Softball - Raider Athletics - Pierce College District 11

Softball Season Outlook

2007–2008

The Raiders' 2008 campaign will be led by three outstanding returning sophomores; Kelley Suggs from Heritage High School (Vancouver, WA), Kristi Alcorn from Bethel High School (Graham, WA), and Kelly Smith from North Thurston High School (Lacey, WA).

On her way to becoming the Most Valuable Pitcher in the Western Division, as a freshman, Kelley Suggs chalked up 13 wins with 95 strikeouts. She also hit a very solid .368 with two homers and 27 RBIs. The Raiders coaches expect Kelley to have an even more impressive year in 2008.

Only a few games into last season Kristi Alcorn nailed down the job at the hot corner and solidified the Raiders infield. Kristi's true presence and impact on the game was made at the plate, where she hit .429 with 14 homers and 61 runs knocked in. Kristi earned First Team Western Division All-Star honors. Kristi has also starred as a member of the Raiders Volleyball team, earning First Team All-Star honors as a setter and was also named to the NWAACC All Academic Team.

Kelly Smith may have been the most dominant center fielder in the entire NWAACC as a freshman. Kelly's strength lies in her foot speed. Kelly truly possesses major conference type speed; she has been timed home to first in 2.65 and home to home in 11.2. Once Kelly is on base she can change the course of the game with her speed and the constant threat to steal. Kelly hit .405 with two home runs last season. Kelly's goal as a sophomore is to break the single season stolen base record held by Kayla Jayne.

These three impact players will lead the youthful Raiders squad into the 2008 season.

The hallmark of this year's team will be speed and athleticism. This year's team is much faster than any Raiders team in recent memory. The 2008 softball team has a great balance of speed and power, and expects to be very solid in the circle as well. In addition to Kelley Suggs, the Raiders have freshmen pitchers Kimmie Cable, Danielle Kauzlarich, Jordyn Lerum and Lauren Gibby ready to go. Kimmie took the lion's share of the innings for the freshmen pitchers in the fall and did an excellent job.

Many of the Raiders Softball records are held by members of the graduating class of 2007; Coach Edmonston believes this year's freshmen class compares very favorably with the 2007 graduating class and it is very difficult to name just a few freshmen to watch, because they are all capable of being a player to watch. But just to name a few players; Keilani Cruz, shortstop from Curtis High School; Kimmie Cable, pitcher utility player from Stadium High School; Ellen Mittlestadt, catcher utility player from Sentinel High School (Missoula, MT); and Krista Zappone, Utility player from Shadle Park High School (Spokane). Our sophomores will be chasing some school records of their own, but they will be the first ones to tell you; they are all about wins, not individual records.

Raiders Softball is still on the rise; even in what is expected to be a much improved Western Division. Raiders Softball continues to pursue an aggressive non-divisional schedule. This years schedule will include match ups with Wenatchee, Yakima, Mt.Hood, Chemeketa, Lower Columbia and a much improved Shoreline squad.

Rumor has it; Raider softball is truly excited to take the field for the 2008 season and show what they are truly made of.

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Softball Recruiting

Looking to join the Raiders? Send us your information. Fill out the online version of the student athlete information form or download the information form and mail it to: Raider Athletics Office, Pierce College District 11, 9401 Farwest Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 (Requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)