Softball: Unexpected power hitters

River Ridge is coping extremely well after graduating several key offensive players.

By IZZY GOULD
Published February 22, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - River Ridge might have found the secret to a good offense.

The Royal Knights punished another dugout full of girls Thursday, clobbering Gulf 13-4. The outcome was only that close after a throwing error helped the Bucs empty the bases for three runs in the fifth inning.

River Ridge (4-0) has won its first four games outscoring opponents 74-8; the Knights pounded out 21 hits against the Bucs (4-4). The Royal Knights weren't expected to wield such strong bats after losing a bunch of seniors from last year's Class 5A region quarterfinal team that finished 21-7.

What's the secret to such great offense?

"If I knew the secret I'd do it every year," River Ridge coach Ernie Beck said. "We've got some kids who are very focused on the ball. They're waiting on pitches. They're patient."

Of course, there are plenty of contributors with everyone in the lineup hitting, running and scoring. But it's hard to overlook the recent success of No. 3 hitter Sarah Simon and cleanup hitter Michelle McKonly, the lone senior on the roster.

McKonly went 5-for-5 on Thursday with a pair of doubles and four RBIs. Simon recently hit a pair of grand slams in back-to-back wins over Hudson and Wesley Chapel, the first and second of her career. The duo has quickly developed into a dangerous threat in the middle of the lineup.

"Those are two of my best," Beck said. "They're poison."

McKonly said Simon is at her best powering pitches to the opposite field. Simon credits McKonly with versatility at the plate with the ability to bunt or crush pitches deep. Lumped together in the batting order makes it difficult for opponents to pitch around them.

There are intangibles, too.

"Our attitude this year is a lot better," McKonly said. "We're all pumped up. Everyone's counting us out, but we have a good team."

And don't overlook the defensive effort, especially on the mound. Sam Stahl has stepped in with blazing pitches to replace the graduated Nicole Deny. The Royal Knights also added Lakyn Shull, who added a nice 1-2 punch Thursday.

"This year I think I have a little more depth in pitching," said Beck, referring to at least four girls capable of taking to the mound. "Some guys don't get any breaks."

[Last modified February 21, 2008, 22:57:31]