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Bobcats back in the action; beat Empire 17-0
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| The catch: Freshman Kasey Fenn played well in her debut Monday night. (Thelma Grimes/Photo.) |
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The Benson softball team wants to get back to its winning ways in the 2010 season, with strong senior leaders, promising newcomers and another shot at a run at the state championship.
The Bobcats' softball program has a legacy of strength, with 10 players being offered scholarships in the last three seasons and plenty of promising players taking the field for the new season.
Junior pitcher Kayla Haro picked up where she left off Monday night, leading the Bobcats on the mound and at the plate, going 2 for 3 with 2 runs, 2 RBIs and a stolen base.
On the mound, Haro opened the season throwing a no-hitter with 11 strikeouts. A walk in the first inning prevented a perfect game.
Freshman catcher Kasey Fenn later tagged the Raven runner out.
The Bobcats easily defeated Empire 17-0. The 2A Ravens struggled with ball control throughout the game, missing the catch or losing track of the ball completely several times in the outfield.
The first inning set the tone for the Bobcats' season as they took a 4-0 lead.
In the top of the second, senior Sarah Kading capitalized on more Empire mistakes when outfielders lost track of a fly ball hit to right center. As they worked to regain control, Kading rounded third and headed for home to score, increasing the Bobcats' lead to 7-0.
Kading was 2 for 2 with 3 runs, 2 RBIs and a stolen base.
"It was a good opening game," said Coach Ernie Batten. "We were looking for focus and intensity from the girls, and they responded well. It is important with so many youngsters on the team that they learn how to maintain those two aspects early in the season so that when the conference season starts, they are prepared to meet the challenges that are put in front of them."
The Bobcats will need senior leaders this season with a young roster taking the diamond. One of those young players stood out Monday night, as Stacie Ramirez stole seven bases, scored four runs, and hit home two others.
Returning seniors include first baseman Chelsey Layton, left-fielder Kading, second baseman Alex Cooper and Brittany Floyd and Dani Kunst.
A strong junior class includes Haro, Tamara Choate, Kaylynn Fenn and Brittany Johnson.
Sophomores Stacie and Stephanie Ramirez will make a big impact along with Kimberly Brogan and Shauna Judd.
Batten called the Ramirez twins "awesome athletes" who will bring "speed and more speed" to the game this season.
"The team speed is very good," Batten said. "Hitting is looking to be strong this year, especially since the pitcher rubber has been moved back to 43 feet from 40 feet. We have solid pitching in the program, and they are all underclassmen.
"Also, we have a lot of pressure game experience under our belts after last year's run to the state play-off quarterfinals. We have some stiff competition in our conference and that should help prepare for any postseason opportunities we might get."
Batten said the only real weakness he sees for the team is that "the coaching staff is getting older and looks to be getting senile."
Nonetheless, the entire coaching staff said when it comes to crunch time, they expect an exciting season, with a lot of talented players taking the field.
The Bobcats will compete in a tough Wickenburg tournament this weekend.
The Benson softball team wants to get back to its winning ways in the 2010 season, with strong senior leaders, promising newcomers and another shot at a run at the state championship.
The Bobcats' softball program has a legacy of strength, with 10 players being offered scholarships in the last three seasons and plenty of promising players taking the field for the new season.
Junior pitcher Kayla Haro picked up where she left off Monday night, leading the Bobcats on the mound and at the plate, going 2 for 3 with 2 runs, 2 RBIs and a stolen base.
On the mound, Haro opened the season throwing a no-hitter with 11 strikeouts. A walk in the first inning prevented a perfect game.
Freshman catcher Kasey Fenn later tagged the Raven runner out.
The Bobcats easily defeated Empire 17-0. The 2A Ravens struggled with ball control throughout the game, missing the catch or losing track of the ball completely several times in the outfield.
The first inning set the tone for the Bobcats' season as they took a 4-0 lead.
In the top of the second, senior Sarah Kading capitalized on more Empire mistakes when outfielders lost track of a fly ball hit to right center. As they worked to regain control, Kading rounded third and headed for home to score, increasing the Bobcats' lead to 7-0.
Kading was 2 for 2 with 3 runs, 2 RBIs and a stolen base.
"It was a good opening game," said Coach Ernie Batten. "We were looking for focus and intensity from the girls, and they responded well. It is important with so many youngsters on the team that they learn how to maintain those two aspects early in the season so that when the conference season starts, they are prepared to meet the challenges that are put in front of them."
The Bobcats will need senior leaders this season with a young roster taking the diamond. One of those young players stood out Monday night, as Stacie Ramirez stole seven bases, scored four runs, and hit home two others.
Returning seniors include first baseman Chelsey Layton, left-fielder Kading, second baseman Alex Cooper and Brittany Floyd and Dani Kunst.
A strong junior class includes Haro, Tamara Choate, Kaylynn Fenn and Brittany Johnson.
Sophomores Stacie and Stephanie Ramirez will make a big impact along with Kimberly Brogan and Shauna Judd.
Batten called the Ramirez twins "awesome athletes" who will bring "speed and more speed" to the game this season.
"The team speed is very good," Batten said. "Hitting is looking to be strong this year, especially since the pitcher rubber has been moved back to 43 feet from 40 feet. We have solid pitching in the program, and they are all underclassmen.
"Also, we have a lot of pressure game experience under our belts after last year's run to the state play-off quarterfinals. We have some stiff competition in our conference and that should help prepare for any postseason opportunities we might get."
Batten said the only real weakness he sees for the team is that "the coaching staff is getting older and looks to be getting senile."
Nonetheless, the entire coaching staff said when it comes to crunch time, they expect an exciting season, with a lot of talented players taking the field.
The Bobcats will compete in a tough Wickenburg tournament this weekend.
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