CHESAPEAKE – Robb Morrison isn’t looking to cork any bats, but he is looking for something to fill the holes.

Monday, March 27, 2000

CHESAPEAKE – Robb Morrison isn’t looking to cork any bats, but he is looking for something to fill the holes.

In the Chesapeake Lady Panthers lineup, that is.

Chesapeake lost Dru Battista, Kelly Day, Chassidy Porter, and Bethany Stiltner from its 19-9 team of last season.

"We’ve got some question marks going into the season," said Morrison, the Lady Panthers second-year coach.

The Lady Panthers will lean on their pitching staff to make up for the losses. Juniors Kim Frye and Shelli White along with sophomore Kristin Thacker will handle the pitching duties.

Frye, who has been the ace of the staff since her freshman season, should be strong again and White emerged as a solid pitcher last season.

"Both of them look improved, but was have to wait and see. Thacker will be throwing some. She’s going to be pretty good," Morrison said.

"It looks like (pitching) is our strength. Our defense and hitting is a question mark right now."

Junior Kristen Huff will take over the hole at catcher left by Battista. Morrison said Huff "is strong defensively, and she gives us a lot of power. She has to drive in some runs. We need some offense from her."

Frye and White will alternate at first base depending on who is pitching.

"Both of them are picking up the position well and both know the game well," said Morrison.

Sophomore Emily Delimpo will be the starter at second base, senior Jessica Hall is the shortstop, and junior Tiffany Porter will be the new third baseman.

"Delimpo is a good athlete. She’s quick and can be a good leadoff hitter," said Morrison.

"Hall is very steady. She has one of the best gloves in the area. She can play anywhere. And Porter is new to third base, but so far I’ve liked what I’ve seen. I like the toughness she’s shown."

Junior Jessica Rice will be in center field and junior Lindsey Swann will take care of right.

"We think Rice can be one of the best hitters, and she’s a good outfielder with a good arm. She’s just a good all-around player," said Morrison. " Swann is the fastest play on the team. We need to get her on base and take advantage of her speed."

Left field is a toss up between junior Michelle Elkins and freshmen Samantha Best and Heather Curtis.

"It’ll be left field by committee. Heather has a lot of potential, Samantha swings the bat well, and Michelle will run through a wall if you ask her to. She gives a lot of effort out there," said Morrison.

In the Ohio Valley Conference, Morrison picks South Point and Fairland as the teams to beat.

"South Point is always strong and they have (Tara) Layne back, Fairland has a lot of athletes and (Joann) Harmon is tough, Rock Hill was much improved, and Coal Grove is new to the league," said Morrison.