§ Akron Area TOP 2006 AREA SOFTBALL TEAMS

Here are 10 softball teams to watch during the 2006 season (listed alphabetically):

Ellet Orangemen
Outlook: Beacon Journal 2005 Player of the Year Courtney Pruner has graduated, but the perennial City Series champion has plenty of talent back, led by Jessica Davidson, Heather Duhon, Kara Holler, Katelynn Boso and Jessica Hudnall.

Green Bulldogs
Outlook: Second in the Suburban League last year and a district tournament semifinalist, Green is loaded with senior talent, led by Kelly Mottice and Ciarra Morrow. Sophomore pitcher Kayli Gatts also returns.

Hudson Explorers
Outlook: The Explorers have eight full- or part-time starters back and are the Western Reserve Conference favorites. Beth Cinadr, Amanda Guenther, Kelley Cash, Katey McCandless and Mandy Krutzler were WRC honorees.

Uniontown Lake Blue Streaks
Outlook: Julie Boyes has taken her talents to the University of Akron after pitching Lake to the Division I state title last June. Meghan Allen, Erin Nabors and Tina Hilbish are part of an exceptional senior class for the Blue Streaks.

North Canton Vikings
Outlook: Optimism is high as seniors Debbie Warner and Abbey Lindeman will get help from a loaded sophomore class led by Jessica Simpson, Sarah Gerber, Megan Lilley and Felicia Houtz.

Revere Minutemen
Outlook: The Minutemen have a large cast of returnees from their Suburban League championship team. Karen Hotchkiss, Susanne Mitchell, Megan Weidrick, Michelle McCauley and Zeda Lines are among the standouts back.

Springfield Spartans
Outlook: The 2005 Spartans won the Division II state championship, an Ohio-best ninth title for the program. Pitcher Stephanie Cain and catcher Karly Tennant are among the best batteries in the area. Kelsie Archer is one of the area's top outfielders.

Stow Bulldogs
Outlook: Twins Carly and Cyla Hawkins are gone, but the Bulldogs have plenty of talent returning. Sisters Jen and Allison Scherer lead the way. Pitching is the Bulldogs' primary question mark.

Tallmadge Blue Devils
Outlook: Tallmadge, which placed third in the Suburban League and reached the district semifinals, will be led by Leah Archual, Jessica Joliat, Danielle Philen and Aime Stein.

Walsh Jesuit Warriors
Outlook: The Warriors lost to Springfield in the Akron Division II regional final after winning state in 2004. Sisters Megan and Rachel Rodriguez, Audrey Hoiles, Jessica Gillen and Lauren Toth could return the Warriors to the state tournament at Ashland.

Others to watch: Barberton, Brunswick, Copley, Crestwood, Cuyahoga Falls, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Dalton, Fairless, Firestone, Glen Oak, Hoban, Jackson, Kent Roosevelt, Louisville, Manchester, Marlington, Massillon, Medina, Northwest, Perry, Rootstown, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Sandy Valley and Wadsworth.

Tom Gaffney: Akron Beacon Journal