Saints swinging to reclaim supremacy

Last year, the Mt. Hood softball team finished 39-7 overall and, with a 16-4 division record, won the South Region.

The finale didn’t go as hoped – the Saints finished third in the NWAACC championship tournament, after falling to Wenatchee Valley and Douglas community colleges.

Now, starting a new season, expectations will be high to resume the program’s remarkable success in winning three consecutives league titles in 2009-11.

“It’s our goal every year (the championship), but we know that accomplishing our smaller goals, game by game, will keep us on track to have the opportunity to play for title,” said Meadow McWhorter, serving her 11th season as MHCC head coach.

That chance could come when the NWAACC tournament returns to Delta Park in north Portland in May.

McWhorter will lead the squad this year with help from assistant coaches Amanda Bunch (who replaces Chelsie Speer, former Saints head volleyball coach) and Ricky McWhorter – her own father.

“He (Ricky) brings a lot of knowledge about the mental game and he brings a lot of laughter,” McWhorter said. She credits him with giving both players and coaches “guidance and confidence going into this season,” she said.

Working hard each day on the field and in the classroom should help ensure success in 2014, McWhorter said.

The return of several talented stars won’t hurt, either.

The Saints’ key leaders this season are expected to be reigning South Region MVP and All-American shortstop Teauna Hughes, and returning ace pitchers Ann-Marie Guischer and Kristen Crawford.

Guischer was named South Region pitcher of the year and an All-American last season, while Crawford earned a South Region first-team selection.

Mt. Hood has four more returning players and 10 new freshmen on its roster. The coach is pleased with the new additions.

“All of our freshmen have done a tremendous job contributing during our off-season. They are eager to learn,” said McWhorter.

The Saints opened their 2014 campaign on Feb. 28 by downing Olympic College in a double-header, winning the games 11-0 and 12-3.

On Saturday, the team beat Grays Harbor Community College, 15-7. Additional pre-season tournament action was cancelled due to bad weather.

“We did well at the plate; we hit quality pitches and were aggressive,” McWhorter said. Saints pitchers also did well, keeping opposing hitters off balance, she said.

Today, the team travels to Pendleton to take on Blue Mountain Community College for two games, starting at 2 p.m.

Mt. Hood then travels to Walla Walla and Pasco, Wash., for two more double-headers on Saturday and Sunday.

The road trip should provide a “good test for what we need to work on,” McWhorter said, who welcomes the challenge.

“Every year, the majority of our pre-season games are on the road. Playing away is always a challenge, but the adversity makes us stronger,” she said.

Mt. Hood’s first home game isn’t due until April 1, when the Saints host Lower Columbia Community College at 3 p.m.