Webster’s New World Dictionary describes versatile as "competent in many things; able to turn easily from one subject or occupation to another; many sided; adaptable to many uses or functions.

But according to its coach, versatile is the best way to describe the Sisters High School girls varsity softball team.

"No doubt about it, versatility is our strong point," said first-year Outlaw coach Tom Mauldin. "We have a lot of players who can play many different positions."

The coach also says that it is versatility that holds the fate of the 2007 Outlaws.

"An injury, an illness, another activity ... whatever, there are a lot of ways players miss games. If that happens, someone else plays and when you are carrying a roster of only 11, no more than a dozen players, sometimes that person filling in lacks the necessary skill to be successful," said the coach. "However, with this group of girls, there are at least a half-dozen who play three or more positions and several play at least two positions. And we’ve got three who can play eight positions."

The Outlaw varsity will open the season at home against Mountain View of Bend on March 13 and will field a roster of 11 players – the coach noting that junior Jessi Heath has a band commitment that day and can not play. She might also not be available the next day when the Outlaws travel to Crook County. That ’s just one example of versatility as Mauldin noted Heath would normally be in the starting lineup.

Another example is the two-week spring break the Sisters School District opts for. Several players have family vacations scheduled.

"I’ll be real honest, the two-week spring break is a coaches nightmare," Mauldin said. "We’re supposed to be getting our teams ready to start league competition and several players will not be available to play. It’s not just hard on the coaches, it’s hard on the players – they get in a routine, start developing timing and then they’re gone for a week to 10 days."

So many players will be gone that the only spring break games scheduled for the junior varsity squad will be March 17. The younger Outlaws don’t play again until April 3 when Sky-Em League play begins.

Again, versatility will be the key for the varsity squad.

Making up this year’s Outlaw team are senior returnees Becky Bremer (C-SS) and Courtney Overstreet (1B, 3B), juniors Heath (OF), junior pitcher Sam Stoneback (who also plays infield), Brenna Mooney (1B-OF), JJ Ashley (OF-C), and sisters Ashley (C-OF) and Cassie (INF-OF) Huber and a trio of sophomores Jenna Sneva (plays anywhere Mauldin said), Hillary Renz (P-INF-OF) and Jen Kaiser.

Mauldin said he would designate three swing players who would see time on the junior varsity, as well as the varsity. He named two - Meghan Kaiser and Kiana Jimeniz.

"I’ll wait and see who from the junior varsity team steps up before league play begins," said the coach, who is being assisted this year by Mark Bremer and Matt McCauley (head JV coach).

Bremer, Overstreet and Stoneback have been named team captains. "Hard to go wrong with leadership like that," said the coach.

The coach said he liked the "make up" of this squad ... not just because of the versatility, but because "they are a good group of young ladies" and have displayed work ethic and commitment.

"I’ve said it before, we have a lot of work ahead of us – the week before we begin league is going to be a long one," said Mauldin. "We’ve been forced in the gym for two weeks because of the weather and desperately need to be outside. Running varsity and junior varsity practices inside is not an easy thing. Getting on the field with just a dozen girls is another story. A lot of improvement is easily noticed and confidence builds in a hurry."

The March 5 Outlaw practice will be the first this season where all varsity players are available to practice together. "That’s a big step not just for the coaches, but the players get to see the potential we see. I’m looking forward to a busy softball week and I know they are also."

The coach said it was a bit early to talk about team strengths and weaknesses, again deferring to the importance of versatility.

"It’s hard to pinpoint what needs extra work ... pretty much everything at this time and that is not a knock on the girls – it’s just very early," said the coach of 20 seasons.  "Outfielders have yet to see a fly ball higher than the gym rafters. Pitchers can’t throw as effectively with the softie balls we use as to not damage the gym floors. And needless to say, there’s no sliding, very little live pitching and very little base running.

"So, now we get down to business," Mauldin. "Let’s hope the weather is on our side this week and we can make the most of our versatility."

FYI ...

The first week of pre-league games will be a busy one for the Outlaw varsity – they play five games in five days with only one day off. Then, however, they don’t play again until March 27 when they travel to Tillamook for a double header, staying in Seaside that night. On March 28th, they will attend the University of Oregon versus Portland State double header at Irv Lind Field in Portland. The following Friday and Saturday, the Outlaw varsity will host Astoria and Madras in double headers.

WOW ...

Sophomore Jenna Sneva placed fourth in the Oregon Alpine Skiing Championships held at Mt. Ashland last week. Sneva finished third in the Giant Slalom and fifth in the Slalom to place fourth overall.

IMPORTANT DATES ...

March 13 - Season opens at home versus Mountain View of Bend;

April 3 - Sky-Em League opens at Elmira;

April 17 - Pasta Feed/Auction fundraiser;

April 28 - Marathon game with varsity and junior varsity players taking on all comers.

Outlaw Softball - All Good, All Positive, All Team