2008 Season Outlook

2008 Season Outlook

Veteran Ed Vargo begins his 14th season as head coach of the Cavaliers. The 2008 edition of the team features eight returning letter winners. Walsh finished 21-28 overall last year, and 6-8 (5th) in the American Mideast Conference South Division. Despite the fact that the Cavs will have new faces in several key positions, Vargo is optimistic about his team’s chances. Walsh moves from the South Division to the competitive North Division of the AMC, along with Malone College, Notre Dame College, Ursuline College, Carlow College and Point Park University. The Cavs are hoping to use their 2007 post season appearance as a spring board to an outstanding 2008 season.

INFIELD: The Cavs will have new faces in the infield. Look for Dana Hartings (Sr., Chickasaw, OH/Marion Local/Clarion University, .288), Krystal Sherry (So., Brunswick, OH/HS) and Kelly Jackson (Sr., Akron, OH/Ellet) to share duties at first base. Sherry, after a sensational freshman season, was named honorable mention All-AMC South after hitting .357 with 56 hits in 157 at-bats. She also led the team in doubles (14) and RBI (25).  With Hartings and Sherry each handling duties on the mound, one will most likely play first when not pitching. Hartings had limited at-bats last season due to a hamstring injury. Sophomore Shannon Spellacy (Brunswick, OH/HS) returns from a season ending injury (broken collarbone) to take over at second base. Spellacy is smart, sure handed, and will help stabilize the infield. Laura Schmidt (So., Canton, OH/Jackson) returns to anchor the shortstop position. She was selected honorable mention All-AMC South after hitting .309, with 10 doubles and four homeruns as a freshman. Third base will be handled by freshman Brittany Sostre (Fr., Parma, OH/Valley Forge). Look for Sostre, who hit 394 with 19 RBI’s and four homeruns last season, to have an outstanding career in a Cavalier uniform.

OUTFIELD: The Cavs will also have new faces patrolling the outfield pastures. Chelsea Saunders (So., Hinckley, OH/Highland) is the lone returnee and will look to play both right and centerfield. Saunders hit a hefty .354 in 35 games as a freshman. Freshman Alyssa Knupp (Massillon, OH/Tuslaw) is expected to start in centerfield and hit lead-off. Knupp joins the Cavaliers after a stellar high school career, where she hit .405 with 36 runs scored, 7 homeruns and 17 RBI. Ashley Hoover (Fr., Alliance, OH/Louisville) looks to take over leftfield. Hoover hit .305 last season for the Lady Aviators. Also seeing time in the outfield will be freshman Rachel Harter (Louisville, OH/East Canton).

CATCHING: Kelly Jackson (Sr., Akron, OH/Ellet) will handle the bulk of the duties behind the plate. Jackson, one of the Cavs’ captains, provides strong leadership behind the plate and off the field as well. She drove in 16 runs and belted five doubles and one triple last season. Celsey Raubenolt (So., Loudonville, OH/Hillsdale) and Meaghan Welsh (Fr., Wintersville, OH/Indian Creek) will provide depth.

PITCHING: Vargo has an experienced pitching staff returning, with veterans Dana Hartings, Krystal Sherry and Megan Pisciotta (Sr., Uniontown, OH/St. Vincent-St. Mary). Hartings won six games last year before going down with season-ending hamstring injury. Dana is work horse, who will eat innings. She fanned 98 hitters in only 97 innings last season in 16 games. Sherry was 9-9 with a 2.73 ERA in 23 games. Hartings and Sherry provide Vargo with a great one-two punch. Not to be overlooked is the senior Pisciotta. She was 6-11 last year, with a 3.48 ERA. Her presence gives the Cavs a solid staff.