North Douglas softball returns experience

DRAIN — What must happen when a team loses its can’t-miss star?

“To replace her we need at least three people,” said North Douglas softball coach Brad Borigo, who lost Brooke Toy, a graduated senior who was a first-team all-state player and named the 2007 Female Athlete of the Year in Douglas County by The News-Review.

It’s hard to lose a great player, but North Douglas has more than just three talented players: The squad returns seven starters and a positive outlook to boot.

In the infield, senior Mariah Wilson holds down first base. Kristen Davis, a senior, will start at second base. Two sophomores — Sabrina Overcash and Brittany Roady — should clock in plenty of time at shortstop and third base respectively.

Senior ace Ashleigh Meza, a first-team all-conference selection, headlines the pitching staff. Freshmen Emily Sheets, Kaittlyn Rice (who also plays catcher) and Jessica Cooper (also an outfielder) will register time on the mound.

Junior Robin Whipple will play centerfield, replacing Tiffany Mertens, who’s also the Warriors’ only other graduate from a season ago. Whipple, an Elkton student, went 3-for-5 against Jefferson recently. Sophomore Sadie McDonald covers rightfield.

Wilson, Meza and Whipple are the team’s best hitters, Borigo said.

Borigo added that things may get dicey when he reshuffles his lineup, but he’s nevertheless enthused about the season.

“Taking league is our first priority, but we want to make it in state,” Borigo said. “Once you make the state playoffs, anything can happen.”