The team is 5-0 and was ranked Seventh in the NJCAA pre-season poll. Currently, the team is in Pensacola, Fla., and is helping Schnarre inch closer and closer to the 1,000 win mark.
The coach has six talented sophomores back from last year's 48-5 team, one that placed Seventh in the NJCAA National Tournament.
Leading the way is Emerald Graham, of Castle High School, who is a hitting machine. She was named to the NJCAA's All American First Team in the pre-season. Kristen Broadway, from Golconda, is the team's to pitcher. Broadway, a Second Team All American, has committed to Murray State. LeAnn Collins, who plays third base, was also named Second Team All American and is one of the top hitters returning.
Another sophomore is Brooke McCartney from Crossville; she lays left field and is the lead off batter. McCartney has committed to Morehead State. Taylor Wilson, from Evansville, is at second and has signed with Murray State. Amy Orender of Whiteland, Ind., is in right and is another of last year's top hitters back.
Schnarre has brought in 13 freshmen. Among those are Bree McFall and Hannah Croucher. McFall is from Evansville Memorial while Croucher is from Carmel, Ind. and either can play first base. Emily Priar, from Owensboro, Ky., Apollo High School, is at short. Katie Phillips, from Floyd Central High School in Indiana, is another who will see action at short. Mary Tindle, from Evansville Reitz, will also see action at second base. Katelyn Kruse, from Tecumseh, is a player Schnarre will use in either the infield or outfield, and as a designated hitter.
Catching will be shared by Jackie Porter, of Terre Haute North Central, Katherine Tennis of Mt. Carmel, April Damm of Evansville Central and Natasha Vanover of Rockport South Spencer are the candidates there.
Behind Broadway are Kayla Meny from Pike Central, Jordan Vertz of South Dearborn High School in Dillsboro, Ind., and Katrina Carter of Dawson Springs, Ky.
WVC has six more games in Florida before returning home Saturday. Today (Tuesday) they take on Lincoln Land, from Springfield, and Lurleen Wallace College of Decatur, Ala. They have tomorrow (Wednesday) off, but will play two games on both Thursday and Friday.
Monday, the Lady Warriors travel to Shawnee College before beginning Great Rivers Athletic Conference play. WVC has won nine straight GRAC titles and has advanced to the National Tournament in six of those nine seasons. This year's tournament will be held May 14-16 in St. George, Utah.
