Medomak Valley softball returns all but one player from last year’s team that went 14-2-2 and were crowned the KVAC champs. Returning coach Richard Vannah hopes his fourth year is the one that the Lady Panthers “get over the hump.”
Medomak has lost their quarter-final match-up the past three years, including two losses in extra innings.
“We’ll go as far as Desiree (Benner) takes us. She has been solid for three years,” Vannah said of his starting pitcher.
Sophomore Hannah Marks will be the Lady Panthers’ number two pitcher. Veteran catcher Maria Ennamorati returns behind the plate.
Medomak will have one of the most veteran teams in the KVAC with nine seniors. Vannah has kept 13 on varsity, including seniors Dani Hunt, Maria Ennamorati, McKenzie Belcher, Amanda Hendrickson (third base), Abby Maguire, Bridgett Miller, Heidi Obuchon (second base), Benner and Taylor Simmons (first base).
Juniors include Lauren Guptill and Jasmine Hatch, sophomore Hannah Marks (shortstop) and freshman Hannah Watmough round out the team.
“I’m looking to get a lot of speed out of my top four hitters,” Vannah commented.
He expects Simmons to lead off, followed by Ennamorati, Hendrickson and Obuchon in the clean up spot. Guptill should step in and hit well, and Marks was hitting well at the end of last season and should be one of our top hitters. Dani Hunt should be solid as well,” Vannah added.
Richie Oliver and Kayla Vannah are assisting with the team. Vannah said Oliver is working hard on hitting with the girls.
Vannah expects his team to be solid on the defensive end as well. He has yet to solidify the outfield. “I’ve got kids that can play anywhere,” he said.
