Medical Lake head softball coach Tim Blakely is pretty amped up for the 2015 season.
And at least for now it has nothing to do with his team’s qualifying for the state playoffs and seeing the bulk of those players return this season.
“I’m excited to be out on dirt the first day of spring practice,” the second-year coach said. “In the past it’s been two to three weeks we’ve been inside,” Blakely said.
Ten of the 14 players on a team that finished 17-10 and lost a pair of one-run games, 6-5 to Zillah and 9-8 to Seattle Christian in 1A state play in Richland, Wash. return.
The Cardinals lost three outstanding players from that 2014 team including Hailey Cheevers, Shelby Pavao and Jordyn Soliday.
“We are working very hard to fill the center field position,” Blakely said, referring to the veteran Cheevers who played three years. “With all of our underclassmen outfielders back, we should solidify that position shortly.”
Pavao and Soliday were the Cardinals’ main arms a year ago but Blakely thinks he’s got ample replacements in senior Chelsea Hamby, an All-NEA selection in 2014. Hamby played infield, outfield and “Had some mound time last year,” Blakely said.
“With the loss of both of our stud pitchers we had last year, pitching is going to be a little bit down,” Blakely said.
Taylor Pavao, a sophomore, hopes to be able to fill the shoes of her older sister. Sisters Bradyn and Maleeka Wegner and Claire Dormaier are also vying for pitching time. Dormaier is also the starting shortstop.
Maleeka Wegner is back for her senior year after having competed in track last spring.
“I’m excited to have her back and she’s excited to be here,” Blakely said.
Kayla Pruitt, a junior, was another All-NEA team selection. Cousin Katelyn Pruitt, also a junior, returns and will play outfield.
”She’s done a lot of hard work in the offseason,” Blakely said.
Bradyn Wegner played some infield, and is slated to pitch, too. “She didn’t pitch for us at all last year, (but) with the three other girls we have she’s going to compliment our pitching rotation,” Blakely said.
At catcher is junior Rachel Stanfill, the backup in the position in 2014.
Glori Cheevers, Alex Steinmetz and Sarah Mayer are other sophomores who return. The team will also carry a freshman in Hannah Petek who will play both infield and outfield. Cheevers played third base and as just a freshman earned all-NEA honors.
Mayer and Steinmetz each played both outfield and infield, or “a little bit of dirt,” as Blakely likes to say.
“I think we’re going to be able to compete, the kids are gritty,” Blakely said. “I can’t express how hard these kids work, in the classroom as well as on the field.”
Medical Lake will also field a full JV team. “Our numbers are pretty much the same as they were last year,” Blakely said. A total of 27 girls turned out.
And for a change, Blakely is in need of water having endured a winter with little snow and only periodic rain.
“I had to talk to my maintenance guy about getting water,” Blakely said.
Paul Delaney can be reached at [email protected].
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