ELBRIDGE - The Jordan-Elbridge softball team might be a little tougher to recognize this season, but rest assured - the Eagles won't be hard to spot. They're the ones with the bull's-eyes on the backs of their uniforms.
Angela Kershner / The Citizen
Jordan-Elbridge pitcher Colleen Ryan prepares to field the ball as head coach Joe Ryan bats during practice at Elbridge Elementary School Tuesday.
Jordan-Elbridge pitcher Colleen Ryan prepares to field the ball as head coach Joe Ryan bats during practice at Elbridge Elementary School Tuesday.
“There always seemed to be a target on our backs in the league, but now it's in the entire section,” Eagles coach Joe Ryan said. “They've got the respect, that's for sure.”
And rightfully so. The Eagles finished with a 21-1 record last season, the best ever in school history. That accomplishment included a Section III, Class B title and then an 18-0 win over Section X Canton in the state tournament before falling 1-0 to Section II Mechanicville, indoors, in the quarterfinals.
While some games were closer last season than many, the Eagles outscored their opponents 157-25. They haven't lost outside since 2005, and they return arguably the best pitcher in the state.
But can they repeat, or exceed, their 2006 success? It's possible, but it's not going to be easy and the Eagles are prepared.
“They come in with the same attitude as last year,” Ryan said. “They really don't underestimate anyone.”
Fans will see a revamped Jordan-Elbridge lineup, while the players themselves are still getting used to new positions. Five Eagles graduated last season and four of them played infield, including Jessica Snyder (first base), Rachel Graf (second base), Cassy Hefty (third base) and Ellen Dungy (catcher). Though the infield will be new this season with the exception of two positions, it will be mostly filled with veteran players.
Versatile freshman Elizabeth Caspari will move to third base from center field in her second season on the team, and Sarah Hart will play behind the plate. Samantha Kuhn returns at shortstop, and, as has been the case since she was a seventh-grader, the spotlight will be on Colleen Ryan in the pitcher's circle for her final season. The senior fanned an eye-popping 325 batters last season and currently stands in third place in the New York state record books with 1,136 career strikeouts. Her 2006 ERA of 0.46 helped earn her a first-team all-league selection, an all-state selection and an easy nod for Liberty League MVP. In addition to her talents on defense, Ryan will also lead an offense that is again stacked with great hitters. She batted .536 last year, with 40 RBIs and three home runs.
Behind Ryan in the circle is newcomer sophomore Erica Peterson, who recently moved from Raleigh, N.C., and will see time at second base. The Eagles have four other newcomers in Lindsy Geery, Breanna Peters, Natalie Elking and Keelia McGuire who will see time in the outfield, though all four played infield positions on the JV team last season.
“They're all good athletes,” coach Joe Ryan said. “All winter, the team set their goal to win the league and go, but it will be tough.”
Another thing the Eagles return is the attitude that has been consistent under Ryan, through losses in past seasons, a 21-game win streak, two sectional titles and a disappointing exit in states.
“It doesn't matter if they were 21-0 or 0-21,” Ryan said. “They're good sports first.”
While other teams set their goals this season to get back to sectionals, to win a certain number of games or beat a particular opponent, none of those are where Jordan-Elbridge has its sights set. For now, the Eagles are content with getting comfortable in their new positions and taking the season “one game at a time.” The reasons that attitude is positive for the team is the single reason it's bad news for the rest of Section III - it's exactly what they said before last season began.
Auburn Maroons
Coach: Bob Lee
Last year: 13-8; lost in second round of Section III tournament, 10-0 to Class AA State Champion Cicero-North Syracuse.
Key returners: Versatile senior Amanda Daum, who primarily played right field last season, as well as outfielder Kristy Piwinski, shortstop Kelly Grinnell and pitcher Brittney Babcock.
Top newcomers: Melissa Coughlin (first base, outfield), Lauren Fedyshyn (outfield), Sarah Green (third base), Stefanie Spinney (outfield), Maggie Race (catcher) and Nikki Neagle (second base, shortstop).
Season outlook: The Maroons graduated eight seniors in '06, including first-team all-league selections Gabe Palmieri (first base) and Sam Whitaker (outfield), and despite nearly half the roster being new to the varsity team, they expect to qualify for sectionals again this season. Daum's leadership and versatility will play a big part - she led the team last season with 19 RBIs and her .391 batting average on 25 hits was second to Palmieri. Her nearly perfect performance in the field (one error in 25 plays) will be key, behind starting pitcher Brittney Babcock. Overall, the Maroons have great speed on both sides of the ball and have a solid defensive lineup and should finish near the top of their division.
