2006 Season: 20-15 (6-6 North East Michigan Conference)
Coach: Dave Lesinski
Returning players: Jenna Potts, sr., SS; Raquel Cooper, sr., 2B; Courtney McKenzie, jr., LF; Jill Fountain, jr., CF; Michelle Revord, jr., RF. Katelyn LaHaye, so., 1B; Nikki Stein, so., P.
New to varsity: Lisa Newenhouse, sr.; Rachel Adaline, fr.; Shelby Miller, so.; Courtney Bissonette, so.
Outlook: Tawas returns seven players from last season's 20-win squad, but brings only four more to the varsity level as there are only 23 girls total between the varsity and JV squads.
"The good news is that we have 11 good, solid ball players," says assistant coach Keith Frank. "The bad new is that we have (only) 11 good, solid ball players."
The better news is that six of the seven are returning starters, including fourth-year shortstop Jenna Potts. The all-district and all-NEMC first-teamer batted .333 last year and drove in 20 runs with five doubles, and committed just six errors at the critical middle infield position.
Pitcher Nikki Stein was a second-team all-league selection and came within 27 strikeouts of Kristen Schirmer's single-season school record of 253 -- not bad for a freshman. Another sophomore, Katie LaHaye (first base) was also a second-team all-leaguer and hit .283 with 22 RBIs last year. Michelle Revord (right field) batted .268 with 14 RBIs and also was a second-team all-league selection.
Also returning are Jill Fountain in center (.312, 19 RBIs), Courtney McKenzie in left (.246) and Raquel Cooper at second base.
"With such a small roster, all of the girls should get plenty of playing time this season," Frank says. "They have all been playing summer travel ball for several years so they are used to playing together."
The Braves won't be lacking in speed, as three players stole 10 bases last year and Revord stole nine and had four triples. Frank also likes the teams attitude but said that hitting may need some work.
"At this point the weather has been too cold to tell," he says. "Once the temperatures warm up, we are hoping the bats will too. |
