WILLOW WOOD – They Symmes Valley Lady Vikings were 17-7 last softball season, but those seven losses don’t even compare to the two losses coach Jeff "Odie" Estep is feeling.

Sunday, March 26, 2000

WILLOW WOOD – They Symmes Valley Lady Vikings were 17-7 last softball season, but those seven losses don’t even compare to the two losses coach Jeff "Odie" Estep is feeling.

The Lady Vikings lost a pair of four-year starters in centerfielder Mindy Linkfield and catcher Mindy Linkfield.

"Those were two big losses," said Estep. "We’ve got a lot of new faces in the lineup this year, but we have some good players returning. Hopefully the mix of young and old will mesh well."

Heading up the veterans are seniors Candace Sharp and Cortney Scott.

Sharp hit .382 with nine doubles and 19 runs batted in while Scott batted .458 with 23 RBIs.

The duo will handle the bulk of the pitching. Sharp, one of the area’s best pitchers, was 11-7 with a 1.07 earned run average. She struck out 151 in 131 innings.

Scott pitched 8.1 innings and senior Jennifer Myers was 3-0 in 10.2 innings.

However, Myers sustained a knee injury during basketball season and will be outfield the first part of the season.

Myers batted .353 last year with 19 RBIs.

"Jennifer could play anywhere, but she hurt her knee and that’s another position we have to fill for now," Estep said.

The loss of Skelton has forced the Vikings staff to move Scott from shortstop to catcher. Estep said Scott "has made a good transition. She’s doing a nice job behind the plate."

With Scott catching senior Renae Donahoe will move from second base to shortstop.

"She’s got good range and a good arm. She’ll do a good job," Estep said. "And Renae has good speed. Candace, Renae, and Cortney all have good speed and can run." The hole at second base will be filled by freshman Ginny Young. Two other youngsters, sophomore Keren Bell and freshman Anna Bodmer, are locked in a battle for the third base job.

"We’ve got a lot of young kids, but they’re good young kids. They have to step up for us and they’re willing to do it," said Estep.

Returning at first base is senior Leah Mann.

"She catches everything that’s thrown her way. She’s more valuable with her defense than some players are on offense," said Estep.

Senior Holly Wilson shifts from left field to take over for Linkfield in center. Junior Tracy Harmon will be in right were she batted .339 last season.

Left field remains a mystery. No less than five players are fighting for playing time including Myers who won’t be ready until mid-April.

Locked in the left field batter are juniors Carol Myers, Jennifer Cole, and Racheal Roller, and freshman Tommie Holbrook.

"We’ve got a number of kids in left. They all have their strengths. We may settle on one player and we made just do it by committee," said Estep.

Estep said the pitching and defense should be solid, but he’s concerned about the Vikings ability to score runs.

"Defensively, we have to keep making the plays and work the young kids into a position where they feel comfortable. We should be pretty good in that area," said Estep.

"Our pitching should get the job don, but our offense is an unknown. We’re hoping to have a good hitting team. We’re working hard on it and we’re hoping to get better as the season goes on."

Symmes Valley captured the Southern Ohio Conference Division I championship last season, derailing Portsmouth Clay which had won or shared the title since the league began softball.

"Green has six starters back including their pitcher, Clay has seven starters and they’re always tough, Portsmouth East could be a contender, and Notre Dame is young and started playing well at the end of last season," said Estep.