BSHS softball preview

Berkeley Springs High School Softball Coach Greg Brown has tempered expectations heading into the 2012 season, but wants his team to stay focused and to improve every day.

"I don't lie to the girls," said a candid Brown. “I don't tell them we're going to win a state championship, when it is not in the cards. I just want them to try and get better every game and learn from their mistakes, not dwell on them. We have a very competitive schedule, so it is important that we stay positive and try to improve day to day."

Brown returns his two top pitchers, but much of the starting lineup remains in flux.

It looks like Ashton Miller will replace all-state catcher Chelsea Hessler behind the plate, while Brittney Stotler and Stephanie Miller provide depth on the mound. Skylar Korschinsky will get the first shot at shortstop, Sami Wingard and Rikki Jenkins will see time at second base, Dallis Bishop, Taylor Stull and Tiffany Michael, all of whom can play outfield, will battle for the starting spot at third base, while Morgan Wachter, Stotler, Kelsey McCarty and Destinee Moore, along with Bishop, Stull and Michael compete for the starting outfield positions. Wachter will also backup Ashton Miller behind the plate.

"Much of our lineup is unsettled and is likely to remain that way for several games," Brown said. “It will definitely take time to get a lineup in place. That is the main reason I put 15 girls on the varsity. I will be moving a lot of girls around until someone steps up and wins the open job. We don't have a dominant pitcher, but you can count on Rhiannon and Natalie giving you one-hundred percent effort every time they take the mound. We need to play good defense behind them; something we didn't do very well last year."

Although there might be growing pains this year, Brown likes the direction the program is headed.

“Every coach has to get the best out of what they have now and we intend to do that," said Brown. “We are still a relatively young team with only one senior on the roster. Next year we will have a lot of seniors with two and three years of varsity experience, along with an above average incoming freshman class. We aren't throwing in the towel, but our girls need to stay positive and try to improve this year. They can be the catalyst for getting the program back on track."

The Lady Indians will open the season tomorrow, March 15, in Moorefield, 7 p.m. before traveling to Frankfort on Saturday, March 17. Berkeley Springs will end the first week with a home game against Musselman at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 19.

Varsity softball roster
Senior - Sami Wingard.

Juniors - Rhiannon Coble, Skylar Kroschinsky, Tiffany Michael, Ashton Miller, Natalie Redick, Lauren Schetrompf, Brittney Stotler, Taylor Stull and Morgan Wachter.
Sophomore - Kelsey McCarty.

Freshmen - Dallis Bishop, Rikki Jenkins, Stephanie Miller and Destinee Moore.

Head Coach-Greg Brown, Assistant Coaches: Fred Sirbaugh and Tina Stotler (varsity volunteer).