DEFENSE CONQUERS ATTRITION.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Daily News Staff Writer

Losing four Division I softball players to graduation would cause great concern at most high schools.

But not at Newbury Park.

The Panthers have opened the season with a 10-1 record, including victories in their first two Marmonte League games.

``Most people felt that losing four college scholarship players would mean a total rebuilding year for us,'' said Newbury Park coach Pete Ackermann. ``But we've had some people that have stepped up and played outstanding.''

Although the Panthers don't have a dominant pitcher like Cindy Ball at Camarillo or Jennifer Sharron at Thousand Oaks, they compensate with an excellent defense.

``We've got stability at the corners and that's been a big factor for us,'' Ackermann said.

First baseman Tina Roscoe, third baseman Candace Roberts and second baseman Tawni Yamauchi have all excelled defensively, according to Ackermann. And shortstop Cindy Muran has stepped in nicely in place of former star Amy Berman.

Yamauchi, a sophomore, was an all-league player as a ninth-grader.

``She never played like a freshman,'' Ackermann said. ``She's always played like a seasoned veteran and I expect that to continue this year.''

The Panthers most effective pitcher has been Stacie BeShore, who is 5-1.

BeShore is a control pitcher who puts the ball in play, according to Ackermann.

Newbury Park's other pitcher is Alyson Blum.

``They've both done a real good job,'' Ackermann said.

Darlene Stoky is the Panther's catcher.

Newbury Park center fielder Oli Keohohou is causing quite a stir this year. Only a freshman, Keohohou is well known after a stellar youth career.

``She's probably the one player that the local high schools have been waiting several years to see,'' Ackermann said. ``She possesses one of the finest bats in the area and pretty soon everybody that faces her is going to realize that.''

Keohohou is batting .556 with 13 RBI. She also has four doubles and five triples.

The other Newbury Park outfielders are Katie Tortorici (right field) and Elisa Muran (left).

Ackermann considers the Panthers perfect start in league play vital. As usual, the Marmonte League will have a number of teams compete for the league title and playoff spots. Each win is crucial considering most coaches expect the eventual champion to have no less then three losses at the end of the year.

``I think the team that wins the championship will be the first one that gets its chemistry together,'' Ackermann said. ``There are six teams that can all finish in the top spot. The first team to get on a hot streak will be in good shape.''