2009 AAA Team to beat?

I know it's early to start making predictions for the 2009 season, but now's as good a time as any to begin thinking about it.

In the MSAC alone, South Charleston, St. Albans, Cabell Midland, Ripley, Spring Valley and Huntington will battle for the title.

South Charleston made it to the state championship game in 2008, but lost to HHS. They have most everyone back, including Chelsea Cobb.

Midland lost Jennifer Bodden, Kelsey Cooper and Meredith Baisden to graduation.

St. Albans lost some key players to graduation, but they still Markayla Caudill, Samantha Snodgrass and Elyse Boles.

Ripley's Southall can dominate on the mound and Sayre is an exceptional player as well.

Spring Valley should have nine seniors returning. They'll be loaded.

Huntington lost six starters to graduation. Their returning starters are Kiara Chappelle, the 2008 Gatorade Player of the Year, Ashley Davis and Ashley Byrd. Repeating as State Champs will be more difficult than it was in 2008.

As for non-MSAC schools, University, Hedgesville and Parkersburg South should all be strong.

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Class AAA State Champions

Submitted by Sports Dad on Thu, 05/28/2009 - 18:57.

Congratulations to Coach Swisher and the Ripley Lady Vikings on winning the 2009 Class AAA State Championship. It's very clear that the best Class AAA softball in West Virginia is played in Region 4 and the MSAC. The previous five state champions (Cabell Midland- 2005; Spring Valley- 2006; Huntington- 2007 & 2008; and Ripley- 2009) are from Region 4 and the MSAC. Great job ladies!

2009 Class AAA Season

Submitted by Sports Dad on Sun, 04/26/2009 - 23:01.

The season hasn't gone as well as it could have or should have for the defending state champs. They began play nearly a week after the first game could have been played; they've had six or seven games rained out; no games were scheduled over spring break; and many players who were expected to step up and produce haven't really done so. Kiara Chappelle has had a strong season in the circle, offensively and defensively. When she is in the circle, Huntington has a chance to beat any team in the state. When she isn't pitching, however, the Highlanders have had some difficult times. Ashley Byrd has had a solid season defensively and she's been hitting the ball well of late. If the entire team had the positive attitude, work ethic and desire that Chappelle and Byrd have, the Highlanders would be unstoppable.

Take a closer look at Jefferson

Submitted by softballfan on Wed, 04/22/2009 - 09:12.

I've watched alot of these teams play and had the chance to watch Jefferson this past weekend. They are one of the top teams in the state and very tough. Everyone should take a good look at them because they could very well be the sleeper of the bunch. The best I've seen this season.

boles does not play anymore

Submitted by highonthehill on Wed, 04/15/2009 - 16:53.

boles does not play anymore

2009 Season

Submitted by Sports Dad on Sun, 03/01/2009 - 11:42.

Tryouts/practice begin tomorrow. It should be an exciting season. Huntington lost six starters to graduation, but some girls have stepped up and worked hard in the off season. A few freshmen have come along who should provide some spark. Best of luck ladies!

Hedgesville lost alot

Submitted by The ville on Fri, 11/28/2008 - 02:31.

But we are still deep in pitching and a few good sticks.The Panhandle is wide open.Jefferson would be my favorite,but not a clear-cut favorite. They have 2 pitchers and almost their whole infield and outfield back.Musselman lost alot,bit returns some quality hitters and Martinsburg was very young last year and was at their best late,when it counted.The Washington high will struggle for a few years.

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GO EAGLES!!!

HHS Softball

Submitted by wvfireball on Mon, 11/24/2008 - 19:02.

Chapelle and Byrd are all that is left. It will be very tough to get out of their section.

Fireball was right about HHS.

Submitted by highonthehill on Wed, 05/13/2009 - 09:46.

Fireball was right about HHS. The feeder leagues have nothing to send them in the future also.

there is more to the

Submitted by highonthehill on Thu, 11/27/2008 - 00:41.

there is more to the highlanders than just two players.

St. Albans will always be in

Submitted by highonthehill on Sat, 11/22/2008 - 12:12.

St. Albans will always be in the mix, and could possibly have the best 1-2 pitching combo in the state.
Spring Valley will be tough to beat especially if Jackson is back to form in the circle, if so, they are my favorite. Senior dominated team, much like HHS last year.
Cabell Midland will be competitive as usual. Ashley Gue is a tough out and Hogsett is formidable in the circle.
South Charleston will go as far as Cobb carries them.
Ripley is a my darkhorse. Southall is very good.
Don't count out HHS, they younger girls have something to prove and are exited about shooting for a 3rd straight. Byrd although not recognized by coaches and media was a huge part of HHS's success last year. Lindsey Napier was a very good DH last year so I would consider her a starter. The rest of the girls, although not as well known as past HHS players have played together for some time.
If Owens is pitching at Lincoln County, they are always hard to beat! Good group of girls.

Can't wait till March!

State coaches association poll

Submitted by sbcoach on Mon, 04/20/2009 - 07:55.

State coaches association poll
Charleston Gazette, 4/14/2009

Class AAA

1. (tie) St. Albans and South Charleston, 3. Huntington, 4. Ripley, 5. (tie) Cabell Midland and Logan,
7. Lincoln County, 8. East Fairmont, 9. John Marshall, 10. Parkersburg South

Class AA

1. Chapmanville, 2. (tie) Point Pleasant and Shady Spring, 4. Sherman, 5. Scott, 6. Ritchie County,
7. Herbert Hoover, 8. Roane County, 9. Ravenswood, 10. Lincoln

Class A

1. Man, 2. Buffalo, 3. Wheeling Central, 4. St. Joseph, 5. Charleston Catholic, 6. Madonna, 7. Richwood,
8. Fayetteville, 9. East Hardy, 10. South Harrison

Does anyone know of Elyse

Submitted by skinsmama42 on Wed, 04/15/2009 - 16:37.

Does anyone know of Elyse Boles is still pitching for Saint Albans? Have not seen her name in the paper...