NWD Softball Preview

'DISTRICT WILL BE A DOGFIGHT'

March 14, 2012

By Greg Brill

Special to The Winchester Star

WINCHESTER- Millbrook softball coach Michelle Long had a chat recently with new Sherando coach Clarence Smith and much of the conversation centered around one interesting subject.

Both coaches were in agreement that this season's Northwestern District race will be one to watch.

"I talked with Clarence Smith and we both hope the district will be a dogfight," Long said. "It will be good to have competition every game. I think it will do wonders for the Northwestern District if we battle every game."

Smith, who takes over for Garry Sawyer, will lead a team that lost seven starters and has been a regular at the top of the Northwestern standings.

The Warriors are coming off a 20-2 season that saw them sweep through the district regular season and tournament before losing to eventual Group AA runner-up Woodgrove in the Region II quarterfinal round.

The task to replace pitcher Amanda Lutz (19-1, 0.83 ERA) and four batters that all hit above .430 - including Northwestern District batting leader Lexi Meeker (.513) - will be issues presented to Smith early on, though he says he's remaining confident that the Warriors can still compete well.

"The girls have to step up to the plate," Smith said. "We have some talent. We're young and inexperienced, but we have a lot of potential and hopefully we can surprise some teams."

Smith is no stranger to Sherando's program, having served as a varsity assistant the last two seasons and the junior varsity coach for four years before that.

"I'm excited," Smith said. "But at the same time, I've been involved with the program for a while and know the players. I feel I'm prepared to take this on."

Smith is one of three new coaches in the Northwestern. Both Skyline and Handley will have a third different coach in as many seasons. Frank Nelson takes over at Skyline and Angie Fisher moves in to coach at Handley.

"We are all excited for the season and we are working hard on the little things in hopes of putting together a team that can compete with the best," Fisher said.

James Wood posted its first winning season in nine years in 2011 and Colonels coach Ted McDaniel remains upbeat about his team continuing to improve.

Having sophomore pitcher Kierstyn Peacoe (11-3, 2.43 ERA, district-best 154 strikeouts) back in the circle certainly will help.

"She's worked very hard and pitched on a very good fall league team," McDaniel said. "She's added a little more to her drop and riser [pitches]. I think she's better than she was last year."

Skyline finished with a losing record last season, but will be in the mix again in the Northwestern race. Junior pitcher Sarah Beamer begins her third season toeing the rubber and has one of the best arms in the district. The Hawks also have back shortstop Taylor Henry (Georgetown) and third baseman Sabrie Neeb (Saint Francis), both of whom have signed with Division-I schools.