr., P/OF.
• Key newcomers Jessica Callahan, Jr., SS; Erin Garris, Sr., C/OF; Adie Wells, Fr., 1b/OF.
• Outlook Vandermark had a solid season in 2014 and will look to be even more dominant this season. She also hit .491. She needs to stay healthy if the Irish expect to compete for a league title, and they also must improve, offensively.
Liberty Union
• Coach Bill Putnam
• In 2014 15-13
• Key returners Kelly Mix, Sr., C; Alyssa Moore, Sr., P; Sarah Putnam, Sr., 2B; Jaycee Crouch, Jr., IF.
• Key newcomers N/A.
• Outlook The Lions were young in 2014 and struggled at times. With most of the lineup returning, including Moore in the circle and Mix behind the plate, Liberty Union should be much improved.
Millersport
• Coach Tom Laird
• In 2014 16-14
• Key returners Brooke Swinehart, Sr., SS; Hunter Ratcliff, Sr., C; Allie Schlling, Sr., 2B; Morgan Murphy, Sr., 3B.
• Key newcomers N/A.
• Outlook The Lakers had one of their best seasons in recent memory in 2014, but they must find a replacement at pitcher. The entire infield returns intact which should help.
Fairfield Christian
• Coach Shawn Lent
• In 2014 6-13
• Key returners Samantha Collier, SS; Anna Sims, IF
• Key newcomers Kaylin Dewese, Fr., P.
• Outlook The Knights will be very young, and they are struggling with numbers.
Information from Amanda-Clearcreek and Fairfield Union was not provided at press time.