Tamaqua and Northern Lehigh both came within one win from capturing a District 11 championship a year ago.

The Blue Raiders used two dramatic victories during the playoffs to reach the Class 4A finals before falling to Bangor in the title game. The Bulldogs also reached the finals in the Class 3A field, but dropped their championship contest to Pine Grove.

The two teams, along with all the other area squads, will soon open their seasons with hopes of playing for district gold.

Below are previews on all 10 area clubs:

TAMAQUA

EXPECTATIONS SET

… There are high expectations for the Blue Raiders after advancing to the Schuylkill League championship and the District 11 4A title games, while also setting a Tamaqua single-season record with 20 wins in 2017. Even more reason for the hype is the fact that Tamaqua is returning a bunch of contributors from that team, graduating just one senior. “Obviously, we’re excited about all the girls we’re bringing back, and we’re excited to build off the success we had last season. We want to take the next step. We advanced to both championships last season and I think the girls are confident they can do even better this year,” said Tamaqua head coach Jill Barron.

ALL AROUND

… The Raiders were successful last season because they were good in the field and at the plate. That certainly shouldn’t change in 2018. Returning to help out in both departments are Miranda Chinchar (Jr., 1B/OF), Courtney Hoffman (Sr., SS), Jen Frederickson (So., 3B/LF), Madison Matsago (Sr., LF), Taylar Donnon (Sr., C/IF), Brooke Zellner (Sr., C/IF/OF), Jane Kupchinsky (Jr., IF/OF), and Kaitlyn Stauffenberg (Sr. C/IF). Chinchar (.470) and Hoffman (.405) were two of last season’s leaders at the plate, combining for 33 RBIs. Hoffman was an all-state selection last season. “I really think we’re strong through our entire lineup one-through-nine, and we always work on fielding and fundamentals. This is a skilled group. We’re just excited to get out onto the field,” said Barron.

HAMMER TIME

… Tamaqua’s Jada Schellhammer — a 2017 all-state selection as a sophomore — returns to the circle for the Raiders. Schellhammer was dominant last season, going 20-6 with a 1.84 ERA and 140 strikeouts to just 15 walks. The junior also did damage in the batter’s box, compiling a .423 batting average, driving in 23 runs, and smacking three home runs.

NORTHERN LEHIGH

‘DAWG POUND

...Optimism levels are high for the Bulldogs this season, as they will return most of their players from a year ago. While Meghan Handwerk and Tiffany Yesik departed due to graduation, head coach Robert Hicks is confident in his remaining squad’s ability and enthusiasm toward improving upon the 18-5 mark they posted last season. “We are hoping to remain competitive in league play, as well as districts,” Hicks said. “We are looking to improve on last year’s record and to make league and district playoffs.”

RETURNING

... Experienced players coming back to the Northern Lehigh lineup this season include seniors Kaitlin Hoffman and Olivia Toth, junior Katie Yesik, and sophomores Lauren Hoffman, Alicia Horn, Paige Hude, Maddy Peters, Briana Schuck, and Shyanna Williams. Along with newcomers Hailey Kresenics, Julia Wanamaker, and Adde Warmkessel, the Bulldogs sport a strong lineup top to bottom.

CAPABLE CANINES

... Most of Hicks’ players are able to play in multiple positions, if asked to, according to the coach. With only 12 players on the roster, he hopes that can solve the problem of possible health concerns during the course of a rigorous season.

STAYING ‘PAWS’-ITIVE

... Despite the low numbers on the varsity level, Hicks is confident that his squad has enough talent to remain in games. “The early going has proven that the girls have a great sense of team unity and work ethic,” he said. “We will need to stay focused and continue to support each other as the season progresses in order to stay successful.”

PALMERTON

ALL BUT ONE

... The Bombers have plenty to look forward to for the upcoming season, as their successful team from a year ago returns every player except for Alyssa Olewine, who graduated. The 2017 team missed out on the Colonial League playoffs by a game and made it to the district semifinals, before falling to eventual champion Pine Grove. Head Coach Robert Hock is optimistic, saying, “The goal is to participate in both the league and district playoffs and go from there. The team is looking to build on that success, bolstered by maturity and experience in several tight losses to quality teams, along with the addition of two quality players to the squad this year.”