Cato-Meridian
Blue Devils
Coach: Matt Tehonica
Last year: The Blue Devils finished 2-16 in their first season of softball after a year off.
Key returners: Sophomore Nicole Aylesworth, pitcher Ashley Thomas and shortstop Amber Grader.
Top newcomers: Eighth-grader Amy Thomas, who will be sharing time on the mound with her sister Ashley.
Season outlook: The rebuilding Blue Devils will resume construction this season. They return most of last season's squad, including seniors Grader, Rachel VanNorstrand, Liz MacDavitt and Noelle Teska. With 12 sophomores, Cato-Meridian is still a young team but that won't prevent them from playing hard and likely stringing together more than a couple of wins.
“We're going to surprise some people this year,” Tehonica said.
Moravia Blue Devils
Coach: Terry Palmer
Last year: The Blue Devils lost in the first round of the Section IV tournament despite finishing 13-8 overall and 7-6 in the league.
Key returners: Catcher Angela Potter, pitcher Leah Hilliard, shortstop Cayla Wade and first baseman/outfielder Katrina Slaski.
Top newcomers: Kaylee Langtry (first base), Haley Potter (third base/outfield), Jessica Kehoe (second base/pitcher/outfielder) and Brandi O'Hara (second base).
Season outlook: Palmer's final coaching season should be a productive one. Moravia returns most of its winning 2006 group and with four of their first five games coming at home, they should start off well and only get better later on. They have a talented array of seniors, including captains Hilliard, Angela Potter and Wade who will lead the five underclassmen on the roster.
“We will be very competitive,” Palmer said. “We will definitely get stronger as the season goes on. The young players are all good athletes who will improve by leaps and bounds and we'll be very tough by the postseason.”
Port Byron Panthers
Coach: Erica Grunder
Last year: The Panthers finished 10-8 after losing in the first round of the Section III tournament to Little Falls.
Key returners: Catcher Courtney Christina and shortstop Melissa Deyo.
Top newcomers: Shelby Gilbert, Chasity Wilcox, Samantha Kolczynski, Jessica O'Connor and Nica Dare.
Season outlook: The Panthers are optimistic this season, but with no seniors and two fewer players than they had on the roster last year (13), the young squad could have a rough road ahead. They face some tough area non-league teams such as Auburn and Jordan-Elbridge on top of always tough division foe Weedsport. Sophomore Britney Helmer steps into some big shoes on the mound after Beth Cereo graduated in '06, but the Panthers are a young, energetic and committed group. They play four of the final five games at home, which could give them momentum headed into sectionals.
“We're young, but they're going to get good, especially after they get used to playing together,” Grunder said.
Skaneateles Lakers
Coach: Bob Braunitzer
Last year: The Lakers lost to Christian Brothers Academy in the first round of the Section III tournament, but finished with a better record (5-15) than the previous two seasons combined.
Key returners: Catcher Kara Buehler, shortstop Alexis Jones, Kate Minturn at third base, pitcher Alex Hughes, Chantel Melquist at second base and Brittany Bird in the outfield.
Top newcomers: Emily Ross (pitcher/outfield), Jackie Stuckey (catcher and outfield), Kate Driscoll (outfield), Terry Blessing (first base) and Elizabeth Cooper (outfield).
Season outlook: Skaneateles lost just one player from its roster last season and although lead-off hitter Andrea Edmunds played a crucial part on offense as well as in the outfield, the Lakers could surprise a lot of teams this year, even in a tough Class B. They return an already tough defense that will only get better as the season progresses. The lineup might struggle scoring runs like they did last season until they strung together a couple of wins.
“Every game will be tough versus the very good pitching that we will face,” Braunitzer said. “We hope to improve on our record from last season and pull an upset or two. Defense for us is key.”
Southern Cayuga Chiefs
Coach: Dave Hewitt
Last year: An 8-2 record and a second-place finish in IAC, Division III.
Key returners: Just about everyone in key positions. Seniors Molly Osterhoudt, Colleen Lukas, Lindsey Doeing, Traci Hewitt, and junior Julie Hewitt.
