Article published Apr 19, 2007
Plymouth-Canton Observer
BY ED WRIGHT
STAFF WRITER
A trio of talented senior captains will lead the Chiefs' quest to match or improve on last year's 28-5 record, which included their fourth consecutive District championship.
Four-year starting shortstop Lauren Delapaz will be the catalyst for coach Jim Arnold's squad, both in the field and at the plate. Delapaz, who hit .392 as a junior, has already earned an athletic scholarship to Eastern Michigan University.
"Lauren has been a leader here since Day 1," said Arnold. "She is a great softball player and a great leader. The younger kids really look up to her and they want to play as well and as hard as Lauren does. I don't think there is a better softball player -- or a better athlete -- around."
Also earning captaincy roles are seniors Alyssa Johnson, a multi-talented center fielder who will notch her third varsity letter following this season, and four-year letter-winner Sarah Anthony, who will pitch and serve as a utility player for the Chiefs.
"Alyssa is a very solid player," said Arnold. "She a great outfielder who really takes command out there.
"Sarah is one of those players who can do it all. She'll pitch for us as well as play third and first. She can play a lot of positions and she can play them all well.
"All three of our captains will do a good job of making sure the rest of the team remains focused and on track."
The Chiefs' strong contingent of seniors also includes Kimmy Keppen, a first and third baseman who, according to Arnold "has a great glove and hits with power"; Stephanie Sadek, an outfielder/second baseman with good speed; catcher-third baseman Kim Beaudoin; Mary Kate McWhirter, a catcher/infielder; Laura Ditzler, who will serve as the Chiefs' lead-off hitter; and Abby Skrcypek, a two-year starting outfielder.
The team's junior class is led by hard-throwing left-handed pitcher Hilary Payne, who led Canton's mound crew as a sophomore.
"Hilary throws extremely well," said Arnold. "She's throwing 61 or 62, which is up from last year. We brought her in Monday against Plymouth in the fifth inning and they had a hard time adjusting to her speed."
Canton's other junior is first-year varsity outfielder Nicole Rago, who will provide a heavy dose of speed to the Chiefs' offense and outfield.
Providing depth will be sophomores Miranda Rysdorp (outfield), Shelby Anthony (middle infield) and Ali Taylor (second base); and promising freshman pitcher Amy Dunleavy.
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2007 Canton Chiefs Softball
