April 24, 1998
The Orlando Wahoos are feeling pretty good about their chances for another
championship season as they enter the second year of Women's Pro Fastpitch
(WPF). Seven members of last year's championship team have been re-signed
for the upcoming 66-game season, which begins May 29th, including pitcher
Sarah Dawson who was named the league's first ever Most Valuable Player
during the inaugural season. Dawson, who was also named 1997 WPF Pitcher of
the Year with a 30-3 record, will be rejoined on the mound by Debbie Doom,
who finished last season ranked first in ERA (0.42), and opponent batting
average (.153).
Also returning for the champion Wahoos will be second baseman Tobin
Echo-Hawk who led the league in doubles last year, third baseman Frankie
Garcia, catcher Wendy Johnson, shortstop Liz Mizera who was named 1997 WPF
Hitter of the Year, and outfielder Rashunda Taylor who was the 1997 WPF
Defensive Player of the Year.
Signed to lead the Wahoos for the '98 season is Sharron Backus, the most
winning softball coach in NCAA history. Backus won 847 games and 8 national
championships during her 21-year career at UCLA.
This season, the WPF will enjoy expanded national television coverage, and
have scheduled the first ever all-star game for July 14th at Akron, Ohio's
Firestone Stadium. From the looks of things, you can bet that a lot of
Wahoos will be showing up for that one!
|
