Pennridge playback: A look at where the Rams stand

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

BASEBALL
Pre-season expectations - Important players graduated, but that does not stop the Rams from expecting to win the league and have a strong post season showing. With two-time MVP Dylan Tice returning for his senior season the Rams expect nothing less than a winning season.

Where they currently sit - The Rams lost a tough game to Souderton, but beating North Penn has them tied with the Knights atop the Continental Conference. They have not blown out many opponents and the offense has had its funks, but they are still in strong position to reach their pre-season goals. A win on Monday over North Penn will put matters into their own hands and they should win the 3rd straight league title.
Team MVP: Jared Schaffer (Sr.)
Breakout player: Oscar Mikols (Sr.)

SOFTBALL
Pre-season expectations - The Rams were competitive in 2010 and with the battery of Emily Hofmann and Paige Decew returning I figured the Rams to be a notch below Hatboro-Horsham and North Penn, but still compete for one of the last spots in the district playoffs.

Where they currently sit - It took a little longer for the Rams to get on the same page with first year head coach Paul Koehler and they lost a handful of close games. The league and post season aspirations may be a long stretch, but with the roster being made of mostly sophomores and freshman the Rams really need to finish strong.
Team MVP: Emily Hofmann (Jr.)
Breakout player: Emily Mayhew (Fr.)

BOYS LACROSSE
Pre season expectations - The Rams have never put fear into the eyes of their opponents and no one targeted them to be contenders except themselves. The Rams felt heart and passion can win games against team with more talent. I thought they'd be middle of the pack.
Where they currently sit - The Rams are middle of the pack with a 4-4 record, but they have shown the ability to compete with some of the best teams in the area. No one is surprised when the Rams pull of a so-called upset anymore. They are still looking for some offense on a consistent basis, but they are getting better everyday.
Team MVP: Brian White (Sr.)
Breakout player: Eric Fernandez (So.)

GIRLS LACROSSE
Pre season expectations - The Rams felt they had enough talent returning to make in consecutive years in the district playoffs. While the league is one of the toughest in the area, a third or fourth place finish could have been enough to say they were one of the top 32 teams in District One.
Where they currently sit - Last Wednesday was the first league win of the year for the Rams, certainly something they did not expect. The loss of some players that are now playing in college really were a bigger blow than they thought.
Team MVP: Nikki Beck (Sr.)
Breakout player: Taylor Dachowski (So.)

VOLLEYBALL
Pre season expectations - The Rams lost two all-state players from their District One championship squad, but they still believed they had what it takes to make another run at it. I had my doubts about a district title, but they definitely were going to be able to keep the league winning streak alive.
Where they currently sit - They still  have not lost against the league since 2008 and a lot of polls have them in the top 10 in the state. The have just plugged in players and they are all so fundamentally sound. They just win games and are my favorite to win the District One title again.
Team MVP: Jake Braun (Sr.)
Breakout player: Matt Trumbower (Sr.)