Expectations for the Murray Spartans can't get any higher.
With most of last year's championship squad returning, it is no surprise coaches voted the Spartans No. 1 in their region and No. 1 in the state in preseason polls.
And why not? With returning pitchers Brittany Parker, last year's 4A MVP, and Whitney Holmes and infielders Mindy Schvaneveldt and Keshia Catten, the Spartans have depth, talent and experience. The latter of those assets is turning out to be crucial this season as teams struggle to get two days in a row on dirt as wet weather has wreaked havoc on this season's spring sports.
"You can't even practice what we need to work on, because if the weather's nice enough, we're just playing games," said West coach Vardell Reese. The wet weather has hurt his young team members as they play a game and then have to go back inside the gym without working out the lessons learned in the game. "It's been tough."
West had just one preseason game before starting region play because of cancellations, and it is not alone in being frustrated by Mother Nature. Most teams have played only half of their scheduled preseason games and are now trying to wade through region play.
The Titans were voted No. 2 in the preseason poll, and like Murray, they return most of last year's starters. Olympus returns eight starters, including Connie Tidwell, catcher, Emily Wynhof, third base, Alisa Waters, pitcher, Rachel Midgley, second base, and Alicia Maddocks, centerfield. Olympus has a lot going for it if they can capitalize on their strengths.
"We are a power hitting team," said coach Michael Everett. "If we swing it like we can, the runs will come . . . But we also have a history of being timid at the plate. If we can find a heart beat together we should do well."
Cottonwood was voted No. 3, while West was voted No. 4. Cottonwood is undefeated in region play with wins over Granger, Cyprus, Highland and West. They Colts are led by solid hitters Brittany Pruett and Dani Schafbuch, while pitchers Angie Montoya and Tawyna Jones help the team defensively.
The Panthers have some solid talent but need field time to reach their potential. They're led by Maria Martinez, a senior first baseman, Anna Lozano, a junior second baseman, and Krystal Mascarenes, short stop, and freshman third baseman Kelsi Hoopiiana.
"Anna is very strong," Reese said. "She's just a good no-nonsense player. She makes our team solid. And Krystal is very quick. . . . Hoops is an excellent, excellent third baseman. She's just a freshman, but she's one of our top players. Our infield is so solid this year, it's incredible."
Despite her youth, Hoopiiana, also the school's leading scorer in basketball, is turning out to be one of the team's best motivators, Reese said.
"She's our lead-off hitter, and she's so quick to the ball," he said.
Granger was voted No. 5 and returns a solid group as well. They're led by senior pitcher Melissa Gardner, junior second baseman Hollie Heaton and senior short stop Taylor Hinckley.
Highland was voted No. 6, while Cyprus was voted No. 7. The Pirates return a mixture of youth and experience led by sophomore Danika Walton, the team's pitcher and one of its best hitters. Senior captains Connie Lloyd, first base, and Britney Lovato, third base, return as leaders emotionally and statistically.
Sophomore Brandi Beach will catch for the Pirates this year and Shay Westover, a junior second baseman, will help shore up the Pirate lineup.
"We've just got to get going at the bats," said coach Chalyce Stevens.
The East Leopards round out the region rankings at the No. 8 spot.
Region 6 preseason rankings:
1. Murray
2. Olympus
3. Cottonwood
4. West
5. Granger
6. Highland
7. Cyprus
8. East
E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com