From the Sports Desk

with Carey Phillips: 05/17/01

That may not sound very good on the surface, but it marks the most wins in school history since the program went to fast pitch. It also gives hope that better times are ahead since the Lady Mustangs fielded a young team with just two seniors.

"We showed a lot of improvement and took some steps in the right direction," Coach Melissa Hill said. "We became very competitive, especially against teams we knew we should beat. We were even competitive staying in games against teams that beat us."

As an indication, the Lady Mustangs lost only four games this year that were stopped early on the 10-run rule. In fact, they even won a couple of games in that manner.

"I knew we would be better than last year," Hill said of her pre-season expectations. "I knew they were a team that liked to set goals and achieve those goals."

One of the goals this year was simply to win five games. It's a matter of crawling before you can walk and walking before you can run.

Perhaps the game that stands out the most was a 6-3 victory over Brevard and pitcher Ashley Rice.

"The Brevard win was a big highlight," Hill said. "We beat a team that historically has put us out in the fifth inning. We had never beaten that high quality a pitcher, and we played almost flawless defense."

Low points included a loss at Tuscola when a 4-1 lead slipped away in the sixth inning and being routed by Murphy when the game was stopped on the 10-run rule. SM turned the tables and defeated Murphy on the 10-run rule in the second meeting.

The lone seniors were Amanda Magruder, a four-year varsity player, and Tara Green, who was in her first year of high school softball.

"Amanda started at shortstop three years for me and improved tremendously each year," Hill said. "Her work in the off season brought the team to where it's at. We can attribute much of her success to her season playing Senior League baseball."

"Tara's athletic ability allowed her to step in and contribute even though this was her first year playing," the coach said. "Her versatility allowed her to play infield and outfield."

Juniors included Amber Stephens, Dorothy Keane, Shay Shular, Jessica Henry, Kristen Wilson and Stephanie Ashe.

"Amber showed great improvement from last year being able to pitch in all 21 games," Hill said. "She displayed excellent control most of the time."

"Dorothy played first base and did an excellent job," the coach said. "Her height was an asset and not many throws got by her."

"Shay broke her thumb the first game and missed 10 games," Hill said. "She stepped right back in at third base and had an excellent season. She had nine RBIs in basically half a season. Playing baseball last year really helped her."

"Jessica improved throughout the course of the season achieving several hits late in the year," the coach said. "She played very well in right field. Playing baseball gave her more competitiveness."

"Kristen played left field for us," Hill said. "Her batting average may not show it, but she always seemed to move people or get on on an error. She had a way of making things happen."

"This was Stephanie's first season," the coach said. "She's a very strong girl and will be able to contribute next year."

Sophomores were Katie Crisp, Stasha Nicholson, Heather Sheridan, Jessica Cook and Kayla Painter.

"Katie played catcher for us before moving to second base," Hill said. "She had a strong arm at catcher and a powerful bat leading the team in RBIs. Her determination to improve will make her a very successful player. She's another one that baseball has really helped."

"Stasha played outfield and had a chance to close out a couple of games pitching and did a very good job," the coach said. "Her speed and arm will make her an asset in the outfield next year." "Heather had the opportunity to play third base after Shay's injury," Hill said. "She stepped in and did a very good job. She gained a lot of experience, and I look for her to be a key player next year."

"Jessica has a very strong arm, which made her a threat in the outfield," the coach said. "She's a very versatile player and with work will become a good hitter."

"Kayla always provided a spark to our batting order and is a good outfielder," Hill said. Tori Kelly was the only freshman on the squad.

"Tori moved up midway through the season due to injuries and sickness," the coach said. "She clinched a starting varsity position in her first game. She's very fast and was used at third base, right field and catcher."

The Lady Mustangs will be in a different league next year as they join the Mountain Athletic Conference. Also moving from the WAC will be Enka, Erwin, Franklin and Tuscola. MAC holdovers include Asheville, East Henderson, North Buncombe and Roberson.

Unlike in many other sports, the balance of power in the new league will come from the WAC rather than the MAC. That's especially true in regard to perennial state power Enka.

"My expectations are high for next year, especially in the new conference," Hill said. "Nobody will be tougher than Enka, and we're used to playing them. With all but two players coming back and sophomores moving up from the JVs, we feel we should be competitive."

Back to Sports: 05/17/01.