Corsicana Daily Sun, Corsicana, Texas

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February 6, 2010

Navarro softball: Speed, pitching the key

Navarro softball coach Karenke has her team built to make regionals

By Todd Wills Corsicana Daily Sun

Corsicana — Navarro softball coach Jessica Kerenke has built a 2010 team that will rely on pitching and speed on the bases and in the outfield.

That’s a pretty good recipe for success at any level of softball.

The Bulldogs finished third at the regional tournament last season. The goal this year is to earn a spot in the eight-team field and win it.

The pitching staff is built on depth rather than on the arm of one trusted arm. Freshman Sarah Mendez of Azle offers a power arm. Freshman Erica Wolver, who was a one woman wrecking crew on the mound for Corsicana the last four years, brings heat and several solid off speed pitches.

Jade Hennig, Caroline Hall and Lindsey Fallen, all sophomores, also are talented on the mound.

“Any one of them can be the No. 1 pitcher,” Karenke said. “They are all so different, we’ll be able to prepare for who we’re going to face. We’ll go back and forth with whoever is hot.”

Mendez, Wolver and Fallen will likely be in the lineup whether or not they are pitching. Wolver is a part of what looks to be a strong outfield.

The Corsicana product played left field in the Bulldogs’ season-opening doubleheader on Tuesday. Karenke gives high marks to Wolver, and to freshman Audrey Brasncum, who has staked her claim to center field.

“Our outfield can track some ground,” Karenke said. “We’ve got some true outfielders out there. It lets the pitchers relax out there.”

Karenke said she’s is still tinkering with her infield. She is not worried about the offense.

Karenke said the Bulldogs will rely on speed on offense, though Mendez showed Tuesday against Hill that Navarro isn’t absent power with a home run in the cold and rain to center field.

“She’s very strong,” Karenke said. “She’s intimidating at the plate.”

Karenke doesn’t feel like she has to rely on two or three hitters. She mentioned Mendez and Wolver as two bats she’s excited about in an interview this week.

“We’re fast and that’s good for us,” Karenke said. “We can hit the ball one through nine. We have 11 freshmen and they’ve jumped on board.

“They can all hit. We’ll rely on speed, but we’ve got power where we need it.”

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