Prep Softball Preview: Parkway North Enters Year Two Of The Doyle Era

By all accounts, Amy Doyle's first season as softball coach may not have gone according to plan record-wise. But the experience factor and learning curve is what Doyle is banking on for improvements as the 2011 season is upon the Vikings.

Parkway North was 8-16 a season ago, including 1-5 in the Suburban South Conference, and the Vikings lost six seniors off last season's squad. It makes this year's squad an even younger team but one filled with optimism for Doyle.

I am really excited about the upcoming season," Doyle said. "We have a great group of girls this year. Our returning players have matured over the last year and have gained more experience that will undoubtedly help us this season. We also have a number of new additions that will contribute to our anticipated success. I have high expectations for this season."

Offense

The Vikings must replace the loss of sisters Cassi and Danni Glixman, who were Nos. 1 and 2 in just about every offensive category the Vikings had.

Returning to lead the way offensively are sophomore pitcher Courtney Norris (.339, seven RBI), senior catcher Caroline Gatti (.319, 23 hits, six doubles eight RBI) and junior Emily Lavine (.300, five doubles, seven RBI). Along with Gatti, the other two seniors include outfielders Maggie Brandon and April Altmayer.

"We have high expectations for Caroline Gatti," Doyle said. "We look to senior outfielders Maggie Brandon and April Altmayer for positive contributions on and off the field as well."

Defense

Norris (8-10 record and a 4.77 earned-run average in 116 innings pitched) will handle the pitching duties along with freshman Anna Chisolm, who will also play shortstop.

"We definitely need to improve our defense," Gatti said. "We have a lot of freshmen coming in and I think they're definitely going to support our team and definitely help us out a lot."

Coach

Doyle previously coached seven years at Marquette High as an assistant and one season at St. Louis University before becoming the head coach at Parkway North.

"Our goals this season are to play good defense and support our pitching staff," Doyle said. "Offensively, we look to be consistent at the plate." Added Gatti, "We just have to be a team on the field. That's definitely important. And winning of course. We have a lot of new girls, so you never know. "It's been great with coach Doyle. We've improved a lot. Coach Doyle has a lot of knowledge."

Schedule:

The Vikings open their season against McCluer North Aug. 22 in the Parkway Tournament. They'll also play rivals Parkway West and as part of their SSC games.

"Rockwood Summit and Parkway Central always field excellent teams and will continue to challenge their opponents," Doyle said.