[Stardust]

Lexington Catholic

Coach: Jessica Broadhead (first year)

Last year: 18-15 (lost to Paul Dunbar in first round of district tournament)

Top players: Jill Maronde (sr., ss); Courtney Champa (sr., 2b); Devin Walden (sr. c); jr. 3b Jessica Ringlein (jr., 3b); Sophie Robic (fr., cf); Jac Hinkle (fr., 1b/dp); Molly Dawson (jr., rhp); Ashley Baker (jr., rhp); Ellen Mitchell (jr., rhp); Hannah Martin (so., rf); Jennifer Carlino (jr., lf); Sarah Landry (jr., 1b/dp).

Outlook: The Lady Knights have a new coach to oversee a roster that includes three seniors and six juniors. Three of those juniors make up a veteran pitching staff. Broadhead says she's looking for her team to come together, be an offensive threat, focus on fundamentals and make the routine plays in the field. She thinks the team has "a ton" of talent and potential, and she wants her players to be mentally tough, aggressive and to persevere.

Knights' schedule

March 28—at Harrison Co., 5:30; 30—Nelson Co., 5:30

April 10—Boyle Co., 6; 11—at Lafayette, 6; 17—at Tates Creek, 8; 23—at Dunbar, 5:30; 25—Tates Creek, 6; 30—Lafayette, 7:30

May 3—at Woodford Co., 6; 4—Montgomery Co., 5:30, and Lawrence Co.; 8—at Christian Academy-Louisville, 5:30; 9—Franklin Co., 5:30; 10—Western Hills, 6; 14—at East Jessamine, 6; 17—at Nicholas Co., 5; 19—Allen Co.-Scottsville, TBA

Lexington Christian

Coach: Gina Covington (second year)

Last year: 2-21 (lost to Tates Creek in first round of district tournament)

Top players: Alex Byers (fr., rhp); Emily Orrender (8th, c); Hannah James (6th, if/rhp); Meredith Macy (so., ss).

Outlook: The Lady Eagles are young and may take some lumps as they try to lay the foundation for future years. Covington says the goal is to get better with every pitch of every game. LCA is hopeful that top pitcher Bri Shell, a sophomore right-hander who is out with mononucleosis, will be able to return after spring break. Mary Beth Steger, a freshman catcher/infielder, already is back in limited capacity after suffering a stress fracture in her lower back. However, eighth-grade shortstop/first baseman Abigail James probably will be out for the season after a soon-to-be-performed shoulder surgery.

Eagles' schedule

March 30—Hart Co., 6; 31—Manual, 10 a.m., and Hart Co.

April 11—Tates Creek, 6; 12—West Jessamine, 5:30, and at Eminence, 5:30; 16—Dunbar, 5:30; 19—at Lincoln Co., 6; 23—Lafayette, 7:30; 25—at Sayre, 5:30; 26—at Christian Academy-Louisville, 5:30; 27—at West Jessamine, 5:30; 30—at Dunbar, 5:30

May 1—Nicholas Co., 5:30; 3—at Frankfort, 5:30; 4—Eminence, 5:30; 7—at Burgin, 6; 9—at Tates Creek, 7:30; 15—Frankfort, 5:30

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/03/28/21301...rylink=cpy