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Lady Bobcats ready to go
Thelma Grimes
San Pedro Valley News-Sun
This week the Bobcats will start the 2008 season, and if all goes as planned, another 2A State Championship title could be in the Benson team's grasp.
The Lady Bobcats still have many of the players who made up the 2006 state championship team, including ace pitcher Megan Ellsworth and catcher Brittney Batten. Both of whom were named All-State for consecutive years.
Joining the two seniors is shortstop Brooke Tibbitts, who not only fields the ball responsibly, but is also a threat to reckon with at bat. Tibbitts, also being recognized for her play, was chosen second-team All-State last season.
The Bobcats fell short of a repeat title in the 2007 season, losing to Northwest Christian Academy. The Bobcats still had a big season, taking the 2A East Conference title in tough battle against Willcox and finished the season 29-3.
Last year's team had a lot of new faces who are now more experienced and ready to play.
"We were younger last year than the previous year in which we won state," said Coach Ernie Batten. "Our girls' work ethic is incredible, and we hope that their work ethic, combined with valuable experience gathered from last season, will equate to more success this season."
Not retuning from last year's squad, the Bobcats lost Sabrina Molina and Deanna Shull, both graduating in May.
Still, several starters will be back on the diamond. Besides Ellsworth, Batten and Tibbitts, the Bobcats also have first baseman Chelsea Layton, third baseman Gabi Cardenas and outfielders Bethany Martell and Shalena Solis.
Solis made an impact last year in her freshman season, breaking the school's homerun record, hitting nine homeruns. Solis was also named second-team All-State.
Other returners to the 2008 team include: Brianna Clark, Kayla McMinimy, Sarah Kading, Chelsea Padia and Nicci Hershfeld.
Promising newcomers are Kayla Haro, Sheena Gill and Alex Cooper, Batten said.
With the team strengths being a solid core of senior leaders, to go along with an already tough defense, pitching and hitting team, Batten said the Bobcats has the makings for a solid run at state.
"We believe we have a group of girls who will accomplish that goal," he said.
The Bobcats played the first game of the season on Tuesday against Pusch Ridge. Results for the contest were not available at press time. They will be playing Morenci Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m.
Thursday's game will be a 2A East Conference match.
San Pedro Valley News-Sun
This week the Bobcats will start the 2008 season, and if all goes as planned, another 2A State Championship title could be in the Benson team's grasp.
The Lady Bobcats still have many of the players who made up the 2006 state championship team, including ace pitcher Megan Ellsworth and catcher Brittney Batten. Both of whom were named All-State for consecutive years.
Joining the two seniors is shortstop Brooke Tibbitts, who not only fields the ball responsibly, but is also a threat to reckon with at bat. Tibbitts, also being recognized for her play, was chosen second-team All-State last season.
The Bobcats fell short of a repeat title in the 2007 season, losing to Northwest Christian Academy. The Bobcats still had a big season, taking the 2A East Conference title in tough battle against Willcox and finished the season 29-3.
Last year's team had a lot of new faces who are now more experienced and ready to play.
"We were younger last year than the previous year in which we won state," said Coach Ernie Batten. "Our girls' work ethic is incredible, and we hope that their work ethic, combined with valuable experience gathered from last season, will equate to more success this season."
Not retuning from last year's squad, the Bobcats lost Sabrina Molina and Deanna Shull, both graduating in May.
Still, several starters will be back on the diamond. Besides Ellsworth, Batten and Tibbitts, the Bobcats also have first baseman Chelsea Layton, third baseman Gabi Cardenas and outfielders Bethany Martell and Shalena Solis.
Solis made an impact last year in her freshman season, breaking the school's homerun record, hitting nine homeruns. Solis was also named second-team All-State.
Other returners to the 2008 team include: Brianna Clark, Kayla McMinimy, Sarah Kading, Chelsea Padia and Nicci Hershfeld.
Promising newcomers are Kayla Haro, Sheena Gill and Alex Cooper, Batten said.
With the team strengths being a solid core of senior leaders, to go along with an already tough defense, pitching and hitting team, Batten said the Bobcats has the makings for a solid run at state.
"We believe we have a group of girls who will accomplish that goal," he said.
The Bobcats played the first game of the season on Tuesday against Pusch Ridge. Results for the contest were not available at press time. They will be playing Morenci Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m.
Thursday's game will be a 2A East Conference match.
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