Green Dragons Ready To Break Losing Ways

It didn't take long for the victory bells to ring for the Lake Placid softball team and the sound was music to coach Marilyn Jones' ears.

"It was a long time coming even if it was just a preseason game," said Jones. "I think the team found out that they do have the skills to play this game and I think the team was forged on that night."

The Green Dragons ended a nearly two-year winless slump by defeating Golden Gate 7-1 during last week's Immokalee Preseason Classic and the feeling in the clubhouse is that they'd like to keep the wins coming.

"It was so good to win again. It was an amazing feeling," LP shortstop Christina Wells said. "We played with a lot of hustle and for the first time in I don't know how long, we were all on the same page."

Wells is one of Jones' five seniors that are the heart and soul of the Lake Placid softball team that had just one win in two seasons coming into 2009.

"I'm going to lean on my seniors more than in years past because I know they're going to be the difference in helping the young girls progress and get the team out of this current slump," said Jones. "It's a real joy to be out here with these girls and watch them want to be here."

Wells, who made a switch from center field to shortstop at the request of Jones, is known for her speed and quick reaction time, as she makes the impossible play look easy. The LP senior batted .279 with a .318 on-base percentage last season and will look to improve on those numbers.

"Christina's intensity is something that every coach wants on their team," said Jones. "She expects a lot of herself and is a talented player who can play nearly any position on the field."

Senior Maribel Garza will be a stabilizing force on the mound and has the experience and confidence backed by solid leadership that will be a huge asset to the Dragons this season.

Injuries have already hit the Dragons in the early going, as starting catcher Ashley Pamplow has been sidelined with an ankle injury but has been contributing in other ways to help her team get ready for the season.

"Ashley called every pitch from the dugout in our win against Golden Gate," Jones said. "She played travel ball over the summer and got a taste for winning. Her experience and hunger has given this team a real shot in the arm."

Pamplow was no slouch when it came to offense last season, as she batted .303 and had a .425 on-base percentage for the Dragons.

Also returning is infielder Jessica Wilmot, who can play multiple positions and has really improved her overall play coming into this season.

The newcomer's features a variety of skills but all have the same passion and desire to win that Jones says is easy to coach.

"The new girls have really gelled with the veterans and it's making it fun to coach again," said Jones. "We've got some talent on this team and I think we may just surprise some people this season."

Diane Martinez is a lefty first baseman who is a strong hitter and is not afraid to get dirty. Her prowess at the plate will help her anchor the offense along with Wells and Pamplow.

Katie Dasher is a speedster that made Jones' decision to move Wells to the infield that much easier.

"Katie told me to turn her loose when she gets on base this season and that's exactly what I plan to do," said Jones. "She's really excited about playing and really covers some ground in the outfield, which is why I was able to move Christina to shortstop."

The comic relief on the team comes from right field with Danielle Fields always keeping the mood light even during the grueling practices.

"Danielle isn't the fastest girl on the team, but she can cover some ground," Jones said. "She's as dedicated a player as we have on this team and she's only going to get better as the season progresses."

Ashley Wells, who is Christina's sister, has been taking over at catcher due to the injury at Pamplow and has performed very well so far, as she takes her league ball experience to give the Dragons a boost, while Kayla Summerfield will shore up center field after showing Jones that she can make all the throws and has a head for the game.

"Kayla moves well to the ball and makes good throws which makes her almost a natural for center," said Jones. "And Ashley is going to give us depth at catcher, but she can also play infield or outfield for us. It's nice to have the luxury of players that can play anywhere."

That first win over Golden Gate really gave the Dragons a glimpse at what they could become over the course of the '09 season and Jones believes the best is yet to come.

"We've improved so much over last year in just the little time we've been practicing," Jones said. "There isn't the drama that we had in the midst of the losing streak and I think that win gave us a lot of confidence that we badly needed.

"That win really gave us the commitment and leadership in the dugout, but I don't think we've seen where we're going to be at by the end of the season, but it does give us a nice blueprint."

Wells was all smiles when asked about the possibility of returning Lake Placid to its winning ways.

"We feel that we can come out and play with anybody if we play the way we did the other night," said Wells. "We actually had to learn how to play with a lead, which is so much easier to do than try and dig yourself out of a hole every time you play.

"That lead kept us focused and gave us the desire to come out every inning and give it our best. I really believe its LP's time."

The Dragons open the regular season on Friday when they host Immokalee. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.

Dragons host Immokalee

Opening of regular season

7:30 p.m. Friday