You might think that Meadowdale coach Larry Culver doesn’t have very many pleasant memories about the 2003 season given that the Mavericks won only four out of 23 games.
You would be very mistaken.
Despite finishing second to last in the Western Conference 4A South Division, Meadowdale actually was quite a competitive team that just didn’t get the breaks.
“We played really well. The kids really got along,” Culver said. “I really enjoyed my time with them. We lost four games by one run. We were in there close with people.
“They were such a positive team last year. They never got down on themselves. They supported each other through the losses. It was such a pleasure to coach them. It looks like we’ve got the same thing again.”
The Mavericks graduated only two players and have nine players back that started at one point or another during the season.
Meadowdale already has made significant strides both on offense and defense, according to Culver.
The Mavericks’ offense has had its share of problems in recent years but came on strong toward the end of last season.
“We’ve struggled with hitting for a number of years,” Culver said. “It was getting better toward the end of last year.”
But Meadowdale seems to have picked up right where it left off.
“We’ve got the kids that are going to hit,” Culver said. “They need to show that they can and I think they will.”
With so many returners, the Mavericks’ defense also has excelled during a 3-0 loss to Stanwood and a 4-2 victory over Bishop Blanchet last week. Meadowdale committed only two errors, both of which were inconsequential.
“Our defense is real close to where we left it last year just coming in,” Culver said.
Culver also returns a strong pitching staff with three players vying for mound time.
Sophomore Jessi Williams saw action as a freshman last year. Juniors Kathryn Mataya and Cassie Hopkins also will figure into the rotation.
“The pitching should be reasonably strong,” Culver said. “They all throw a little bit differently off the mound. Each one kind of has their speciality pitch that they like the best.”
Meadowdale advanced to the Northwest 3A District playoffs last year by virtue of its second place finish among the three 3A teams. The top two 3A teams will again advance to the postseason.
“We should be in the hunt,” Culver said.
But Culver is looking for more success against the 4A schools this season in preparation for a possible extended playoff run. Last year, the Mavericks won one of three games at districts.
“If we can’t show some strength against the 4A teams, and get some wins, we’re never going to go anyplace,” Culver said.
Here is a look at Edmonds-Woodway and Lynnwood:
Edmonds-Woodway
It’s a season of change for the Warriors.
The changes started at the top with the arrival of first-year head coach Chris Paulson, a former assistant coach at Edmonds Community College.
Paulson is excited by the response of his players and the high expectations he brings to the program.
“Attitude and work ethic are probably the top two priorities I look at,” Paulson said. “In the past few years, they’ve had some challenges. Hopefully, we can bring structure and discipline to the program and some success.
“It’s early in the season. The kids are doing everything we ask of them. Things are going good so far.”
The biggest change on the field is the departure of first-team, all-league pitcher Tracie Adix, who is now at DePaul University.
The Warriors have a pair of sophomores vying to fill Adix’s role — right-hander Emily Dean and left-hander Annika Lindberg.
“The style of Emily is probably more power and Annika has some good creative throws,” Paulson said. “They’ve both shown some mental toughness on the mound. They’ve shown some strength.”
The Edmonds-Woodway offense is shaping up nicely with the team hitting .392.
“We’ve got a good mixture of everything,” Paulson said. “We’ve got some speed. We’ve got some power. If we keep stringing it together, we hope to challenge all the other powers in Wesco.”
The Warriors return only four seniors to go along with six juniors and four sophomores.
“(We’re) a fairly young team,” Paulson said. “We have a lot of great potential.”
Lynnwood
An up-and-coming Royals team is looking to turn its love of the game and willingness to learn and practice hard into some victories this season.
Like its 3A crosstown counterpart Meadowdale, Lynnwood struggled through the 2003 season and finished last in the Western Conference 4A South Division.
The Royals have five returning varsity players including co-captain Brittany Roden, who coach Jayme Horn said could be one of the top pitchers in the league this season.
The Lynnwood lineup has a pair of lefthanded batters, something Horn has never had before this season.
“I can add some new looks at bat,” Horn said. “Speed is average. All the players like each other and are willing to practice hard. This is our strength this year.”
Some new faces will be patrolling the infield and outfield.
“A lot of my outfielders are JV infielders,” Horn said. “So they are making changes and doing a good job at it.”
Morgan Liddell is the Royals’ new catcher and Samantha Janssen is shifting from left field to centerfield. Kali Mudie takes over at third and Melissa Himes is at first base and also will see time on the mound.
Co-captain/shortstop Karen Hansen is the anchor of the infield.
“She is fundamentally the best player I have on the team,” Horn said. “She also is a great leader.”
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