PREP SOFTBALL 1992: SMALL SCHOOLS

Liberty Christian

1991 RECORDS: OVERALL: 11-10 LEAGUE: 5-1

COACH: RECORD AT SCHOOL Rudy Sass: 52-29

RETURNING STARTERS YR. POS. B-T Jen Caruso Sr. C R-R Melissa Grippo Sr. 1B R-R Suzanne Pickens Sr. OF R-R Heather Brock Sr. SS R-R Jen Craven Jr. P R-R Amy Coffman Sr. OF R-R

OTHER TOP RETURNERS YR. POS. B-T Melissa Tedisco Jr. 3B R-R Wendie Bahnsen Sr. RF R-R

TOP NEWCOMERS YR. POS. B-T Sara Anderson Fr. IF R-R

OUTLOOK

Last year, Liberty Christian hit .309 as a team and the Minutemen return several of their top hitters. Leading the way is league MVP Caruso, who hit .476 as a junior, third-best in Orange County. Caruso also had an on-base percentage of .686 and hit four home runs with 37 RBIs. Grippo, who hit. 427 last year, adds offensive depth. “This is a senior-laden team with good experience and hitting strength,” Sass said. “We’re hoping our defense will be as strong as our offense this year.” Sass expects off-season work by Craven, who went 7-8 last year, to benefit Liberty Christian’s pitching staff. The infield is solid, with Grippo, Brock (.386) and Tedisco back. Pickens (.333) and Coffman (.417) return in the outfield. Grippo, Brock, Pickens and Coffman were first-team all-league choices last year. “We’re not sure about our depth in the outfield or on the mound,” Sass said. “Hopefully, we can overcome whatever weaknesses we might have by staying healthy and getting strong performances from our senior leaders.” Liberty Christian was league co-champion with St. Margaret’s last season and Sass expects the Minutemen to battle the Tartans again for the title.