GBC Softball - Season Outlook

Softball Season Outlook 2008

Health comes first for the Goldey-Beacom Lightning softball team. Projected to make a conference run in 2007, the Lightning were shredded by injuries. They used 12 different players in multiple positions. The result was a last place finish in the CACC with a 1-21 record and a 4-32 overall mark.

“Everyone is healthy right now and should be back this season with vengeance. Kendy Russell should lead the way both off the mound and at the plate; the senior, lead the team in hitting the past three years with a solid .380 or better average. Russell posted nine doubles and five dingers to go along with her 20 RBI and 62 total bases. Also back, and returning from knee surgery is veteran catcher Megan Harper. A Camden Catholic product, Harper will fill the clean-up slot protecting Russell from feared pitchers. “Harper has tremendous bat speed and a rifle for an arm. Her goal is to catch more than one game in each of the double-headers,” said Grasso. “Personally, I will be glad she is in the line-up healthy for our 42 game stand.”

Also returning is swift moving senior Jillian Murphy, a GBC two-sport star, Murphy also played volleyball. She will hit out of the lead-off spot and track down balls gracefully in centerfield. When not playing out in the green grass, Murphy will be snaring balls behind the plate. Murphy hit a solid .301 in 2007, and posted a .343 slugging percentage. The remaining senior is gritty Bridget Mount. Hampered by shoulder surgery, Bridget appears back and ready to give the Lightning a boost at second base. In 33 games, Mount batted .184, with four doubles, and committed only five errors in 65 chances. Rounding out the senior class is walk-on Brittany Knotts from Felton, Delaware. Knotts brings solid fundamentals to the team and has a been a pleasant surprise. She will be a utility player this spring.

The junior class is led by Kelly Miller (Arcadia High School, VA). Miller has a strong arm and will be used in the outfield and at third base.

Sophomore, Kim Narkiewicz (Shamong, NJ) has speed, a quick bat, excellent defensive fundamentals, and a dynamic attitude. If, Narkiewicz continues to work offensively, she has a shot leading this team offensively. Kim played in 35 games last year, batting .204, with 19 hits and five doubles. Other sophomore is Wesley College transfer Maura Valentin (Northeast, MD). Valentin is a natural athlete, who has an outstanding throwing arm, can pitch and will be used primarily at third base; Valentin has good power offensively and will establish herself in the line-up.

Rounding out the class are super freshman Heather Draper (Bridgeville, DE) and Jackie Waddle (Levittown, PA). Draper will be a key cog off the mound and offensively as well. Draper has an impressive change-up and throws an array of pitches, keeping batters on the offensive. Waddle brings depth to the infield with a strong arm, a hefty bat from the rightside and quick feet on the base paths. Waddle will play shortstop, and give the Lightning added range at this position.

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		Softball Season Outlook 2008 Health comes first for the Goldey-Beacom Lightning softball team. Projected to make a conference run in 2007, the Lightning were shredded by injuries. They used 12 different players in multiple positions. The result was a last place finish in the CACC with a 1-21 record and a 4-32 overall mark. “Everyone is healthy right now and should be back this season with vengeance. Kendy Russell should lead the way both off the mound and at the plate; the senior, lead the team in hitting the past three years with a solid .380 or better average. Russell posted nine doubles and five dingers to go along with her 20 RBI and 62 total bases. Also back, and returning from knee surgery is veteran catcher Megan Harper. A Camden Catholic product, Harper will fill the clean-up slot protecting Russell from feared pitchers. “Harper has tremendous bat speed and a rifle for an arm. Her goal is to catch more than one game in each of the double-headers,” said Grasso. “Personally, I will be glad she is in the line-up healthy for our 42 game stand.” Also returning is swift moving senior Jillian Murphy, a GBC two-sport star, Murphy also played volleyball. She will hit out of the lead-off spot and track down balls gracefully in centerfield. When not playing out in the green grass, Murphy will be snaring balls behind the plate. Murphy hit a solid .301 in 2007, and posted a .343 slugging percentage. The remaining senior is gritty Bridget Mount. Hampered by shoulder surgery, Bridget appears back and ready to give the Lightning a boost at second base. In 33 games, Mount batted .184, with four doubles, and committed only five errors in 65 chances. Rounding out the senior class is walk-on Brittany Knotts from Felton, Delaware. Knotts brings solid fundamentals to the team and has a been a pleasant surprise. She will be a utility player this spring. The junior class is led by Kelly Miller (Arcadia High School, VA). Miller has a strong arm and will be used in the outfield and at third base. Sophomore, Kim Narkiewicz (Shamong, NJ) has speed, a quick bat, excellent defensive fundamentals, and a dynamic attitude. If, Narkiewicz continues to work offensively, she has a shot leading this team offensively. Kim played in 35 games last year, batting .204, with 19 hits and five doubles. Other sophomore is Wesley College transfer Maura Valentin (Northeast, MD). Valentin is a natural athlete, who has an outstanding throwing arm, can pitch and will be used primarily at third base; Valentin has good power offensively and will establish herself in the line-up. Rounding out the class are super freshman Heather Draper (Bridgeville, DE) and Jackie Waddle (Levittown, PA). Draper will be a key cog off the mound and offensively as well. Draper has an impressive change-up and throws an array of pitches, keeping batters on the offensive. Waddle brings depth to the infield with a strong arm, a hefty bat from the rightside and quick feet on the base paths. Waddle will play shortstop, and give the Lightning added range at this position.