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M/SUNNY Temp: 53 °F Wind: NW at 12 mph Saturday, April 26, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend April 2, 2003 Quality pitching and defense lead to many close encounters when it comes to SOC play By TIM PYLE Mail Tribune Jenny Craig would be proud. Jared might eat a Subway sandwich in celebration. Slim-Fast may try to take credit. But really, it’s premier pitching, dynamic defense and all-around well-played softball that have made margin of victory in the Southern Oregon Conference slimmer than Ally McBeal’s waistline. Consider that of the 56 SOC games played last year, 24 were decided by a single run. That’s 42.9 percent. North Medford, the conference champion for the eighth straight season and winner of its fourth Class 4A state title, claimed six of its 13 SOC victories by one run. And with the eight pitchers that received any kind of all-SOC recognition last year back on the mounds this spring, the conference should be in store for another spate of nail-biters. "I think (the pitching in the SOC is) even better this year than it was last year, just because the younger kids have another year of experience," says Clay Rounsaville, Grants Pass’ fifth-year head coach. "You look around the SOC, and that’s what it’s gonna be again — a lot of 2-1 or 1-0 ballgames. "There are really no gimmes. If you’re not prepared for every team, you’ll get beat." The only squad without an all-conference pitcher returning is Klamath Union, and the Pelicans placed their top hurler, junior Bess Fagan, on the first-team all-SOC and third-team all-state lists as a utility player. The pitching ledger should make hitters shake like Jon Kruk facing Randy Johnson. North Medford boasts senior star Keri Sevano, a first-team selection for both all-SOC and all-state last spring. South Medford serves up senior Darci Byrne, the other first-team all-league hurler last year. Ashland is armed with senior Megan Beugli, and Grants Pass gives the ball to senior Jessica Morton, both second-team selections. Roseburg relies on senior Brooke Charles, and Eagle Point delivers senior Jamie Williams, who each received honorable mention. Crater is confident with junior Jenni Bittle and sophomore Janelle Cristofaro, two more honorable-mention picks of the season past. "Everybody’s got great pitching," says Rich Beugli, in his third season with Ashland. "Anybody that gets to the playoffs out of this league can take state. I honestly believe it. "The hardest battle is gonna be to get to the playoffs." Add to the mix the outstanding defense that most every team plays, and it’s evident that offense will again be a delicacy in the SOC this spring. Close, exciting games, however, should be offered up in bunches once more. "I’ve gotta believe that on Saturdays in the Rogue Valley, you’re gonna see some of the best softball in the state," says Crater’s Chris Arnold, entering his second SOC campaign. "It’s gonna be amazing to see some of the pitching this year. It’s a hitter’s challenge, for sure." And a pitching purist’s delight. Reach reporter Tim Pyle at 776-4483 or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search M Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S