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RFH 2010, HCS Softball

Updated:Loaded Softball Team Has High Hopes

Wed, Apr 06, 2011

Coming off a 20-3 2010 season, we ask Coach Bill Dowsland about this year's HCS softball team. Meet the team

Updated:Loaded Softball Team Has High Hopes

1. How long have you been coaching this sport at Hamilton? How long have you been coaching this sport totally? Career record at Hamilton? Assistant Coach(es)

  • Head Coach Bill Dowsland - 13 years (265-67)
  • Assistant Coach Dave Unger - 6 years

2. Last year's record. Highlights of the season. Any post-season play?

20-3 overall (9-1 league) CSC Division III Champions (2nd consecutive year) Lost 2-1 in Section III Class D Final (6 out of the last 8 years in the Class D Finals)

3. Players returning from last year's squad, their position and school year.

  • Sara Whyatt, 3B/C, Sr. - shoulder surgery last year (1st team CSC all-Star her sophomore and junior season)
  • Rachel Holcomb, CF, Sr. - 1st Team CSC All-Star
  • Jordan Peterson, 2B, Sr.- 1st Team CSC All-Star Jenna Schell, 1B, Sr.
  • Alisa Babcock, RF, Sr.
  • Katie Weeks, SS, Sr. - 1st team CSC All-Star, 2nd Team Class D All-State, All-Mohawk Valley Team
  • Katherine Keever, C, Sr.
  • Kelby Watkins, C, Soph...called up from JV for Sectional run last year
  • Rebecca Rogers, P, 8th - 1st Team CSC All-Star

4. Players new to the team this year; name, year in school, position and any background your may have about their involvement in the sport before this season. What do they bring to the team?

  • Morgan Brooks, 2B, Jr.
  • Marissa Sitts, 3B, Jr.
  • Kate King - injured
  • Kendall Rusch, 1B, Soph.
  • Hayleigh Hanson, RF, 9th
  • Lauren Weeks, LF, 9th
  • Hayden Nolan, P/RF, 8th
  • Jess Welsh, CF, 8th

This group of girls brings enthusiasm, skill and depth to our team that we haven't seen in a number of years. They were all members of the JV team last season and played in our Summer League last year against some very good competition. I'm really exited about the possibilities they bring to the team from both a defensive and offensive stand point.

5. List and talk about your pitching staff.

Rebecca Rogers (RH), 9-3-0, 2 shut-outs as a 7th grader last year 1.09 ERA, 115 strike-outs in 77 innings, 36 walks Rebecca has really worked hard in the off-season to improve her speed, accuracy and has aded a few different pitches to her arsenal. With the loss of repeat All-Star Sam Martin to graduation, Becca is gong to be relied upon to carry the pitching load this season. Hayden Nolan will work as her back-up.

6. What are your team's strengths in the field? Where do you have depth? Any holes to fill because of graduations last year? Who are your best players in the field and why?

We have a very strong infield returning with Katie, Jordan and Rachel. The return of Sara back from shoulder injury and her switch to third base will be a huge addition for our team defensively. Rachel will anchor a young, inexperienced outfield,which lost veteran starters Jenna Whyatt and Kaitlyn Askew to graduation. however, they are extremely fast and skilled.

7. How is your hitting? Who are your leading hitters; include their batting averages. Any top hitters lost to graduation? Any new ones?

Sam Martin (405), Jenna Whyatt (477) and Kaitlyn Askew (379), were all offensive threats lost to graduation. Back are:

  • Katie Weeks (Leading hitter: 488, 24 RBI's and 30 stolen bases),
  • Rachel Holcomb (479, 22 stolen bases),
  • Jordan Peterson (385, 24 RBI's, 6 HR),
  • Rebecca Rogers (365, 15 RBI's, 1 HR)
  • Sara Whyatt (477, 1 HR, 2 triples, 4 doubles, before season ending injury)

The offense should remain potent.

8. Talk a little bit about your team's strengths this year.

This team has depth and skill at every position. They also have great chemistry.

9. Weaknesses?

Inexperience in some positions.

10. What are you going to have to do to have a successful season this year? On the field and off. Who are the strong teams in the league you will have to beat? And, anything else you wish to add.

For us to be successful this season we need to have consistent hitting through-out our line-up, make plays defensively and limit our errors. Off the field we need to remain a cohesive unit. Class D will be extremely competitive this year with NY Mills, Poland, Alexandria Bay, Copenhagen, Lafargeville and Belleville-Henderson all returning strong teams.

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