Lady Pilgrim softball team lines up with plenty of experience
By Scott Ford
Argus Observer
Thursday, March 13, 2008 1:43 PM PDT
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| Argus Observer file photo
Softball season is underway in the Treasure Valley with a full slate of games on tap. Pictured above in this Argus Observer file photo, New Plymouth’s Maddie Cutts chases down a ground ball during 2007 action. The Lady Pilgrims made it to the state tournament last season and finished in a tie for fifth place. |
New Plymouth — New Plymouth head coach Troy Knapp likes his team’s chances this season. This year, Knapp said the Pilgrims have the most returning varsity lettermen than what New Plymouth has returned in a long time.
New Plymouth finished third in the Western Idaho Conference standings last year, and in the district tournament New Plymouth was the runners-up, and qualified for the state tournament where it went 1-2.
The WIC is home to the defending state champions — the Melba Lady Mustangs.
“This is one of the few years where we have had everyone return who lettered last year,” Knapp said. “I think there is a good chance for good things for us this year. But we will have to work hard and improve. Last year we were able to do that, and hopefully, we will have the same results this year.”
Expectations for the Lady Pilgrims are high this season, despite dropping the season opener to Payette in an extra inning game.
“That game was a definite positive because Payette is a quality team,” Knapp said. “It was nice to see the girls play so well against Payette, and that actually exceeded my expectations.”
Knapp said the girls he looks to as leaders on the team are Shianne Edmunson at first base, Macee Cole at shortstop and Alisha Shipman at third base. All three of these girls were a part of the 2006 state championship team and all have plenty of experience on the diamond.
Pitching for the Lady Pilgrims is Whitney Hodges, who Knapp said has put in a ton of work in the off-season, and the coach said he expects good things from her off the rubber.
“She is off to a fantastic start, and she has been working with a pitching coach, and she has improved by leaps and bounds, plus she has the security of the same defensive infield as last year,” Knapp said.
Kelsey Cleverly will be Hodges’ back up and will play outfield for the Pilgrims.
Knapp said that Melba will be the team to beat in the WIC, with Parma being tough as well.
“Those two teams are the teams we have to beat this year,” Knapp said. “I feel good about our chances, but it will take a lot of work, and we have to stay healthy, because we do not have a lot of depth.”
The Pilgrims will take on Fruitland at noon today, and Knapp said the Lady Grizzlies will be a tough team, and the Pilgrims will have to play another game like they did against Payette.
“Our first three games this year are against 3A teams from the Snake River Valley Conference — Payette, Fruitland and Homedale, and I feel it will be these three teams that will battle for the SRV title,” Knapp said. “By the end of the week we will know where we stand, and if we finish the week 2-1 I would be completely thrilled.”
