Lady Dolphin softball team opens play this week
BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com

Rob Simon hasn't had much time for rest lately.

As an assistant coach on the Lady Dolphin soccer team, Simon got a trip to the state tournament. He's hoping with his new team - he's the head coach of the Lady Dolphin softball team - that he can eventually make a similiar trip with them.

"If I could describe it in one word, it's excited," Simon said. "We have a lot of young ladies, but they are all very talented."

The Lady Dolphins only have two returning starters in sophomore outfielder Aubrey Curington and sophomore infielder Rosie Atkinson. In addition to being young, Simon said the youth is very versatile.

"We have girls that can pitch and catch. And any of our girls can play any other position on the field," Simon said.

It's because of that versatility that Simon's carrying only 12 players on the squad. Cori Linville, the team's only senior, will play first base. She's the only other returning letterwinner from last year.

Sophomores Megan Stone and Claire Koontz can also play first.

Atkinson and Lyndsey Wright, also a sophomore, will play second, while freshman Deannette Zuniga will be the shortstop. Atkinson and Curington can also play short.

Sophomore Erin Powell, Curington and Natalie Newell will play third base, along with freshman Kori Ewens. Newell and Ewens will also vie for the catcher spot.

Koontz, Curington and sophomore Natalie Alverson will play in the outfield.

Kara Brown, a sophomore, will be the pitcher. Linville can also pitch, as can Koontz.

The Lady Dolphins' non-district schedule won't have Pace, Tate or Crestview, but it will have Choctaw and Fort Walton Beach.

Simon says the district is wide open, but loaded with talent. Navarre and Escambia, both of whom have played in a state tournament in recent years, headline the district. Milton, West Florida Tech and Pine Forest will also be tough.

"The top three teams in our district are really tough, but teams four, five and six are just as good."

The keys for the Lady Dolphins' first playoff berth since 2002 are - "to play solid defense, get good quality pitching and just put the ball in play."

"We're not relying on one or two girls to get that double or triple," Simon said. "Batters one through 10 can all get on base."

Beth Mosley is back coaching outfielders and hitters, while John Brown will help with the pitchers and the catchers. Brett Napier and David Wiley will coach the JV team, while Patrick Kean and Melissa Payne will coach the ninth grade team.