BACK FOR MORE

... Returning from the Palmerton team that finished 14-8 overall last year are a wealth of experienced varsity players. Seniors Avery Neipert (SS/2B), Paige Frantz (CF), Lindsay Shimko (OF/2B), Sadie Heiney (2B), Bryanna Driscoll (OF/3B), and Madison Wenig (OF) join juniors Alyssa Frantz (C/LF), Baylee Guedes (3B/1B/SS), Sierra Behler (P/1B), Paige Shupp (OF/3B), Madison Finley (OF/2B), Amanda Lalik (3B/OF), and Payton Lesher (3B) to form a solid club. Also, the pitching tandem of sophomores Lexi Merkel (P) and Kailah Altemose (1B/3B/P) gives the team depth in the circle. Freshman Megan Green (C/1B) will also see action.

MOUND MIX-UP

...With a trio of capable hurlers in Hock’s arsenal, opposing teams should have their hands full trying to produce runs. Between Merkel, Altemose and Behler, Hock has plenty of options and has a reason to remain excited. Not many teams have a trio of strong pitchers on their roster. With all three having experience in the circle at one time or another, things look rather positive for the program.

DON’T COUNT THEM OUT

... Last year, the Bombers were supposed to have a “rebuilding season,” but they ended up surprising many people. They finished 13-7 in the Colonial League, with three of their losses coming by just one run. With all they have returning, Hock is hoping for bigger things this season.

NORTHWESTERN

HIGH HOPES

... Last season, Northwestern made its presence felt by posting a 13-9 record, including a 12-6 mark in the Colonial League. The Tigers played in the league playoffs, advancing to the semifinal round. They also participated in the district postseason. Head coach Josh Zimmerman is looking to his returning players to continue a path of success and advance even further in 2018. “With the return of many key players from last year’s successful team, we are hopefully poised, once again, to contend for league and district titles this year,” he said. “We want to qualify for those playoffs, and from there, we have just as much of a shot at winning it as anyone else.”

WEHR IS BROOKE???

... Zimmerman and his team must deal with the loss of all-state selection Brooke Wehr, who graduated. Her departure leaves a big hole in the Tigers lineup. Her offensive output (.578, 32 RBI, 4 HR, 14 SB) will be difficult to duplicate and her strong defensive play will also be missed. The former Tiger is now playing at Moravian College. Zimmerman, however, is confident that his remaining players can rise to the challenge of overcoming her absence. “In my four years as a coach, I can say without hesitation that this is the truest ‘team’ I have had,” he said. “They are a group of selfless girls who genuinely celebrate each others successes.”

GETTING PERSONNEL

... Zimmerman looks to Emily Akelaitis (Jr.) for a bulk of the pitching duties. Akelaitis is coming off a 10-win season a year ago. Kayla Mitman, a senior, is referred to as “the heart and soul of this team,” by the coach, and has emerged as “a tremendous leader,” who hit .357 last year with two home runs. Others that will add to the experienced lineup are Anna Akelaitis (So., C), Ashley Sisco (Jr., 1B), Cassidy Lentz (Sr., P/LF), Natalie Smith (Sr., OF/2B), and McKayla Wildrick (Sr., 2B/DP). The team has two freshmen in Molly Mitman, who looks to be comfortable in center, and Sam Sisco, whose soft hands and quick first step may land her the starting job at short.

DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN

... “It is tough to take yourself too seriously with this group,” Zimmerman admits. “And I’m OK with that, as long as they know when it’s time to get down to business. So far, this group has a knack of being able to do that ... I think it’s just a matter of getting some of these young kids the experience at the varsity level, which should come quickly to them and shouldn’t be an issue.”

MARIAN

NEW COACH

… Kyle Faust is the new head coach for the Fillies, replacing former mentor Joe DeAngelo, who stepped down after eight seasons. Faust is a Tamaqua native, and two years ago he was an assistant coach with the Marian baseball program. Faust has been coaching travel softball for the past six seasons. “I jumped at the opportunity to apply for the position when I heard that it was open, and I’m really excited to coach this great bunch of girls. That’s the main reason why I applied for the position. When I was helping out with the baseball team, the kids were just great and I knew that filtered throughout the school,” said Faust.

