[Stardust]

Lafayette, which reached the state tournament last year, is the only city school listed in the coaches' top-25 poll, coming in at No. 5.

The Lady Generals, off to a 7-0 start, have a new leader this time.

Shane Weaver, who went 160-54-1 in five seasons at North Laurel, replaces Dana Taylor as coach. North Laurel won district and regional titles all five seasons under Weaver. The Jaguars placed fifth in the 2007 and 2010 state tournaments and were runners-up in 2008.

Lexington Catholic, the only other team in the city with a winning record last season, also has a new coach in Jessica Broadhead.

Although Lafayette is Lexington's only ranked team in the poll, Henry Clay and Lexington Catholic each received votes.

Just up the road, Scott County is ranked No. 10 and Franklin County and Western Hills are receiving votes.Bryan Station

Coach: Brad White (fourth year)

Last year: 10-16 (lost to Henry Clay in first round of district tournament)

Top players: Casey Brock (sr., c/2b); Suzanne Hall (sr., rhp/of); Megan Hoovler (sr., if/p); Lindsay Henson (sr., of/c); Dallas Smith (sr., of); Marissa Dawson (sr., c/dp); Devon DeLeon (jr., if); Candice Johnson (so., if).

Outlook: The Defenders have high expectations and expect to be competitive in the district. With six seniors among its top players, Bryan Station has experience and is solid both at the plate and in the field. If there is a question, it is pitching depth. White thinks he has two younger pitchers who will help out before the year is over.

Defenders' schedule

March 24—Estill Co. (Bluegrass Showcase at Lexington Catholic), 1:30; 26—at Paris, 5:30; 28—at Model, 6; 29—Lafayette, 7:30; 30—Lincoln Co., 5:30, and Johnson Central, 8:30

April 10—Scott Co., 7:30; 11—Model, 6; 13—Dunbar, 5:30, and Pendleton Co., 8:30; 16—at Lincoln Co., 6; 17—at Henry Clay, 7:30; 18—at Scott Co., 6; 23—Henry Clay, 7:30; 25—Nicholas Co., 7; 30—Harrison Co., 7:30

May 2—Tates Creek, 6; 4—Bourbon Co., 5:30, and Mercer Co., 8:30; 7—Western Hills, 7:30; 9—at Bourbon Co., 6; 10—Paris, 5:30; 14—at Dunbar, 7; 16—Mason Co., 7:30

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