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.

Lady Trojans look to take top spot at districts

There are several unique aspects to the Park Hill Softball team’s long awaited resurgence to the top of the standings this season. The Lady Trojans, sporting a 17-6 record coming into district play this week, won two conference games last week, the last of which was a victory against Ruskin that clinched a share of the conference title with Truman for Park Hill. That accomplishment represents the school’s first such title in 17 years, the last was won in 1994.

Head coach Stuart Sullinger took over the Park Hill softball program four years ago hoping to instill a consistent and solid coaching presence after the team had experienced several consecutive coaching changes in previous years. The chance to lead the program in a new direction was also an opportunity to work with his daughter Bethany, an incoming freshman, the same way he was with his older son Jacob in his role as an assistant for the Trojans baseball program.

“It’s been an absolute blessing from God. As it relates to both Jacob and Bethany, I would hope every dad and coach would get to experience all that we have,” Sullinger said.

Bethany, now a senior, serves as one of the Lady Trojans’ captains and star shortstop. But she’s joined by a supporting crew that’s come into their own this season. All-Metro centerfielder KK Rettinger and second baseman Nikki Moss make up the center core of the Trojans defense with three combined errors all season and serve as the team’s top three offensive producers, but Sullinger makes no secret about it, Park Hill’s success this year has been a total team effort and a product of player camaraderie.

“Complete buy-in by every player,” Sullinger said. “They are truly committed to the taks at hand, I can trust them to do their best, and they really care about each other.”

One of the difference makers for Park Hill this season has been the steady one-two pitching punch from their two young pitchers, sophomore Makenzie Porter (13-3, 2.58 ERA) and freshman Audrea Allen (4-3, 3.45 ERA).

“They pitch without conscience,” Sullinger said. “They don't seem to rest on past success or worry about past failure. They go at each batter one pitch at a time.”

With the team’s success, the Trojans will be in a newfound position this week as they head into district play as the second seed. While the Trojans have battled around the .500 mark in recent years during the regular season, they’ve had some district tournament success with two title game appearances after big upsets in as many years. This year Park Hill expects to in that same title game for the third year in a row, not looking to knock off a top seed, but to battle as one of the favorites themselves.

“I'd be lying if I didn't say it feels different. I suppose I perceive more pressure, however that pressure is the adrenaline kick that makes this whole thing so much fun,” Sullinger said. “Keys to our success are always systematically approach every game one pitch at a time with excellent effort and aggressiveness.”

Park Hill has a chance to make some more history this week. As they wait to play Thursday the winner of the Staley and St. Joe Central, the Lady Trojans could win their first district title since 2001, a year they advanced all the way to the state semifinals.

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.

SOFTBALL PREVIEW: Trojans want to build on last year's strong finish

A 12-16 record last year didn’t necessarily reflect the strides the Trojan Softball team took as a program compared to years past. Despite an up and down year, Park Hill made a run at the conference crown before finishing third and fell short of a district title in extra innings. Although they lose five starters, the 2010 Trojans will be aiming to build on the foundation they’ve laid.

Decorated returning starters include catcher Michele Rupard and shortstop Bethany Sullinger. Others returning with varsity experience include pitcher Makenzi Porter, infielder Liza Hill, and utility player Megan Nelsen. Upperclassmen Katey Kohl, Nikki Colwell, Micalla Rettinger, Nikki Moss, and Lindsey Horstman are all expected to make an impact.

The Trojans will seek contributions from younger players like Page Downs and Samantha Snodgrass from a large sophomore class to fill some of the remaining holes in the lineup.

“Our sophomore class is pretty big so if we can get a couple of them to step into varsity spots that would be good,” Coach Stuart Sullinger said. “Our freshmen are very enthusiastic, so the future looks good, but they’re not quite ready yet.”

With Rupard returning behind the plate, sophomores Porter and Lindsey Monroe will compete with a pair of incoming freshmen for a pitching role. On offense, Sullinger says the top of their lineup looks good, but hopes to round it out with players who can make contact with the ball.

“We’ll have three or four stud hitters,” Sullinger said. “The rest of the lineup we’re really trying to get them to set back and drive the ball so we can move base runners over more and execute.”

After an excruciating nine game skid they went through last year, Sullinger knows if they can do the little things right, similar streaks can be avoided.

“It’s about playing perfect catch. If the pitchers do what they should do then that’s what it amounts to,” Sullinger said. “If we can eliminate mistakes we should be ok, and that’s our number one priority.”

Park Hill will compete with some unfamiliar teams for the first time in several years including St. Joe Central, North Kansas City, and Lee’s Summit West, but Truman could be the team to beat if the Trojans compete confidently.

“I think I know in my mind what we can do,” Sullinger said confidently. “I’m not sure if they know what we can do yet.”

