The young and the fearless/ Sophomores, freshmen filling key roles

Why is Scott Peterson smiling?

After a 21-26 season in 2000, graduation and defection decimated the Colorado-Colorado Springs women's softball roster. Gone are the top five hitters, the top two RBI producers, the top base stealer and the coach, Leticia Pineda.

In their place are Peterson, assistant Dennis Shabeck, five sophomores and a bunch of freshmen. That's all that UCCS has to go toe-to-toe with opponents like nationally ranked Nebraska-Kearney and Mesa State.

"These kids are talented, young and fearless," Peterson said. "They won't be intimidated by anybody's national ranking. Most of them have a lot of experience in club ball, so they've already faced this level of competition."

Judging by the season-opening Thunderwolf Invitational tournament in Pueblo in mid-February, Peterson's confidence may be founded. Following a blowout to Mesa State, in which pitcher Jen Mahoney had the tip ripped off the index finger on her pitching hand, UCCS played Nebraska-Kearney and Northern Colorado nearly even.

With Mahoney's fingertip coated with Super Glue (bandages are not allowed on the pitching hand), the Mountain Lions fell to Kearney 5- 2, then dropped an extra-inning decision to UNC.

"She sets the tone and everybody knows it," Peterson said.

Mahoney's courage won't be as necessary as soon as pitcher Andrea Benson is eligible. The walk-on from Berthoud High School requested a tryout in January, then displayed a 60-mph fastball with good movement. Her arrival takes the pressure off Mahoney and No. 3 pitcher Lindsey Pitman.

Of the other sophomores, only Jessica Chrisman and Kelly Rorke are expected to start. Chrisman, who hit .232 as a freshman, will play shortstop. Rorke, a Cheyenne Mountain graduate, is expected to improve her .226 average of a year ago and become a top run producer at third base.

Leading the freshmen is second baseman Allisa Thompson, whose bat control and speed make her a threat at the top of the batting order.

"(Thompson's) a prototypical leadoff hitter" said Peterson. "During fall scrimmages, she batted 18 times and got on base 15 of them."

Joining Thompson at the top of the order will be speedy center fielder Holly McHenry and first-team all-state catcher Pitman from Thunderridge High School.

"She's in the best shape of anyone I've ever coached," Peterson said.

Becky Lueken and Amanda Waugh, a Gazette all-area selection this past season at Cheyenne Mountain, fill the outfield corners. Power- hitting Valerie Davis will play first base.

Copyright 2001
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