By Brooke Fisher

"We have a few returning players this year, unlike last year when all the players were first year players," said Cory Tomasson, Lady Apache softball coach.

This year’s team will open the 2001 softball season, with 12 players. Four are returning from last year’s season: Tahnee Cochran, Illini Bluffs, pitcher and second base; Lana Gambiani, Hall, third, catcher and pitcher; Casey Novotney, Streator, shortstop; and Brooke Schneider, Marquette, outfielder.

The roster also includes: Melissa Cass, L-P, outfielder; Marie Gubbels, Streator, catcher, second, third; Cari Meyer, Normal West, second; Shayh Moore, Streator, outfielder; Lissa Olson, Hall, outfield and catcher; Megan Thomas, Mount St. Claire, pitcher; Marci Thorpe, Normal West, outfielder and first; and Gabe Wood, Bloomington, pitcher and outfielder.

"The advantage this year’s team has is the strong leadership skills from each and every one of the players," said Tomasson.

The Lady Apaches finished last year’s season at 4-22 and at 4-5 in N4C conference play. Highland Community College won the conference.

"I’m hoping to improve last year’s record," Tomasson said. "In the past, Highland and Black Hawk seemed to be tough competitors for our players. I feel that we will contend in every game that we play."

The Lady Apaches have spent most of the time practicing in the gym, or when the weather permits, outside. They started off the season competing in five games during spring training in Florida over the mid-semester break.

"Last year’s batting average was over 300," the coach said. "We have the potential this season to do better than that. I’d rather have 12 quality players instead of 20 players who may or may not sit on the bench more often than they’d like to. I prefer a smaller roster."

The Lady Apaches will start off their regular season at Black Hawk on March 22. The home opener will be March 27 at 2 p.m. against Carl Sandburg.

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