FALL PREVIEW: Park Hill Softball

The Park Hill softball program went into unfamiliar territory in 2011 as their 18-7 overall record and 9-1 record in league play won them their first conference title since 1992. While the Trojans lost several key players from that team, they return seven letter winners, enough of a foundation to compete once again in 2012.

“I don’t see why we can’t compete for the title. We’ll have to play excellent softball to do it,” head coach Stuart Sullinger said. “We had a taste of beating Truman (co-champs) last year and some of the real damage was really done by this group that is returning.”

One area of strength coming into the season for Park Hill will be its pitching as senior Mackenzie Porter (3.09 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 2011) and junior Audrea Allen (3.50 ERA and 50 strikeouts) hope to pick up where they left last year. Also contributing will be sophomore Veronique Johnson. The surest way to success is with a consistent pitching staff and having it as a strong point is something head coach Stuart Sullinger says is a comfort he’s not used to.

“For the first time in a long time, we’re deep at pitcher,” Sullinger said. “It’s always been something we’ve struggled with, but they’re all pushing each other hard. So I like where we are.”

Allen, who can play a number of positions, also returns as the Trojans top offensive produce, having batted in 17 runs last year and accumulating a .452 batting average last year. Joining her will be experienced varsity players in seniors third baseman Samantha Snodgrass, first baseman Ciera Ellis, and catcher Paige Downs. Juniors Keylee Burks and Katherine Lawrence as well as sophomore Lexi Santoyo will also see significant playing time.

Overall, Sullinger says he has a lot of players that are athletic and can play different positions on defense, but offense is probably where the Trojans hope to see more progress in the early season as last year’s production was heavily in its graduated senior class.

“We can do a lot of things, so I have to find the right combination that works,” Sullinger said. “Right now, I think our defense is ahead of our offense which is not a bad thing, but you certainly have to be able to score to win.”

A lot of Park Hill’s success this season could depend on how effective young players can be when they step on to the varsity playing field. Now in his fourth year as head coach, Sullinger says having an effective system in place can help in that process. Even with the welcoming of two new assistant coaches, the goal is to keep it consistent so players know what standard to live up to.

“It’s been as seamless a transition as we could have imagined. It’s a testament to the kids and the system when you can just reload because everyone knows what to expect,” Sullinger said. “They know to work hard and do their best. I’m real pleased with how things are starting to fall into place.”

Park Hill will get its first taste of competition in the Greater Kansas City Tournament August 22-25 before they start a tough week long stretch where they will face conference members Lee’s Summit West (8/27), Truman (8/30), and Park Hill South (9/4), all league contenders.