Team off to rocky start

By Dean Wong

A roster full of seniors will lead the Ballard Beavers this season as they take on the best fast-pitch softball teams in KingCo once again.

Unfortunately, the Beavers opened the regular season last week with a 10-0 loss to perennial softball power Woodinville.

Last year the team battled to a .500 record and made the league playoffs. They went into the ninth inning with a scoreless tie against Eastlake and gave up a run on an error to lose the game.

Now the Beavers are back without two key players who graduated. Leslie Ellingsen was an All-KingCo pitcher and hitter. Hallie Hemmingsen was a defensive stopper at third base.

Head coach Al Lowe has retooled his lineup and his ready to the always tough KingCo league his best shot.

Lowe says this team is well rounded. "The players are like a family. That is something that is real positive about this team," he said.

A good attitude can produce wins for the Beavers. "We have been working hard. The team is jelling real good," said Lowe.

This version of the Beavers, who made name for themselves in the in Metro with three straight championships before joining KingCo in 2003 has the speed and hitting to contend and advance past the first round the post season.

If the team gets the softball basics down and focuses, the team will be "good to go," said Lowe.

Tara French is back and she is the number one pitcher with Ellingsen gone.

"Tara will carry us and play outfield when she is not pitching," said Lowe.

Jessie Thelen could be set for a big year at the plate. During a Jamboree on March 10, she won a home run contest.

"All the girls have been together for a long time. I feel it will be a good season for me and the team," said Nora Schlenker.

French has confidence in the team's nine seniors and some new players.

"I think we will do well," she said.

Dean Wong may be reached at 783.1244 or deanw@robinsonnews.com