MHCC softball and baseball to kick-off season Saturday

Expectations are high this year for the MHCC softball team as it looks to win a fourth NWAACC title in five years.

“I’m excited to see all the hard work in the past six months that these ladies have put in, and ready to see them come together,” said head coach Meadow McWhorter.

This is McWhorter’s 10th season as Saints head coach.

“I enjoy coaching here. I like creating something special for the student-athletes and making them better as a person and a player,” she said.

Last season, the team (21-20) could not extend its run of three straight championships, losing to Clackamas Community College in the NWAACC playoffs.

“Last season was an off year for us. We lacked pitching depth, but our returning players are using that as motivation to come back better this season,” said McWhorter.

She sees a stronger team this year.

“We are really balanced this year across the whole field. We have a lot of depth and consistency,” said McWhorter. She praised her second-year players. “I’m proud of the sophomore leadership this season, (they) have been positive off and on the field.”

Returners Brittany Dawson, Kali Van Cleave, Lola Ciu, Courtney McCarthy and Maycee Abendschein are expected to be key contributors this year, said McWhorter.

This weekend, the team heads to Pasco, Wash., for a pre-season tournament.

“This will be a good test for us. It’s good to get some competition in before the season,” said McWhorter.

She expects the Saints to be tested often this year.

“Clackamas, Southwestern and Lower Columbia have always been good competition for us,” she said.

Since the fall-ball season, the Saints added another pitcher, freshman Ann-Marie Guischer from The Dalles.

The team will play its first home game at 2 p.m. on March 28 against Centralia Community College.

On April 2, the team plays its first conference game, against Southwestern in Coos Bay.

 

After falling short of an NWAACC title last season, the MHCC baseball team looks to continue its history of success, with many returners this year.

Finishing second after an impressive rally versus the Pierce Raiders last year gave the Saints their best finish since 2005. Coming off a 39-11 record, 25 of those wins coming within the Southern Region, the Saints look to surpass that pace.

“We want to duplicate what we did last year,” said coach Bryan Donohue, entering his sixth season as head coach. Donohue earned his fourth regional title in five years last year.

Last year’s squad featured many sophomore contirbutors, such as Taylor Williams, Christian Bannister, Riley Barr and Tristan Metcalf, who have moved on. Even with a roster now missing so many talented and experienced players, new turnover from last season looks bright.

“Anything short of winning NWAACC’s is a disappointment,” said Donohue. Among a handful of impact players he listed are three key pitchers: Jon Bjorkland, Zev Egli, and Eric Huson.

Sophomore Cody Childs, all-league infielder Shea Coates and outfielder Hunter Weiss are expected to be leaders for this year’s roster. Donohue and the rest of the coaches expect their development to continue.

“We have a great recruiting class, along with our transfers. They’ve found their roles, fitting in since fall ball,” said Donohue.

Adding Division 1 transfer Brandon Williams from Washington State during the offseason boosts the already loaded MHCC offense. And the pitching staff was impressive during fall ball outings, Donohue said. “Zev, Jon and Huson will all see an increase in innings this spring.” The trio combined for 12 wins last season, with Bjorkland posting an 0.79 ERA last season.

The future looks bright for the Saints. Donohue spoke of the tough tests for his team this spring, saying, “Edmonds is a solid program, year after year. They’re always a good test. Bellevue and Lower Columbia are traditionally talented, as well.

“As far as regionally, Lane should be talented, Chemeketa was competetive last season,” he said.

MHCC will travel south to take on national powerhouse Western Nevada on March 15 and 16, as they look to spur a championship run heading into their 2013 campaign.