>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

While winter weather spills into spring, area softball teams are beginning to heat up.

The landscape of Class 2A District 6 received a massive change when Elgin/Imbler, the defending state champions, moved to Class 3A.

Enrollment numbers forced the No. 1 team to find a new home. Coaches see the change as a positive and a negative.

“That really hurt the league,” one coach said. “This league had three of the top pitchers in the state. Having that level of competition prepares you for state. At the same time it opens the door for another team to take first.”

Elgin/Imbler finished 18-2 to take first place in the district in 2007. Union locked up second with a 17-3 record, while Enterprise/Joseph finished third at 13-7.

Wallowa came in fifth with a 4-16 mark.

Take out the top team. Throw out state player of the year Tara Ludwig, and it leaves a wide open race for the district championship.

Here’s how the area teams shape up:

Union shuffling the deck

Only two players remain at their starting positions from last year.

With five seniors gone due to graduation, Jessy Reynolds, Carrie Stratton and Shelbi Williams are left to lead the team.

Lady Cat sophomore pitcher Reynolds will see more action in the circle this year after the departure of Jennifer Brotherton and Christina McGilvray.

Don’t worry about the second-team all-state member, Reynolds will be just fine.

“She’s such a talent,” Lady Cats head coach Steve Robertson said. “(Jessy) keeps us in every game with her ability to throw strikes.”

Still, the defense behind the pitcher needs to make plays, and an inexperienced squad will take to the field.

Even Williams, a senior, has a learning curve.

The catcher, second-team all-state selection, will move to third base due to a thumb injury this season.

Shana Riomondo takes on the duties behind the plate.

Junior Ali Anderson makes the move from the outfield to shortstop.

“It’s pretty amazing to have players moving around,” Robertson said. “We need to get out on the field to work things out. These girls have all the knowledge, but they need more time playing as a unit.”

Aiding Union on the field and at the plate is Brittany Josephson.

“(Brittany) has come a long way,” Robertson said. “She can track down anything in the outfield, and Brittany makes the most of her three swings at the plate. She doesn’t get cheated at the plate.”

Josephson belted two home runs so far this preseason.

From the lead-off hitter to the final spot in the batting order, the Bobcats are sensing balance.

“We’re not relying on just one person to carry us,” Robertson said. “There are a bunch of capable players in the lineup.”

Enterprise holding out hope

One member of the 2007 dangerous District 6 pitching trio will start the season on the field.

Enterprise/Joseph’s Andrea Schaefer starts the season on the shelf.

When will she be back? Her head coach Travis Huffman remains optimistic.

“We’re hoping to have her back by May 1,” Huffman said. “I don’t want to force her back too early. We’ll just wait and see how things go.”

Theresa Stangel and Summer DeSpain step into the pitching circle to fill in for Schaefer.

Even with the loss of their starting pitcher, the Cubs are planning on a strong season.

A young team now has a year under its belt — and continues the influx of youth.

The Cubs lost outfielder Rachel Schaefer to graduation.

First baseman Bailey Reimer is also out for undisclosed reasons.

Six freshmen will make their high school debut this year for Enterprise/Joseph.

Daylnn Roberts, a freshman, will roam the field from pitcher to outfield to infield.

Sophomore Brittany Duquette makes her softball debut after running track at Joseph.

“We have a lot of talent this season,” Huffman said. “Our focus will be on playing defense and hitting.”

Returners Tonya Neil, DeSpain and Stangel will feel the weight of the team.

DeSpain and Neil earned second team honors last season.

“We’re hoping for more first-team players this season,” Huffman said. “But we’ll wait and see how we do. We’re still waiting to play our first game.”

Wallowa on hold

Coaches for Wallowa were unable to be reached. The Cougars’ preview will run on a later date.

East vs. West

For the second year Union and La Grande high schools will host the East vs. West softball tournament.

Games will be played at Union High School and at the Mormon church on McAlister Road.

First pitch at Union is 9 a.m. Friday when the Lady Cats take on Corbett.

La Grande opens the tournament against Pilot Rock at 2 p.m.

FRIDAY at La Grande

Pilot Rock vs. La Grande,

2 p.m.

Nyssa vs. La Grande, 4 p.m.

at Union

Union vs. Corbett, 9 a.m.

Enterprise/Joseph vs. Echo, 11:30 a.m.

Union vs. Echo, 2 p.m.

Enterprise/Joseph vs. Corbett, 4 p.m.

Saturday at La Grande

Corbett vs. La Grande,

11:30 a.m.

Enterprise/Joseph vs.

La Grande, 2 p.m.

at Union

Union vs. Pilot Rock, 9 a.m.

Union vs. Nyssa, 2 p.m