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Lady Billes need newcomers to fill holes
Since 1997, the Billies have a record of 249-32 and won 10 straight division titles. They've also won five straight sectional titles, earned state championships in 2000, 2004 and 2006 and are on a 59-game win streak in league play dating back to 2003. But if South is to continue that kind of success this spring, they will have to do it with several new faces. Seven players graduated from last year's 27-2 team with none bigger than two-time high school All-American pitcher Chelsea Plimpton and All-Western New York catcher Lisa Fronczak. Both were four-year starters. The Lady Billies will have to lean on tri-captains, seniors Lauren Falzone and K.K. Schaus and junior Sam Strapason. Falzone is a returning All-ECIC first team selection and co-team offensive player of the year at second base. Last year, the left-handed batter led South in runs (31), singles (30) and was tied for least strikeouts (seven). She batted .351 and recorded nine RBIs. Falzone is a four-year starter. Gentner said Falzone could be the best second baseman that he's had in the 10 years he has coached the team. Falzone is a scholarship athlete who has committed to play at Canisius College next year. Schaus, a returning ECIC Division II first-team all-star, is a two-year starter at third base. Schaus led the Lady Billies last year with eight triples. She also scored 19 runs, posted 14 RBIs and hit a home run. Gentner said Schaus is fearless at third base and has looked great at the position so far in practice. Strapason, also a returning ECIC II first-team selection, batted .356 with 17 RBIs, 15 runs and 26 singles and five doubles in 2007. "Of all of the great players I've had, she has the most natural instincts about softball," said Gentner. "She doesn't make mental mistakes." If Strapason catches, returning junior Devon Powers or junior JV call-up Emma Markley could play at first base. Markley could also catch. Powers, a returning ECIC II first-team all-star, can also play in the outfield. The South pitching will be anchored by another Plimpton, Chelsea's younger sister, Kyle, a freshman. As an eighth-grader, she won a game at the James "Ace" Morabito Memorial Invitational Softball Tournament, which features some of the best softball teams in New York State. Gentner said it is hard to compare Kyle and Chelsea Plimpton but said Kyle has good mechanics and poise for her age. "As softball continues to improve in the area, it's going to be a good challenge for her so I think she'll be able to hang in there pretty good," said Gentner. Kyle Plimpton also made seven plate appearances last year, hitting .429 with three singles, two runs and two RBIs. Also returning is junior shortstop Stephanie Shahin. New to the team besides Markley are sophomores Kate Kurzanski, Nikki Karchensky, Danielle Giancarlo, Megan Hull and Kristen Lynett. Coach Gentner feels each can compete for playing time and a starting position. Kurzanski is a tentative starter in center field. With the competition getting tougher, Gentner knows it will be a challenge to win the division for a sixth straight time. "I know Lauren, Sam and K.K. and Kyle will keep us in the hunt but I need four or five of these new kids to answer the bell," said Gentner. Gentner will be joined by Bob Gentner (hitting coach) and his daughter, Julie, who will work with the infielders and outfielders. Julie Gentner, a former player at South and Cortland State College, had been the JV coach. Gerry Gentner will work with the pitchers and catchers.
South finished 27-2 last year and lost in the Class A Far West Regional. |
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