Top newcomers: Sophomore Lianna May, who will back up pitcher Julie Hewitt and play infield.
Season outlook: With nine seniors and an ace in the pitcher's circle (Hewitt tossed 100 strikeouts and had a 2.30 ERA in '06), the Chiefs have a good shot to win the league and even a Section IV title despite being one and done in the playoffs the last four years. Southern Cayuga has a good combination of power and speed, which will give the Chiefs a good opportunity to score a lot of runs this season. Of the 12 players on the team, the Chiefs boast three power hitters (Traci Hewitt, Lukas and Doeing) and three other good contact hitters (May, Julie Hewitt and Osterhoudt).
“With a senior-loaded team, we look to go further in sectionals than we have in the past,” Dave Hewitt said. “If we stay healthy, they'll be tough to beat.”
Union Springs Wolves
Coach: Bob Arliss
Last year: The Wolves finished 17-4 and in first place in IAC, Division III but lost in the Section IV semifinals to Thomas Edison.
Key returners: First team All-IAC infielder Jessica Kneaskern, outfielder and pitcher Jillian Thomas, outfielder Amanda Murray and Jaimi Jones at first base.
Top newcomers: Freshman infielder Hannah Moniz and senior infielder Christine Cornell.
Season outlook: Union Springs graduated three starters in Bethany Arliss, Abby Cook and Devon Bowen and will possibly start three freshmen. It will depend on how quickly the newcomers can contribute to the team. Veteran catcher Amanda Murray will catch for Thomas and Kneaskern anchors the infield. The Wolves will likely wrestle with Moravia and Southern Cayuga for the league title again this year.
Weedsport Warriors
Coach: Sandy Donahue
Last year: The Warriors finished with a winning record and made it to the second round of the Section III, Class C tournament, where they fell to Onondaga.
Key returners: First team all league pitcher Megan Short and Second team all league short stop Meghan Henderson.
Top newcomers: Juniors Taylor Roe and Murphy Enos.
Season outlook: The Warriors will likely finish atop the OHSL Patriot National league and will make a serious run at a sectional championship if they remain healthy. Weedsport sported a stifling defense last season that should only return tougher and an offense that has the capability to put up big numbers. They return every member of their '06 roster except Ali Saladin at second base and have two reliable and talented pitchers in Short and Stacie Treat.
“Having everyone return from last year, I expect our defense to be very tough,” Donahue said. “I feel we should be very competitive in our division this year.”
And rightfully so. The Eagles finished with a 21-1 record last season, the best ever in school history. That accomplishment included a Section III, Class B title and then an 18-0 win over Section X Canton in the state tournament before falling 1-0 to Section II Mechanicville, indoors, in the quarterfinals.
While some games were closer last season than many, the Eagles outscored their opponents 157-25. They haven't lost outside since 2005, and they return arguably the best pitcher in the state.
But can they repeat, or exceed, their 2006 success? It's possible, but it's not going to be easy and the Eagles are prepared.
“They come in with the same attitude as last year,” Ryan said. “They really don't underestimate anyone.”
Fans will see a revamped Jordan-Elbridge lineup, while the players themselves are still getting used to new positions. Five Eagles graduated last season and four of them played infield, including Jessica Snyder (first base), Rachel Graf (second base), Cassy Hefty (third base) and Ellen Dungy (catcher). Though the infield will be new this season with the exception of two positions, it will be mostly filled with veteran players.
Versatile freshman Elizabeth Caspari will move to third base from center field in her second season on the team, and Sarah Hart will play behind the plate. Samantha Kuhn returns at shortstop, and, as has been the case since she was a seventh-grader, the spotlight will be on Colleen Ryan in the pitcher's circle for her final season. The senior fanned an eye-popping 325 batters last season and currently stands in third place in the New York state record books with 1,136 career strikeouts. Her 2006 ERA of 0.46 helped earn her a first-team all-league selection, an all-state selection and an easy nod for Liberty League MVP. In addition to her talents on defense, Ryan will also lead an offense that is again stacked with great hitters. She batted .536 last year, with 40 RBIs and three home runs.
Behind Ryan in the circle is newcomer sophomore Erica Peterson, who recently moved from Raleigh, N.C., and will see time at second base. The Eagles have four other newcomers in Lindsy Geery, Breanna Peters, Natalie Elking and Keelia McGuire who will see time in the outfield, though all four played infield positions on the JV team last season.