PH, PHS softball teams both end up and down seasons with something to be proud of

To say Park Hill and Park Hill South’s softball teams seasons’ were up and down would be an understatement. Park Hill started their season with a huge victory at Oak Park, an opponent they hadn’t beaten in over a decade. But after that, they played decently before falling into a deep slump which included a nine game losing streak.

On the other side of the hill, Park Hill South started out slow with conference losses to Oak Park and Truman. Coach Josh Walker had told his team to just look ahead to districts, but after storming back, they beat Winnetonka two weeks ago on the heels of pitcher Jessica McCoy’s one-hitter to claim the school’s first conference championship in softball.

Two teams, two different seasons, but they came together this past weekend in the district semi-finals. #1 Park Hill South facing off against #4 Park Hill, who last week beat #3 St. Theresa’s to advance when Bethany Sullinger hit a walk-off solo homerun in the seventh to break a 0-0 tie.

After losing both games to South during the season, the Trojans came into the game as a slight underdog. The Trojans struck first in the bottom of the second when . South quickly struck back with a run of their own to tie it up at 1-1.

Michele Rupard hit a solo homerun in the top of the 7th to make the score 3-1. The Panthers added a run in the bottom of the 9th, leaving her at third. But Park Hill’s Kati Snodgrass struck out the next two batters to complete the upset.

“We’ve always had one player step up every game and they’re starting to believe,” Park Hill coach Stuart Sullinger said after his team’s semi-final victory. “It’s incredible to be in this situation and playing for a district title.”

“We had a great year in winning conference and setting a team record for wins,” South coach Josh Walker said on his team’s season.

Park Hill went on to play #2 Staley in the district championship, but fell short to the Falcons as the game went into extra innings and the Falcons won with a game winning walk-off homerun in the ninth inning.

Satisfied? No Way

Earlier last week, Park Hill’s softball team defeated Oak Park for the first time in over a decade. With a good start to the conference season, Park Hill isn’t so much looking to build on last season, but to do much better.

“I would not be happy with just surpassing last year’s record,” Sullinger said. “This year we have higher goals, we should be a lot better than that.”

Up to this point, ace pitcher Kati Snodgrass, who hasn’t walked a better all season, and catcher Michele Rupard , have led a solid Trojan defense so far this season. Bethany Sullinger and Kelsey Samenus have also contributed early. As the season goes on, the difference maker for the Trojans could be their offense. Up to this point, it has come and gone from game to game. Through eight games, offensive leaders include Rupard, Samenus, Kylie Ball, and Kayla Reynolds. A quality hitting performance from the Trojans could mean trouble for their opponents.

At 4-4, Sullinger thinks they should have a better record, but his main concern is rounding out the team as a whole.

“It’s about trying to find that unity,” Sullinger said. “Traditionally, we’re a team that will get better as the season goes on.”

Senior Kati Snodgrass, who her coach describes as a work horse, will pitch in a majority of her team’s games. After five starts, she is 3-1 with a 1.20 earned run average and 27 strikeouts. Based on how much she has improved and matured, Sullinger hopes to use her as much as possible this season. When Snodgrass isn’t pitching, the Trojans have looked to freshman Makenzi Porter, who has shown her ability to step up at the varsity level.

As quick as the high school softball season is, if the Trojans can put together quality pitching performances with a consistent offensive attack at the right time, they could make a run in the district tournament.

Park Hill softball team aims to improve on sub-par last season

Going into his fourth year with the Park Hill Softball team and second year as head coach, Stuart Sullinger is happy this year’s team will be able to experience some consistency within the coaching staff that previous teams haven’t. After becoming the fourth head coach in the previous four seasons last year, Sullinger and his staff are back, looking to improve on last year’s performance.

Last year’s 8-16 record wasn’t what Sullinger expected going into his first season.

“It was disappointing based on where we thought we would be. There aren’t any excuses, but we suffered some injuries to some key starters,” Sullinger said.

Looking to this season, the Trojans will be returning a strong lineup, having only graduated one senior. Leading the Trojans will be a strong senior class of seven seeing significant playing time, including captain Amanda Ell, ace pitcher Kati Snodgrass, Kayla Reynolds, iron-woman Kelsey Samenus who played every inning last season, and infielder Kylie Ball who hit several home runs before being injured last year.

Good softball teams tend to be strong up the middle, making Sullinger excited to see his ace pitcher, Snodgrass, and returning starter, catcher Michele Rupard, returning this year. He pointed out the importance of their chemistry stemming from playing summer leagues on the same team along with several other Trojans softball players. Rupard led the team in almost every category last year before getting injured.

“Michele is a very intuitive player so she can kind do some of those coach-on-the-field type of things like settle a pitcher down or lighten the mood,” Sullinger said.

Underclassmen that will be contributing this season include juniors Meghan Nelson and all-conference 1st basemen Malia Wright, sophomore all-conference shortstop Bethany Sullinger and possibly some new faces in terms of incoming freshmen.

Look for the Trojans to make a push for the conference and district titles as well with a couple tough match-ups with Oak Park and Park Hill South.