2010 SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: Lady Panthers loaded, again

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[One glance at the current Pinckneyville Community High School softball roster makes its easy to figure out why there's excitement aplenty hovering around the program these days.

The Lady Panthers, 27-8 and Class 2A sectional finalists in 2009, welcome back 13 letterwinner from last season. The list includes nine full or part-time starters.

"We can be as good as we want to be," veteran coach Greg Hale (26 years, 649-208-2) predicts. "The talent is there as long as we work for a common goal. We will be filling some key holes left by graduation."

Infielder Mandi Kellerman and catcher Nicole Cheek are now playing at John A. Logan College. Elizabeth Wittmer, a starting outfielder, also graduated.

First team all-conference picks Mo Ramsey (jr, OF), Sara Malanowski (jr., P) and Emily Chapman (jr, Utility) are joined by second teamers Maddy Keith (jr., OF) and Dani Jenkel (jr, SS) in a potent starting line-up.

Seniors Emily Miller (2B) and Macie Minor (3B) also return with loads of playing experience.

Kelsey Cicardi (jr., P), Taylor Cicardi (1B, jr.), Kortney Crawford (OF, P), Becca Burris (OF, jr.), Taylor Cheek (DH, so.), Melia Bathon (1B-DH, so.) and Taylor Kuhnert (jr., OF) will also contend for playing time.

Malanowski, Chapman and K. Cicardi will again anchor the mound staff, a traditional PCHS strength.

"We must get better as the season progresses," Hale says. "I am confident our defense and pitching will keep us in games."

The Lady Panthers start play Wednesday at home against Herrin.