“They're all good athletes,” coach Joe Ryan said. “All winter, the team set their goal to win the league and go, but it will be tough.”
Another thing the Eagles return is the attitude that has been consistent under Ryan, through losses in past seasons, a 21-game win streak, two sectional titles and a disappointing exit in states.
“It doesn't matter if they were 21-0 or 0-21,” Ryan said. “They're good sports first.”
While other teams set their goals this season to get back to sectionals, to win a certain number of games or beat a particular opponent, none of those are where Jordan-Elbridge has its sights set. For now, the Eagles are content with getting comfortable in their new positions and taking the season “one game at a time.” The reasons that attitude is positive for the team is the single reason it's bad news for the rest of Section III - it's exactly what they said before last season began.
Auburn Maroons
Coach: Bob Lee
Last year: 13-8; lost in second round of Section III tournament, 10-0 to Class AA State Champion Cicero-North Syracuse.
Key returners: Versatile senior Amanda Daum, who primarily played right field last season, as well as outfielder Kristy Piwinski, shortstop Kelly Grinnell and pitcher Brittney Babcock.
Top newcomers: Melissa Coughlin (first base, outfield), Lauren Fedyshyn (outfield), Sarah Green (third base), Stefanie Spinney (outfield), Maggie Race (catcher) and Nikki Neagle (second base, shortstop).
Season outlook: The Maroons graduated eight seniors in '06, including first-team all-league selections Gabe Palmieri (first base) and Sam Whitaker (outfield), and despite nearly half the roster being new to the varsity team, they expect to qualify for sectionals again this season. Daum's leadership and versatility will play a big part - she led the team last season with 19 RBIs and her .391 batting average on 25 hits was second to Palmieri. Her nearly perfect performance in the field (one error in 25 plays) will be key, behind starting pitcher Brittney Babcock. Overall, the Maroons have great speed on both sides of the ball and have a solid defensive lineup and should finish near the top of their division.
Cato-Meridian
Blue Devils
Coach: Matt Tehonica
Last year: The Blue Devils finished 2-16 in their first season of softball after a year off.
Key returners: Sophomore Nicole Aylesworth, pitcher Ashley Thomas and shortstop Amber Grader.
Top newcomers: Eighth-grader Amy Thomas, who will be sharing time on the mound with her sister Ashley.
Season outlook: The rebuilding Blue Devils will resume construction this season. They return most of last season's squad, including seniors Grader, Rachel VanNorstrand, Liz MacDavitt and Noelle Teska. With 12 sophomores, Cato-Meridian is still a young team but that won't prevent them from playing hard and likely stringing together more than a couple of wins.
“We're going to surprise some people this year,” Tehonica said.
Moravia Blue Devils
Coach: Terry Palmer
Last year: The Blue Devils lost in the first round of the Section IV tournament despite finishing 13-8 overall and 7-6 in the league.
Key returners: Catcher Angela Potter, pitcher Leah Hilliard, shortstop Cayla Wade and first baseman/outfielder Katrina Slaski.
Top newcomers: Kaylee Langtry (first base), Haley Potter (third base/outfield), Jessica Kehoe (second base/pitcher/outfielder) and Brandi O'Hara (second base).
Season outlook: Palmer's final coaching season should be a productive one. Moravia returns most of its winning 2006 group and with four of their first five games coming at home, they should start off well and only get better later on. They have a talented array of seniors, including captains Hilliard, Angela Potter and Wade who will lead the five underclassmen on the roster.
“We will be very competitive,” Palmer said. “We will definitely get stronger as the season goes on. The young players are all good athletes who will improve by leaps and bounds and we'll be very tough by the postseason.”
Port Byron Panthers
Coach: Erica Grunder
Last year: The Panthers finished 10-8 after losing in the first round of the Section III tournament to Little Falls.
Key returners: Catcher Courtney Christina and shortstop Melissa Deyo.
Top newcomers: Shelby Gilbert, Chasity Wilcox, Samantha Kolczynski, Jessica O'Connor and Nica Dare.
Season outlook: The Panthers are optimistic this season, but with no seniors and two fewer players than they had on the roster last year (13), the young squad could have a rough road ahead. They face some tough area non-league teams such as Auburn and Jordan-Elbridge on top of always tough division foe Weedsport. Sophomore Britney Helmer steps into some big shoes on the mound after Beth Cereo graduated in '06, but the Panthers are a young, energetic and committed group. They play four of the final five games at home, which could give them momentum headed into sectionals.
