Dayton High softball coach Dusti Houk is hoping experience pays big dividends this season.
Houk lost just two players from last year’s 10-21 team. Loaded with sophomores and juniors, the bulk of this year’s team has played a lot of softball together, and Houk is hoping her team can turn the corner this year.
“So far so good,” said Houk over the weekend. “I’m pleased with the excellent attitude everybody came in with. I’m finally done with (middle school) volleyball. I’ve only been with the team two days in the last week, This will be my first full week.”
Dayton is taking part in the Yerington Tournament Friday and Saturday. Dayton plays at 8 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. on Friday, and 9:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, weather permitting of course.
Houk has both of her main pitchers — Caleigh Onstott and Amanda Woitas — back from last season. Onstott, a junior, was 6-16 with a 6.61 ERA. Woitas, a sophomore, was 4-2 with a 4.80 ERA. Onstott, who had seven complete games, had the team’s only shutout.
“Caleigh has more velocity and Amanda is better at working the corners,” Houk said. “Both of them threw in the off-season. It’s a nice combination to have.”
Catching the duo is sophomore Julie Rogacs, who hit a robust .365 with 24 RBI. Aleea Howe also has experience behind the plate as does Elizabeth Vincent,
“I like Julie behind the plate,” Houk said. “I thought she did really well for her first year.”
Howe, who hit a team-best .411 with five homers and 26 RBI, anchors the infield at short. Cassie Dickenson (.164, 6 RBI) is at first base, Woitas (.206, 16 RBI) and Shaye Thompson (.152, 5 RBI) will share second base, and sophomore Tamia Powell (.329, 9 RBI) starts at third.
Vincent (.275, 12 RBI), Alaura Greenwalt (.048, 3 RBI) and Marissa Hein (.190, 7 RBI) are in the outfield. Thompson could also see some time in the outfield.
Onstott figures to dp or play a position if Woitas starts in the circle. She hit .262 with nine RBI last season.
Houk said Fernley, Fallon, Spring Creek and Elko figure to be strong again.
“I hope we can give them good games, and maybe steal one or two,” she said. Houk also said South Tahoe dropped its JV program because of lack of numbers.
