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52 °F Forecast | Road Cams Tuesday, April 12, 2005 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Health Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Real Estate Guide Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley SHOP OUR VALLEY AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Classified Place an ad TOP JOBS EXTRA Ashland News NIE Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People Volunteer Moving here? eSouthernOregon CUSTOMER SERVICE FAQ's Advertise with us Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 12, 2005 Senior shortstop Deni Rowley is hitting a robust .615 to lead the way for North Medford�s softball team. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Role reversal Deni Rowley, an all-state outfielder, has made a seamless switch to shortstop to fill a void for Tornado By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune From winter to early fall, you can find Deni Rowley doing something, somewhere on a softball diamond. The North Medford senior, "eats, drinks and sleeps softball," she says, in various leagues nearly year-round. That’s why the 17-year-old Rowley treated a change of position this year like she treats an opposing pitcher’s change-up at the plate: She pounced all over it. A three-time all-state honoree as a quick-footed right fielder, Rowley gracefully made the transition to shortstop this season, replacing longtime North standout Darcy Cordell. While admitting to some uneasiness at first, Rowley now confidently leads the infield for the 6-4 Black Tornado. Advertisement "I was a little uncomfortable at first," Rowley says. "But I knew I had to step up as a leader. "I didn’t play infield at all, ever. Right field was almost my home. But once I got in the game, I felt comfortable." "We’re really proud of her," says first-year North coach and former Tornado player Missy Doerr. "She stepped in (at shortstop) on the first day of tryouts and has done a great job of claiming that position while leading the team." Rowley’s position change didn’t affect her slap-hitting prowess at the plate. The Tornado lefty leadoff hitter has a .615 average through four games in the Southern Oregon Conference and maintains a team-best .538 average (21-for- 39) overall. She’s also scored nine runs, has nine stolen bases and boasts a .733 on-base percentage. She’s had multiple hits in every game this year, including a 9-for-11 day during a nonconference doubleheader sweep of Foothill High in Redding Calif. "Deni’s very aggressive," says Doerr. "The first thing she does when she steps in is look around to see where the fielders are playing her and where the holes are. She knows exactly what she wants to do. "Slapping, bunting ... And with her speed? She’s such a weapon." Rowley, who’s been in the Black Tornado program since she was 11, starts her school season in January. When the prep campaign comes to a close in late May or early June, Rowley goes straight to summer ball, followed by another season in the fall that runs through October. "Right after it’s all done, I have to take a little break," says Rowley, who’s already signed to play next season for Southern Oregon University. "Sometimes too much can be too much. "Otherwise, I love the game and the competition." Rowley hit over .400 to lead North over the last two school seasons. She was named first-team all-state as a sophomore and was second team a year ago. She’s been a first-team all-SOC pick in each of her three seasons. Rowley tweaked her batting style this season, something she hasn’t done since the first time she stepped into the box. "(The coaches) taught me to slap when I was 11," says Rowley. "They saw me hitting right-handed, and knew I wasn’t going to be a power hitter. All they saw was I was able to put the ball in play. "I’ve changed a little this year. I don’t try to put high choppers on the ground as much. I like to drag bunt, one-handed or two- handed." While Rowley has had great individual success, her teams have followed suit. This summer, Rowley and the ASA 18A Black Tornado team advanced to the Junior Olympic Hall of Fame Tournament in Oklahoma City, Okla. North Medford’s school teams have also flourished, winning a state title during her freshman season in Larry Binney’s final prep coaching stint and advancing to the quarterfinal round in each of the last two years under Brent Barry. This season brought a new coach — the third in four years — in Doerr, who won a pair of state titles at North. "Her style is a little different," says Rowley of Doerr’s coaching approach. "We don’t do as much fake bunt steals, but we still do a lot with our speed. "We all really respect (Doerr). She was an awesome player, so she knows what she’s talking about." Rowley did have a minor setback in last Saturday’s doubleheader split with Grants Pass when she injured her foot in the opening game. Rowley came out of Game 1 after recording two hits. She was taken to a hospital for X-rays, which were negative and revealed only a sprain. Rowley and her bat should be ready for Saturday’s doubleheader showdown with rival South Medford. "I thank God every day for her," laughs Doerr. "She does whatever you ask of her. "If she gets on, she scores. She can hit anything, anywhere." At any time of the year. Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. 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