RETURNING

… Two key pieces return in starting pitcher Lindsey Reinoehl and catcher Emily Shaud. Toni Galasso (Sr.), Reese Erbe (Sr.), Jade Ritsick (Jr.), Rhi Malarkey (Jr.), Sarah Munsenberger (Jr.) all return as well to a team that went 14-8 last season and captured the Schuylkill League Division 3 crown.

KEEPING TRADITION

… One of coach Faust’s main goals right off the bat is to keep up the winning ways that have been consistent at Marian over the years. In the last eight seasons, the Fillies have won a division title five times. “I want to win and I know the girls want to win, and we want to make everybody proud that supports us. There’s a championship feel to Marian Catholic athletics, and we want the softball program to continue to be a part of that,” said Faust.

LEHIGHTON

NEW CHIEFS IN CHARGE

... Dave Yob takes over the reigns for the Indians after serving for four seasons as the Tribe’s assistant coach. Along with assistant coaches Larry Koons, Pete Salerno and Todd Weaver, the staff of mentors is quite familiar with the Lehighton program and is looking forward to getting the season started. “I’m taking over the program after four years as an assistant here, but overall, this is my 24th season of coaching softball on either the college of high school level,” Yob said. “I plan on using that experience, as well as that of my veteran assistants, to coach up this group to the best of our abilities.”

POW WOW POWER

... A large number of returning players should spell success for the Tribe this season, as Yob welcomes back plenty of talent from a year ago. Two seniors in Ryanne Hoffman (OF) and Rachel Serfass (SS) will man key positions in the field, while junior Heidi Greene helps out at third. The sophomore class includes Cierra Kunkle (P/OF), Samantha Gruber (P/OF), Becky Serfass (C/OF), and Alexis Scott (1B/OF), who all saw action as freshmen last season.

INTEGRAL INDIANS

... Yob looks to certain players to help carry the team early on, which should provide the inexperience in his lineup to improve immediately. “The offense should be spearheaded by Heidi Greene and Rachel Serfass, who return as the top two hitters from last year,” he said. “The pitching should be split between Cierra Kunkle and Samantha Gruber, who both gained valuable experience last year, as freshmen. This is a young team with only two seniors, and while several players gained playing time last year, we will look to build on that, moving forward.”

WELCOME WIGWAMS

...Filling in the missing gaps in the lineup and hopefully adding to the depth of the Indians batting order will be a healthy group of newcomers to the program. Sophomores Karissa Hough (OF/IF) and Makayla Nothstein (IF), junior Grace Fitzsimmons (OF), and freshmen Kate Nanovic (C/OF), Kendra Peterman (OF), Paige Shellhammer (P/OF), Haley Fritz (P/OF), and Carissa Giniewski (OF) will all be looked at to help the development of the program.

WEATHERLY

YOUNG AND HUNGRY

… Weatherly head coach Will Bartel will be depending on a lot of young players to step up this season. Twelve of his 19 players on the roster are either a sophomore or a freshman. Bartel lost three out of four infielders from a season ago, including the corner positions. “We’re a young team, but we’re also an eager team and the girls are all excited and hungry to get out on the field. This group works hard and that’s already something you love to see, because that means that they will work to get better,” said Bartel.

SENIOR LEADERS

… Seniors Shannon Frye (C/3B), Sam Knepper (2B/1B), Necarlly Serrata (OF), and Khadijah Zuberi (OF) will be counted on to lead this young squad. Frye and Knepper will also be counted on to lead the Wreckers in the hitting department. Two senior-laden hitters on a young team could go a long way for Weatherly’s success.

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

… Juniors Katie Graham and Alexis Wilkinson will be key contributors this season. Graham will fill in at third base and will also play the outfield, while Wilkinson will lead the Weatherly pitching staff. Sophomore Corra Chincola will return to play the infield wherever she is needed, but will most likely lock down the shortstop spot, and the Colecio sisters – Alexis and Amanda - are expected to make a difference.

PANTHER VALLEY

RETURNING CORE

… The Panthers return eight seniors, which have been the core of their team for the past few seasons. Hitting could be the strength of this senior group and coach Candace Olsen is excited about the potential of her lineup heading into the season. “This group has been with me since I’ve taken over the program and I think they’ve improved each and every season. This is their senior year and they’ve shown potential in the past, especially at the plate. I think we’ve looked good so far with making contact, we just need to get out there and translate that to the field,” said Olsen.

