Experience key to NIC softball season

COEUR d'ALENE - They've got the experience and all-Region 18 tournament selections around the infield to compete with anyone in the Scenic West Athletic Conference this spring.

To get back to the NJCAA tournament for the first time since finishing as the national runner-up in 2007, the Cardinals will need a young pitching staff to come together quickly.

Back for North Idaho College are sophomores Shelby Carter, Amber Meyers and Desiree Tinoco, who redshirted last year. Carter led the team in hitting with a .359 average last year.

"She's back behind the dish," said NIC coach Don Don Williams of Carter. "She's looking bigger and stronger and better than last year."

Meyers was an all-region selection last year and Tinoco earned the honor two years ago. Sophomores Kelsey LaVaute, Jordan (Schmerer) Zumwalt and Heather Bishop will comprise the outfield. Zumwalt married NIC wrestler Ryan Zumwalt over the summer.

"It's nice to have three returners in the outfield," Williams said. "Any time you have a core of sophomores back, it helps with the season and they're more experienced and know what it takes to win in the SWAC. They're all good things for us."

Emily Perlich, who finished last season 9-14 in 32 games and 23 starts in the circle, also returns for NIC, which opens the season Friday against Eastern Arizona in the Southern Nevada Kickoff Classic in Las Vegas.

“Emily pitched a lot of innings last year,” Williams said. “Her stats weren’t great, but a lot of that could have been because we didn’t play well behind her. But she had a great fall season and we’re going to lean on her. I think we’re going to have a strong offensive attack. We were strong last year and have the nine returners swinging the bats well and our outfield is going to be tough. But it’s always the same in January.

Williams added that Perlich is also receiving offers from four-year schools.

“She’s already been offered a full scholarship to Jackson State in Missouri,” Williams said. “And there’s a couple of other schools seriously interested on her.”

Newcomers Hunter Allen of Spokane, Shanika Sawyer of Connell (Wash.) and Kylene Hatton of Simi Valley, Calif., will also see time in the lineup.

“Shanika is a catcher, but is going to slide into the designated player position,” Williams said. “She’s got a strong bat and can drive the ball to all parts of the field. Kylene is a little, quick slap hitter that is playing a nice second base for us. Hunter will pitch a little bit for us this year.”

Tori Schuler (Post Falls High) and freshman Nikki Ragsdale also round out the roster.

Jessica Lupinacci, who started at shortstop last year, has moved on to Boise State to focus on her academics. Jenna Crum, a utility player for NIC last year, will start at shortstop this season.

“We’ve had a hard time filling Jessica’s shoes,” Williams said. “We had a big-time shortstop signed from the Boise area, but she ended up getting into an ROTC program down south. Jenna’s a very quick, athletic player from Helena.”

Williams expects Salt Lake, which finished as national runner-up last year, to be at the top of the league, followed by Southern Idaho and a battle from NIC, Colorado Northwestern, Southern Nevada, Western Nevada and Snow College.

“I think Salt Lake will be tough again,” Williams said. “They’re returning an All-American pitcher in McCauley Flint, and Malia Campos and Maddy Woodward. Anytime you can return that kind of pitching, it’s a good thing. CSI always puts a consistent team on the field and are going to have a couple of key players. As always, it’s a 60-game season and whoever comes to regionals to win it and is peaking at the right time will be successful.”

Woodward has signed with Utah and Flint with Weber State.

Utah State-Eastern does not field a team in softball.

NIC will hit the road until March 8, when they host CSI for a weekend doubleheader at Memorial Field. They’ll remain at home — weather permitting — until April 26, when they travel to Twin Falls.

“It’s nice,” Williams said. “I’m pretty pleased we’ve got all our home games in that stretch.”

Shay Craig, who played on the ’07 team and at Adelphi University in New York, returns as assistant coach.

“We’re excited to bring her back,” Williams said. “She’s a great addition to have back and involved in the program.”

The Region 18 tournament is May 8-11 at the site of the SWAC champion, with the NJCAA tournament the following weekend in St. George, Utah.