The Knights overcome the loss of 11 seniors from past two state finalists.
By STEVE LEE
Published May 14, 2004
NEW PORT RICHEY - River Ridge is one victory shy of a third consecutive state appearance.
Not bad for a program that had never even won a playoff game before 2002. But perhaps even more remarkable is how River Ridge has maintained that level.
The Knights (25-2) have overcome the loss of 11 seniors from two state finalists, leaving coach Ernie Beck to ponder his team's chances for another run at state.
"I expected it, but I didn't," said Beck, who felt his team would contend for a district title again - River Ridge won its third straight - and at least return to the playoffs.
"At the beginning of the year I knew we were going to be super young and we moved up in class (from 4A to 5A)," Beck said. "I never know whether we're going to go to states or not. My attitude is I think we can beat everybody. You've got to try to."
When it comes to plugging holes, no team in the county has been better in the past two seasons. This year, five openings were created by graduation or injury and the Knights did not miss a beat.
Freshmen Shauna Ward and Kelly Lamb took over at shortstop and third base, respectively, but Lamb contracted mononucleosis and was lost for the season after five games. No problem, junior rightfielder Janet Houck (.333, 26 runs scored) came in to play third and Christina Karl, a sophomore who came off the bench last season, took over in right.
"I felt (Ward) could do the job and I liked Janet in the outfield. I didn't want to give up on who I felt was the best rightfielder in the county."
Initially, Beck considered Lamb and Houck for vacancies left by shortstop Stefanie Simon and Kelly Evers. But Ward earned a spot during tryouts and with Houck having made only one error at third, Lamb has her work cut out for next season.
Freshmen Michelle Miller became a fixture as the designated hitter by midseason and Danielle Denney, a junior who played junior varsity as a freshman and missed last season with a broken ankle, took over behind the plate.
Additionally, sophomores Jackie Linville and Jillian Ryan have split time in left field.
Miller, who began the season on the JV squad, has emerged as one of the Knights' best hitters. In 15 varsity games, she has a .342 average with 14 RBIs. In two playoff games, she is 3-for-6 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored.
"The kid's a hitter. She loves to hit," Beck said.
Throw in contributions from the returners and it is easy to see why River Ridge is in position for another shot at states.
Senior pitcher Kiki Von Holt is a 21-game winner with 217 strikeouts. And as the cleanup hitter she is hitting .394 with 15 RBIs.
Junior centerfielder Stephanie Seaman had a game-saving catch against and as the leadoff hitter has team-highs in five categories: .473 average, .529 on-base percentage, 35 hits, 29 runs scored and 12 stolen bases.
The right side of the infield also has contributed. Second baseman Meghan Chaple is hitting .375 with a team-leading 18 RBIs, and sophomore first baseman Deanna Kiesel 4-for-5 with two walks and three RBIs in two playoff games.
"The juniors I have have been through (state tournaments) twice, some of the sophomores were there last year, then the seniors," Beck said. "They kind of fit together."
