Junior class dominates East

Williamsville East coach Ron Schumacher is excited about his softball team this year and he has good reason.

The Lady Flames only graduated two players from last year's squad - right fielders Sarah Larkin and Kat Biondo - that finished 6-6 in ECIC Division II and lost 6-5 to Hamburg in the Section VI Class "A" quarterfinals.

In addition, there are only two seniors in this year's lineup - captains Courtney Rung (third base, some right field) and Kristen Gaglione (second, some right field). Rung's quick reflexes and strong throw makes her a perfect choice to play third, Schumacher said.

"She also picks up fly balls well in the outfield," he added. "With her quick release, right field is another position she can play. She makes good contact with the ball and has developed good base running speed. Her leadership is evident in the field."

Schumacher said Gaglione's greatest assets are her movement in the holes and strong arm.

The majority of East's team is junior-laded with eight on the roster. They are Rachelle Arenos, Chelsea Horne, Karen Kingsley, Kelly Rusin, Ally Kotz, Bridget Steele, Anna Stolzenburg, and Courtney Hawkins.

Steele and Kotz are returning ECIC Division II first team selections. Rusin and Rung are second team selections.

Arenos moves from third base to shortstop because Hawkins is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament she suffered during the winter basketball season.

"She's the team's only left-handed batter and one of the fastest players," said Schumacher of Arenos. "She is quick and gets to the ball early. She will bat early in the lineup and her strong arm makes her an ideal shortstop."

Hawkins will act as a player coach at first base until she recovers from surgery and will keep stats.

Schumacher said Horne has looked impressive at third during preseason.

"She has quick reflexes and a strong arm that makes this a good position for her," he said. "She is aggressive at the plate and can also hit the long ball. A good work ethic may land her a starting spot."

Kingsley is one of two East pitchers (Rusin is the other) who will see many games on the mound.

"She has worked in the offseason to improve her breaking pitches," Schumacher said. "Her offseason conditioning should pay dividends at the end of the season."

Rusin is a low-ball pitcher who can hit her targets, Schumacher said.

"She has developed breaking pitchers that should make her more successful this year," he added.

When Rusin is not pitching, she can play first, third or designated hitter.

"She can hit the ball well to give us much needed offense," Schumacher said.

Schumacher said Kotz is a solid infielder who can play shortstop or second but will see most of her time at second.

"She has improved her fielding and is more aggressive by attacking the ball," said Schumacher. "She's assured in her abilities and playing with more confidence so her level of play is much higher. She is a stronger batter and should hit in the middle of the lineup. A smart runner, she will take advantage of defensive mistakes."

Steele, coming off a solid basketball season, can play any position except pitcher or catcher.

"If she starts in the outfield, she can cover a lot of territory with her quick read on the ball," said Schumacher. "Her quickness allows her to play infield."

Steele will bat early in the lineup and should be on base often, Schumacher added.

Schumacher said Stolzenburg ran cross country last fall which has helped her become a faster base runner.

"Her long reach at first gives her an advantage on close plays," said Schumacher. "Anna is hitting the ball better this year and should be a major contributor."

Sophomores Taylor Klun and Jessica Windnagle will start at catcher and left field, respectively, and back each other up when needed. Windnagle can also play shortstop.

"Taylor started as a catcher her freshman year and played well," said Schumacher. "She returns a year stronger, smarter and more confident player. She hit the ball well last year and we hope that continues this year."

"Jessica has matured, gained confidence in her ability and is hitting the ball with power," Schumacher continued. "She will be a major contributor."

With the addition of Williamsville South and many returning players to West Seneca East and Hamburg, Schumacher thinks ECIC Division II will be tough. East opened with a 1-0 loss on Monday against West Seneca East. They hosted Williamsville North on Tuesday but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press and play at 4:45 p.m. Thursday at Lancaster.
          Williamsville East
            2007 Schedule
4-5 at Lancaster ........... 4:45 p.m.
4-16 Maryvale ............... 4:30 p.m.
4-18 at Lake Shore ........... 5 p.m.
4-20 Hamburg............... 4:30 p.m.
4-23 at South ................ 4:30 p.m.
4-25 Iroquois................. 4:30 p.m.
4-27 W.S. East ................... 5 p.m.
4-28 Greece-Athena ... 10:30 a.m.
5-2 at Maryvale ................. 5 p.m.
5-5 at Depew Tourn. Bracket B -
vs. Orchard Park 9:30 a.m. (Diamond
          6, Walden Pond), winner
plays   Depew-Honeoye   Falls   at
3:30 p.m., loser plays at 1:30 p.m.
5-7 at Hamburg ................. 5 p.m.
5-9 South....................... 4:30 p.m.
5-11 at Iroquois................. 5 p.m.
5-14 Frontier................. 4:30 p.m.
5-16 at Cheektowaga .. 4:45 p.m.
5-18 at Tonawanda ...... 4:45 p.m.
5-19 Lake Shore.............. 10 a.m.
5-21 at Sweet Home.... 4:30 p.m.
5-22 Wilson ................... 4:30 p.m.