PREP SOFTBALL: ITS YOUTH WILL BE SERVING QUARTZ HILL MUST RELY ON INEXPERIENCED ARMS THIS YEAR.Byline: Gideon Rubin Staff Writer QUARTZ quartz, one of the commonest of all rock-forming minerals and one of the most important constituents of the earth's crust. Chemically, it is silicon dioxide, SiO2. HILL - The Quartz Hill High softball softball, variant of baseball played with a larger ball on a smaller field. Invented (1888) in Chicago as an indoor game, it was at various times called indoor baseball, mush ball, playground ball, kitten ball, and, because it was also played by women, ladies' team's lack of experienced pitching is a significant concern. The Rebels' top three pitchers have a combined one inning in·ning n. 1. a. Baseball One of nine divisions or periods of a regulation game, in which each team has a turn at bat as limited by three outs. b. innings (used with a sing. of varsity-level experience. If recent history is any indication, though, they'll find a way to overcome the challenge. Quartz Hill has won at least a share of the Golden League title in seven of the past eight seasons and nine of 11, including last year. The staff's ability to develop will be the team's first test in the post-Kellie Cox era. A multisport mul·ti·sport also mul·ti·sports adj. 1. Composed of, involving, or accommodating several sports: a multisport competition; a multisport stadium. 2. standout, Cox, who pitched last season, was one of the most distinguished female athletes in the school's history. Sophomore Erica Ricker, who also will play second base, is the team's only pitcher with as much of a taste of varsity experience. Juniors Shannon Ely and Briann Huling pitched at the junior varsity junior varsity n. Abbr. JV A high-school or college team that competes in interschool sports on the level below varsity. Noun 1. level last season and the Rebels are counting on them to make a smooth transition to varsity. ``They are inexperienced in·ex·pe·ri·ence n. 1. Lack of experience. 2. Lack of the knowledge gained from experience. in , but they're really good inexperienced players,'' Quartz Hill catcher Cassie Corless said. ``I think they'll be just fine.'' Corless, a senior who was first-team all-league last season, will be counted on to manage the staff. She had a similar job last season working with Cox, who hadn't pitched in several years. A strong defense should help the pitchers gain confidence, but Quartz Hill coach Coy Ray is eager to see his staff get some experience before league play begins. ``It's always a concern when you don't have someone who's proven that they can do the job,'' Quartz Hill coach Coy Ray said, ``but I think we're going to be OK.'' Ray said another concern is hitting, noting that early in the season, pitchers typically are ahead of hitters. However, the Rebels boast perhaps the league's most potent one-two punch one-two punch n. 1. A combination of two blows delivered in rapid succession in boxing, especially a left lead followed by a right cross. 2. Informal An especially forceful or effective combination or sequence of two things. with Corless and first baseman Jennifer Curtier. Corless overcame a slow start last season to finish with a .400 average (28 for 70). In league play, she batted .618 (21 for 34) with two homers, a triple and three doubles. Curtier, also an all-league selection, batted .378 (28 for 74) with five homers and seven doubles. She hit .485 (16 for 33) in league with three homers. With Curtier, Ricker at second when she's not pitching, sophomore shortstop Emily Barnes and junior third baseman third baseman n. Baseball The infielder stationed near third base. Noun 1. third baseman - (baseball) the person who plays third base third sacker Nycole Brand, the Rebels' infield Infield is a widely used term in sports terminology, its meaning depends on in what sport it is used. In baseball In baseball the baseball diamond plus a rounded region beyond it (see diagram), usually clear of grass, in contrast to the more distant, usually grass-covered defense is solid. And though their outfield lacks experience - all three starters from last season graduated - a group of newcomers make up what could be the best defensive outfield Ray has had in 11 years at the school. Sophomore center fielder Nicole Means, a back-up on the varsity last season, is an outstanding athlete and demonstrated a propensity for getting big hits. She had the game-winning hit in a victory over rival Highland that helped secure the team's league title. Sophomore Andrea Cabriales, a standout athlete as well who also plays soccer and volleyball volleyball, outdoor or indoor ball and net game played on a level court. An upright net, 3 ft (or 1 m) high, the top of which stands 8 ft (2.43 m) from the ground for men, 7 ft 4 1/8 in (2. , will split time between left field and right field, and play second when Ricker pitches. Senior Jamie Sly and freshman Kelsie Blankemyer will figure in the outfield mix as well. Senior Johanna Waasdorp will be the team's designated hitter designated hitter n. Baseball Abbr. DH A player designated at the start of a game to bat instead of the pitcher in the lineup. Noun 1. . ``We still have some things to work on,'' Curtier said, ``but by the time league starts, I think we're going to be a really good team.'' AT A GLANCE Team: Quartz Hill softball Coach: Coy Ray, 15th year 2001: Golden League champion Top returnees: Cassie Corless, Sr., C; Jennifer Curtier, Jr., 1B; Nicole Means, So., OF Top newcomers: Andrea Cabriales, So., OF; Kelsie Blankemyer, Fr., OF; Erica Ricker, So., P/2B CAPTION(S): photo, box Photo: (color) Quartz Hill's Jennifer Curtier, left, and Cassie Corless could be one of the best hitting duos in the Golden League. John Lazar/Staff Photographer Box: AT A GLANCE (see text) |
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