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PHOTO/METRO
COVID-19 has been cruel to everyone and certainly sports teams have not been exempt.
A prime example was the 2020 Liberty girls softball program. After years of struggling, the Chargers put their best team in school history on the field last year and saw it jump off to an undefeated start.
Little did then Head Coach Kathrin Pennanen know that her team’s 18-2 win over Harmony – the first win over the Longhorns in school history – that pushed her team’s record to 6-0 would be the last game of the year for the Chargers.
“We were so excited after that win and knew we had something special going,” Pennanen would tell the News-Gazette later. “We just kept sitting around hoping the season would resume it just never happened. It was heartbreaking to all the players but was devastating to the seniors that had worked so hard.”
Sports resumed in the county this fall, and the new softball season began a few weeks ago. County coaches are glad the sport is back. Here is a look at the county teams:
CELEBRATION:
Head Coach: Anyssa Robles (3rd Season)
Top Returning Pitchers: Emily Cocks (Jr.), Victoria Rodriguez (Sr.)
Top Returning Hitters: Ella Portell (C, Jr.), Nyke Smith (OF, Sr.), Emily Cocks (P/SS, Jr.)
Top Newcomers: Thaliany Torres (3B/Fr.), Valeria Martinez (SS, OF, Fr.), Alanys Negron (2B, Fr.)
Robles on Storm: “This is a very young team. I am hopeful that as the season progresses and we gain experience, we will get stronger and start getting a few wins under our belt.”
GATEWAY:
Head Coach: Sam Milien (2nd Season as Head Coach/7th at School)
Top Returning Pitcher: Kamila Vargas (So.)
Top Returning Hitters: Raisa Stuart, 1B/3B, Jr.; Caleah Gonzalez, C/CF, Jr.; Kamila Vargas P/SS/2B, Jr.;
Tatiana Hernandez, OF/C, Jr.
Top Newcomers: Veronica Pavese, 3B, So.; Kianalee Garcia, SS, Fr.; Mya Fonseca, OF, Fr.; Lauren Giger OF/1B, Fr.
Millen on Lady Panthers: “We are a mixed team consisting of travel ball players and young players new to the game. We expect to be a real good team as soon as the whole team gets on the same page. Our starting pitcher has huge potential. Our 3rd baseman has a great future as a hitter in college and the fastest glove in the business. We are a very young team with no seniors and a ton of potential.”
HARMONY
Head Coach: Kristin Mindrup (4th Season)
Top Returning Pitchers: Amanda Whalen, So.; Ireland Sibbett, So.; Brinley Cowart, Jr.
Top Returning Hitters : Alisha Vohs, Sr.; Dominica Kohout, So.
Top Newcomers: Natalie Booth, OF, Fr.
Mindrup on Lady Longhorns: “Our young team is looking solid so far this season. We are learning to make adjustments at the plate and stay solid on defensive.”
LIBERTY
Head Coach: Rich Roy Colom (1st as Head Coach, 2nd at school)
Top Returning Pitchers: Nghari Patterson, Sr.; Mhasiah Patterson, So.
Top Returning Hitters: Jehna Morales, SS, Jr.; Blanca Elaraj, C, Jr.; Kayleen DeJesus, 3B, Jr.; Luna Frett, OF/C, So.
Top Newcomers: Kanitria Antenor, CF, Sr.; Yasheska Marquez, 2B, Sr.; Yasmin Elaraj, 1B, Fr.; Abigail Esparza, P, So.
Colom on Lady Chargers: “This team is excessively talented, with a burning desire to come out on top. They are strong up the middle with terrific hitting and solid defense. Their goal is to finish what was started last year here at Liberty.”
OSCEOLA
Head Coach: Miranda Watford (21st at School/2nd Year Head Coach)
Top Returning Pitchers: Reygan Nickerson (Sr.); Alyssa Miranda (Jr.)
Top Returning Hitters: Kayley Jones, So., C; Madison Dennis, C/3B, Senior; Gabriela Avila, SS, So.
Top Newcomers: Yarelis Santiago, OF, Jr.
Watford on Lady Kowboys: “After graduating seven last year, we have a group of talented young ladies mixed with a handful of veterans who are eager and excited for the season. They put in the work, have a positive outlook and great team chemistry. Our goal is to continue to grow and build upon each other’s strengths.”
ST. CLOUD
Head Coach: Ray Whobrey (9th Season)
Top Returning Pitchers: Our pitching staff is all new this season as far as varsity experience. Junior Kiley Holland, junior Emma Penderghest and freshman Brooke Scott will form the basis of our pitching staff this year. All three are talented athletes who can play different positions.
Top Returning Hitters: Leah Gonzalez (C/3B) and Delaney Carnell (C/3B) will be our two power hitters with Renee Dixon (OF) showing promise. We are looking for great things from our speedster Hannah Nasco (OF).
Top Newcomers: Miriam Collazo (SS) and Olivia LaMeau (1B)
Whobrey on the Lady Bulldogs: “With the addition of Casey McCrackin (former Auburn standout) to our coaching staff, we are expecting exciting things this year with the program. The girls are working hard and have high goals this year and if they do what we know they can do they should have a great season.”
TOHOPEKALIGA
Head Coach: Chantal Crockett (3rd Season)
Top Returning Pitchers: New Pitching Staff in 2021
Top Returning Hitters: Maya Watts, OF, Senior
Top Newcomers: Taysha Ortega, 3B, Senior
Crockett on Lady Tigers: “This year our team mostly consists of returners and veterans who have played on this team for the past 2-3 years. As our team, our goal is to consistently get better each day and work on the things that we can control like our attitude and effort. We are also striving to be better people and athletes both on and off the field.”
