By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Despite a very thin line-up, things are looking good for the Niles varsity softball team.
The Lady Vikes are ranked No. 6 in the preseason rankings by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association, and Jim Arnold, who enters his 17th and final year as head coach, knows his team has a lot of potential.
"We just need to stay injury free. We don't have a lot of girls and we may have to dip to the JV team to grab some players. One of our players is a transfer and was ruled ineligible, while another one is suffering a shoulder injury. We have 11 players right now," Arnold said.
Despite a small line-up, Arnold said his players have a big benefit – most of them can play more than position, most of them are returning from last season, and they are strong on both offense and defense.
"We have some very good hitters and defensively we are better than we were last year. The girls are very competitive," Arnold said.
Another key will be the return of sophomore pitcher Jenna Ignowski.
"She's an outstanding pitcher. She's only a sophomore and throws harder than anyone I've seen at Niles," Arnold said.
Other returning players include Karly Kennedy, Nicole Ignowski, Cricket Fisher, Shelley Aurand, Erica Gordon, Nellie Coquillard and Patty Anton. Newcomers are Stephanie Stoops, Fran Semrinec, Maggie Ernsberger, Demi Schrader and Heather Daniels.
Last season, the Lady Vikes finished with a 20-10 overall record.
"We are very hungry to be successful and are hoping to improve upon that this year," Arnold added.
Niles opens it season on Wednesday, April 11 when it hosts South Bend Washington for a 5 p.m. game at Vella Park.
Michigan High School softball Coaches Association
Preseason Rankings
Division 1
1. Harper Woods Regina
2. Lakeland
3. Fenton
4. Chippewa Valley
5. Grosse Point North
6. Howell
7. Flushing
8. Garden City
9. Flint Kearsley
10. Lapeer West
Honorable Mention: Cass Tech, Troy, Alpena, Walled Lake Central, Monroe, Jenison, Belleville, Hudsonville, Bay City Western, Sterling Hts. Stevenson
Division 2
1. Wayland
2. Monroe Jefferson
3. Stevensville-Lakeshore
4. Hudsonville Unity Christian
5. Rogers
6. Niles
7. Dearborn Divine Child
8. Livonia Ladywood
9. Petoskey
10. Escanaba
Honorable Mention: Cheboygan, Pinconning, Notre Dame Prep, Detroit Country Day, Trenton, Detroit Renaissance, Flint Powers
Division 3
1. USA
2. Ida
3. Buchanan
4. Gladstone
5. Kalamazoo Christian
6. Galesburg-Augusta
7. Mason CC
8. Freeland
9. Bronson
10. Clinton
Honorable Mention: Portland, Swan Valley, Hemlock, Niles-Brandywine, Vassar, Watervliet
Division 4
1. Allen Park Cabrini
2. Bay City All Saints
3. Summerfield
4. Frankfort
5. Lutheran Northwest
6. Merrill
7. Mason County Eastern
8. Coleman
9. Rapid Rivers
10. Harbor Light
Honorable Mention: Inter City Baptist, Posen, Beal City, Glen Lake, Hillman, Vestaburg