GETTING SITUATIONAL

… Fielding errors have been an issue for the Panthers in the past, but this season, with an experienced group and a different coaching approach, Panther Valley is expected to improve in that department. “We’re doing more situational stuff. I love the fundamentals and we always focus a lot of time on that, but we need to get better at knowing where to go with the ball in pivotal situations. We’ve been spending more time on that and I think we’ll be improved there this season,” said Olsen.

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

… Seniors Robin Krajcir (1B), Chloe Miller (OF), Kaleyia Polanco, Abby Hoben (OF), Sarah Markovich (IF/OF), Sydney Clouser (IF/OF), and Alyssa Navarro will be counted on to anchor the Panthers ballclub. Coach Olsen is also excited about her sophomore class, which features starting pitcher Megan Pascoe, infielder Claire Kokinda, and speedy outfielder Lydia Malaska.

JIM THORPE

YOUNG GUNS

… The Olympians graduated nine seniors that saw a majority of the playing time a season ago, and coach Lori Lienhard will now turn to nine incoming freshmen blended with a few upperclassmen to fill those voids. The good thing about this young group is that they’ve been playing together for a while now, so chemistry and familiarity shouldn’t be an issue as they hit the field in the varsity ranks. “We’re young, but we’ve got a promising group with a lot of potential. We’re athletic and talented and the girls will only get better, I believe, as the season goes on. These girls have also played together for years on other teams, which I think will help the transition to varsity softball,” said Lienhard.

LEADERSHIP

… Two of the more veteran players, Sam Sterner (Sr.) and Kayla Sandoval (Jr.), will be counted on to lead this young group of Olympians during the season. Sterner is a player that Lienhard can count on to play almost anywhere, but will start the year at third base. Sandoval is the motivator of the group and will help anchor the middle infield at second base.

IMPACT PLAYERS

… As noted, Coach Lienhard will count on a host of freshmen to make an impact. Nadya Soliman, Christy McLean, and Kaitlyn Day are youngsters that will fill three of the most important positions on the field. Day will be counted on in the circle, while Soliman will be her game manager at the catcher position. McLean will hold down the shortstop position.

PLEASANT VALLEY

LEFT THE DEN

... Plenty of questions remain for head coach Steve Caffrey, as five of his starters graduated from last year’s squad. Jenna Scheller, Alyssa Kotzmann, Taylor Steckel, Julie Huha, Kelsey Diabo, Carissa DeSimone, and Naomi Morales have all moved on from Pleasant Valley. “We graduated seven seniors from last year, five of which were starters,” Caffrey said. “This is a good group of girls, though, who are willing to do whatever is needed in order to win.”

STILL HIBERNATING????

... With the winter weather wreaking havoc to field conditions all throughout the area, Caffrey is concerned with his squad’s lack of field time in the early-going. “I’d like to say that we are going to be competitive in our division this season, but that is hard to say, considering we haven’t been able to get on the field at this point,” he said. “In order for us to be competitive, though, the whole team needs to contribute and I’ll be relying on my returning girls from last year to get things started for us this year.”

RETURNING TALENT

... Senior Joelle McKeever (P), juniors Janelle Frable (P), Meara Hanyon (SS), Lauren Steckel (C/IF), Morgan Frantz (IF), and Tylor Woltal (3B), along with sophomore Cameron Caffrey (OF), will be entering the season with at least a year’s experience. This group should be solid enough to help alleviate the strain of graduation departures.

NEW TO THE LINEUP

... Caffrey is also optimistic fwith the newcomers to the PV lineup, as senior Masani Francis (OF), juniors Madison Rosenberg (1B), Nichole Hoch (IF), Skyler Jennings (P/OF), and Grace Vento (C/OF), along with a trio of sophomore in Desi Beade (Util.), Riley Wagner (OF), and Hope Hoppe (OF) will all look to contribute and make their way into the starting lineup. “This group has played together for a number of years, and with the returning number of starters being decent, we can be successful,” Caffrey said. “But we need to come ready to play and execute the small things to put ourselves in a position to win games.”