High School Softball: Preseason Top Players and Teams

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Welcome to the wonderful world of spring sports.

High School Softball, in my opinion, is at its best in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The teams that The Lansdale Reporter, The Mercury, The Times Herald, and Montgomery Media cover always seem to be in the mix for district and even state championships. There are always a handful of players that commit to Division-One schools and more that you can count that go on to play Division Two and Three.

So without further adieu...Here is one man's opinion on the best teams and the best players in a specific coverage area prior to the 2013 season.

Check back to this blog all season for stats and scores. Go to www.thereporteronline.com/section/sports for stories everyday.

JRC Philly Area's Top 10 Pre-Season Teamsant

Jackie Bilotti

1. North Penn Maidens - A very competitive team entering the 2012 season took giant leaps behind a giant surprise in freshman pitcher Jackie Bilotti. Back for her sophomore season, her pin point accuracy really gives teams fits.They did lose their captain Jess Mower, but retunring all-leaguers, Michelle Holweger and Alexa Gable just to name a pair, are all over the field. Returning to the District One championship would not be as shocking as it was a season ago.

2. Spring-Ford Rams - The Rams lost a few dynamite players to graduation  but there is still plenty of explosive options in the lineup, anchored by junior Cassie Alexy.Like the Maidens of the S.O.L. this Pac-10 powerhouse brings back Jenna Lee to the circle, who faced some of the most feared lineups the area has to offer in the playoffs as a freshman. Lee's improvement could be the difference maker.

3. Methacton Warriors -  Youth seems to be the trend here. I feel the earlier you get players experience, the better you will be in the long run. The Warriors will be breaking in a new pitcher this season with the graduation of hurler Madeline Lowery, but they return four all-leaguers to their PAC-10 lineup.

4. Hatboro-Horsham Hatters - The Hatters have been heavy hitters in the Suburban One Continental Conference, with two state championships since 2008, however they lost their Division-One shortstop Val Sadowl (UConn) and pitcher Maggie Shaffer was all-world in her four years (Guilford College in North Carolina). The Hatters still have impact players in the middle of diamond, led by outfielder Heather Lutz and catcher Daria Edwards and should once again be a force.

Nikki Alden

5. William Tennent Panthers - This team has tools and the O'Toole's. Amber and Kaitlyn O'Toole make up a strong core of returning sticks and Nikki Alden enters his junior year as the clear cut option in the circle. The Suburban One National Conference will not be a joy ride, but if the Panthers play to their potential they will be in the mix for a district playoff appearance.

6. Lansdale Catholic Crusaders - It is hard to imagine life after Mary Cate Scott, but the all-league pitcher is at LaSalle University now and it is up to some young, athletic girls to get the job done. While they have been custom to winning 1-0 games over the last four seasons, this year they should be on the right side of a few slug-fests.

7. Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals  - Ambler is where you will find the story of a hardworking group finally getting a payoff. Kristen Ganderton returns to the circle for her senior season, while the offense led by Ashleigh Sharp is loaded with experience. If everything bends right the Cards could be a looking at a strong season, with a possible league title, deep district run, and a state playoff appearance.

8. Souderton Indians - The Indians did a lot of mixing and matching last season as they looked for the perfect formula. With a more set lineup this season, led by first basemen Haley DeLany, the ladies are feeling confident they can put a strong season together. 

Alex Cominitski

9. Pennridge Rams - One thing we do know is the Rams are going to be in every game this season with Paige Decew in the circle. Last year she transformed herself into one of the top pitchers in the area with a tremendous run in the postseason and nearly beating top-seeded Pennsbury. Offense is a concern, but coach Paul Koehler preaches fundamentals and manufacturing runs. Don't sleep on the Rams.

10. Wissahickon Trojans - There really is no good way to replace a player, a pitcher, and a leader such as Katie Ziegler, but the Trojans are prepared to respond to the doubters with another strong season. They return a ton of offense and are planning to put senior Emma Goodrich into the circle.

Other possible title contenders: Springfield, Central Bucks West, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Germantown Academy, Archbishop Wood

Pre-Season All-Area
FIRST TEAM

Cassie Alexy (Spring-Ford)
Michelle Holweger (North Penn)
Paige Decew (Pennridge)
Nikki Alden (William Tennent)
Haley DeLany (Souderton)




SECOND TEAM

Jackie Bilotti (North Penn)

Alex Cominitski (Wissahickon)
Bridey Harkins (Lansdale Catholic)
Heather Lutz (Hatboro-Horsham)
Sarah Rambo (Methacton)

THIRD TEAM
Briana Kofer (Spring-Ford)
Kim Machalette (Springfield)
Erin Maher (North Penn)
Alexa Gable (North Penn)
Susan Janfrancisco (Plymouth-Whitemarsh)

HONORABLE MENTION
Nicole Casagrand (Hatboro-Horsham)
Greta Sheridan (Lansdale Catholic)
Daria Edwards (Hatboro-Horsham)
Ashliegh Sharp (Upper Dublin)
Rachel Holden (Abington)