Northwest Softball Enters 2011 with Talent, Experience

Head softball coach Kevin Corpuz stood outside room 180 at Northwest High School and spoke with guarded optimism.

Inside the classroom, waiting for a review on game strategy, was a group of athletes Corpuz called the most talented he’s had in seven years at Northwest. The Jaguars showed glimpses of ability last season, winning a playoff game before losing an extra-inning affair against No. 3 Paint Branch in the regional quarterfinals. However, Northwest finished with an 8-9 record and, while competitive in nearly every contest, failed to make the plays necessary to turn narrow defeats into victories.

The Jaguars enter the 2011 campaign with seven seniors. The majority of the roster has played travel softball and several athletes can play multiple positions. Corpuz is confident the Jaguars have what it takes to make a run at the program’s first division title since 2001.

Now they have to go out and prove it.

“From top to bottom, we’ve got a lot of good pieces,” Corpuz said. “… We should have some versatility, as well. That makes me smile a little bit. Of course, you don’t win anything based on talent, but we’ve got some good pieces to work with.”

One reason for Corpuz’s confidence is senior catcher Emily Forst, a four-year starter who received a scholarship to play at UMBC. Forst can hit for power and has a strong arm behind the plate.

“Emily is everything to our team,” Corpuz said. “Without a doubt, she is the heart and soul of our team. … She’s one of those special, unique types of players. She can do it all.”

Forst’s leadership skills will be tested as the Jaguars work toward becoming a winning team.

“We’ve got to find it within ourselves to figure out that we’re a pretty darn good ball club, too,” Corpuz said. “We’re looking to take that step up. These close games, when the pressure’s on, [we need to] figure out how to make those close games, not just close games, but wins.”

Forst said the Jaguars are ready to overcome the mental lapses that hurt the team last season.

“Last year, when [mistakes] would happen, it would be mentally,” she said. “I feel like this team is prepared for anything that comes because everyone is knowledgeable [about] the game and knows what they’re doing.”

While Northwest is loaded with seniors, the two pitchers who will work with Forst are underclassmen. Freshman Lily Schenkel and sophomore Stephanie Miller will be the Jaguars’ top two options in the circle. Schenkel has travel ball experience, but is new to varsity competition. Miller pitched for the first time last season.

“That was terrifying,” Miller said of pitching as a freshman, “but I’m really glad I did it. … It taught me to shake things off when things go rough and to look for someone else on the team for support rather than beating up yourself inside. [Teammates are] always there for you.”

If Schenkel pitches, Miller will play shortstop alongside freshman third baseman Jenna Brown. Corpuz said Brown’s arm strength is comparable to Forst’s when the catcher was a freshman.

Sophomore Taylor Simpson and senior Ciarra Cristostomo could see time at second base. Sure-handed senior Paige Callahan will start at first base. Simpson and Brown can also play shortstop.

Seniors Kassie Nantz (left field), Erica Chopas (center field), Sarah Weaver (right field) and Anne Harris are the team team’s outfielders.

“Because we have so many returners coming back this year, it puts us at a great advantage,” Callahan said. “Since we didn’t lose many players, it’s easier for us to get along. I’ve been with these girls since freshman year and it’s easier to click.”

Northwest will open the season at 7 p.m. on March 21 at Blair. The Jaguars’ first home game will be at 3:30 p.m. on March 23 against Springbrook.

Check out additional spring sports previews all week on Patch.com.