Wildcats poised to
carry on program's tradition of excellence
BY ED WRIGHT
April 9, 2010, 7:45 p.m.
Every spring, it seems,
Plymouth's girls softball team loses a significant number of key
players to graduation, only to reload with a batch of highly-skilled
youngsters.
This spring appears to be no different.
Gone are a trio of graduated stars -- Erin Rodes, who is playing
at Alma College; Jill Brennan, who's playing at Concordia; and Beth
Heldmeyer, who's running cross country at Siena Heights -- but the
Wildcats' roster looks as strong as ever thanks to the return of
experienced standouts Stacey Klonowski, Amy Burnard, Tessa Heldmeyer
and ace pitcher Lauren Smith, along with the infusion of a trio of
freshmen who, in time, are likely to earn the same level of respect
this year's seniors have garnered.
"Our strength this year is our returning players," said Plymouth
coach Val Canfield, whose team compiled a 30-10 record last year and
has won six titles -- three District championships and three Division
crowns -- in the past seven seasons. "Our returning players provide a
strong bridge for the new-comers. They know what it takes to win and
they pass it along to the younger girls."
Plymouth's roster couldn't be more balanced as it includes three
seniors, three juniors, three sophomores and three freshmen.
Burnard, who will hold down the hot corner, and Klonowski, a
do-it-all shortstop, give the Wildcats one of the most talented
left-sided infields in the area, if not the state.
"They both bring a lot of power to the plate and stability to
the defense," Canfield said.
Heldmeyer, who is entering her third year on the varsity, also
brings a ton of power to the batter's box, Canfield said.
As of Thursday, the Wildcats had hotly contested battles for
starting roles at practically every position, Canfield said.
One position that is pretty much locked up is the team's No. 1
pitcher slot, which has been earned by Smith, who chalked up an
impressive 25-5 mark last season.
"We're really expecting Lauren to take charge on the mound this
season," said Canfield. "She's one of the main reasons we've had so
much success the past three years. We wouldn't have won nearly as many
games without her. She has a lot of movement on her ball."
Plymouth's two other juniors are Marissa Blassic, an
infielder/outfielder, and Christy Pattison, an outfielder.
"Marissa is a big-time power hitter who has quick hands and is
fast," Canfield said. "Christy is an excellent outfielder who can cover
a lot of ground. She's just a great heads-up player."
The trio of sophomores are outfielder Jessica Bondy -- the third
Bondy to wear the Wildcats' silver-and-black uniforms -- Allison
Raylean and Karen Rebain, who starred on the Wildcats' junior varsity
last spring.
"Jessica is a stellar performer who is quick from the left side
of the plate," said Canfield. "She's very good with the short game at
the plate.
"We pulled Allison up from the junior varsity late last season
and she was a standout in both the District and Regional tournaments.
We're expecting big things from her this year.
"Karen is one of our hardest workers and she has a great arm --
a gun."
The Wildcats' three freshmen -- Kayla Rebain, Brea Giordano and
Elaine Gerou -- are so talented, they won't be intimidated by playing
against girls three years older than they are, Canfield assured.
"Kayla can play any position we ask her to," said Canfield. "She
has a very strong arm and carries a lot of confidence with her. She has
so much power, she's fast...she's going to be a standout in the future.
"Brea can play the infield and pitch. She's definitely our
hardest throws.
"When Elaine isn't pitching, she'll play some outfield. She's
fast and she can really read the ball off the bat when she's playing
outfield. Pitching-wise, she has a very strong arm and she has
phenomenal movement on her pitches."
The Wildcats open their 2010 season Monday at South Lyon.
Ed Wright can be
reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.
