SOFTBALL PREVIEW: Park Hill has created 'nice culture of softball'

In his fourth year as head coach of Park Hill softball, you get the sense that Stuart Sullinger is pleasantly optimistic about the path his program is on. Despite losing all-state catcher Michelle Rupard’s leadership behind the plate and .450 batting average, the Trojans return a core of players from last year’s .500 team. Overall, Park Hill has 39 players out for the team, one of the highest turnouts they’ve had in recent years. Nonetheless, Sullinger says he’s most proud of the family atmosphere his players have brought to the program.

“We’ve developed a nice culture of softball here,” Sullinger said.

Among those returning for the 2011 season are all-metro centerfielder K.K. Rettinger, all-region shortstop Betheny Sullinger, and second baseman Nikki Moss. The three will make up a strong middle core of the defense before what is likely to be top pitcher junior Mackenzie Porter. Porter and Audrey Allen, who has been battling an arm injury, will serve as the Trojans’ top pitchers, which according to their coach will have a big effect on the course of the team’s play this season.

“Pitching is what softball is about,” Sullinger said of it’s importance.

Also returning is junior third baseman Samantha Snodgrass. Joining as new contributors will be catcher/first baseman Lindsey Horseman and Samantha Downs who could also see some time behind the plate.

Park Hill has had some ups and downs throughout the last three seasons, but also racked up some quality wins at key moments in the season. In 2009, they advanced to the district title game where they eventually fell to Staley 3-2 in extra innings. Last season, they upset top seeded Kearney in the second round of districts to advance to the title game once again.

“Beating Kearney last year in districts was probably one of the bigger wins we’ve had in the last couple years,” Sullinger said. “That’s the great thing about districts. You can be zero and whatever, but as long as you’re moving in the right direction you’ve got a chance.”

With room for improve on both offense and defense, Sullinger believes what they worked on in the offseason will show dividends once games start.

“We had too many strikeouts last year. Our goal since last year’s banquet was to reduce that, so we’ve been in the hit gym a lot working on fundamentals and knowing what pitches are good and not. We’re stronger than we have been with offseason participation,” Sullinger said.

Overall, Sullinger says the program is ahead of the curve compared to years past. As far as the varsity specifically, it will be key for the players with varsity experience to provide a solid foundation for what the Trojans hope is a winning season.