“We're young, but they're going to get good, especially after they get used to playing together,” Grunder said.
Skaneateles Lakers
Coach: Bob Braunitzer
Last year: The Lakers lost to Christian Brothers Academy in the first round of the Section III tournament, but finished with a better record (5-15) than the previous two seasons combined.
Key returners: Catcher Kara Buehler, shortstop Alexis Jones, Kate Minturn at third base, pitcher Alex Hughes, Chantel Melquist at second base and Brittany Bird in the outfield.
Top newcomers: Emily Ross (pitcher/outfield), Jackie Stuckey (catcher and outfield), Kate Driscoll (outfield), Terry Blessing (first base) and Elizabeth Cooper (outfield).
Season outlook: Skaneateles lost just one player from its roster last season and although lead-off hitter Andrea Edmunds played a crucial part on offense as well as in the outfield, the Lakers could surprise a lot of teams this year, even in a tough Class B. They return an already tough defense that will only get better as the season progresses. The lineup might struggle scoring runs like they did last season until they strung together a couple of wins.
“Every game will be tough versus the very good pitching that we will face,” Braunitzer said. “We hope to improve on our record from last season and pull an upset or two. Defense for us is key.”
Southern Cayuga Chiefs
Coach: Dave Hewitt
Last year: An 8-2 record and a second-place finish in IAC, Division III.
Key returners: Just about everyone in key positions. Seniors Molly Osterhoudt, Colleen Lukas, Lindsey Doeing, Traci Hewitt, and junior Julie Hewitt.
Top newcomers: Sophomore Lianna May, who will back up pitcher Julie Hewitt and play infield.
Season outlook: With nine seniors and an ace in the pitcher's circle (Hewitt tossed 100 strikeouts and had a 2.30 ERA in '06), the Chiefs have a good shot to win the league and even a Section IV title despite being one and done in the playoffs the last four years. Southern Cayuga has a good combination of power and speed, which will give the Chiefs a good opportunity to score a lot of runs this season. Of the 12 players on the team, the Chiefs boast three power hitters (Traci Hewitt, Lukas and Doeing) and three other good contact hitters (May, Julie Hewitt and Osterhoudt).
“With a senior-loaded team, we look to go further in sectionals than we have in the past,” Dave Hewitt said. “If we stay healthy, they'll be tough to beat.”
Union Springs Wolves
Coach: Bob Arliss
Last year: The Wolves finished 17-4 and in first place in IAC, Division III but lost in the Section IV semifinals to Thomas Edison.
Key returners: First team All-IAC infielder Jessica Kneaskern, outfielder and pitcher Jillian Thomas, outfielder Amanda Murray and Jaimi Jones at first base.
Top newcomers: Freshman infielder Hannah Moniz and senior infielder Christine Cornell.
Season outlook: Union Springs graduated three starters in Bethany Arliss, Abby Cook and Devon Bowen and will possibly start three freshmen. It will depend on how quickly the newcomers can contribute to the team. Veteran catcher Amanda Murray will catch for Thomas and Kneaskern anchors the infield. The Wolves will likely wrestle with Moravia and Southern Cayuga for the league title again this year.
Weedsport Warriors
Coach: Sandy Donahue
Last year: The Warriors finished with a winning record and made it to the second round of the Section III, Class C tournament, where they fell to Onondaga.
Key returners: First team all league pitcher Megan Short and Second team all league short stop Meghan Henderson.
Top newcomers: Juniors Taylor Roe and Murphy Enos.
Season outlook: The Warriors will likely finish atop the OHSL Patriot National league and will make a serious run at a sectional championship if they remain healthy. Weedsport sported a stifling defense last season that should only return tougher and an offense that has the capability to put up big numbers. They return every member of their '06 roster except Ali Saladin at second base and have two reliable and talented pitchers in Short and Stacie Treat.
“Having everyone return from last year, I expect our defense to be very tough,” Donahue said. “I feel we should be very competitive in our division this year.”
The Citizens' Say
There are 2 comment(s)
That Girl wrote on Apr 2, 2007 9:54 PM:
SCCS sour taste left.... wrote on Apr 1, 2007 9:55 AM: