The Paul VI Panthers are also aiming for a successful season in 2004. The "Black and Gold", coached by veteran E.J. Thomas, currently weighs-in with an overall record of 2-3 in the early stages of the season. Paul VI has defeated Marshall (12-3) and South Lakes (2-1).

Spearheading Paul VI's effort this year is sophomore righthanded pitcher

Jenny Reager, senior catcher Katie Evans, junior first baseman Amanda Whalen, junior second baseman Allie Woo, freshman third baseman Jackie Rogers, freshman shortstop Maggie Prisinzano, sophomore rightfielder Patti Hinko, senior centerfielder Karina Lopez and junior leftfielder Christine Casino.

"Jenny [Reager] had an 11-1 record last season in part time duty. This season her ERA is 1.05. Her three best pitches are her drop, curve and changeup. Her control has gotten better lately. Her ability to throw strikes and make the batters swing the bat is key," said Thomas.

"We play the game with intensity and heart. We've been working hard. We need to do the little things well that make a big impact on the outcome of the game," said Reager.

"Defense this year is key. We want to be able to shut down the other teams. It takes communication [out in the field] to keep the other team from scoring. It has taken us three or four games to be able to place the players defensively where we need them. It is going to come down to who can step forward and make the plays," said the veteran coach.

Whalen and Lopez were first and second team All-WCAC last season. Reager, Evans and Woo were honorable mention All-WCAC last season.

Other key players include Kelly Connors, Danielle Datoc, Angela Puentes, Lyn-Rose Terpolilli, Vanessa Reese and Katelynn Canava.

Offensively, Whalen is batting .425 with two doubles and two RBI's; Woo is batting .333 with three runs scored; sophomore "designated hitter" Tressa Wiles is batting .333; Lopez is batting .320 with two RBI's and Evans is batting .290.

Katie Evans, Karina Lopez, Kelly Connors and Danielle Datoc are the Panther captains.

"Katie has good mental toughness and exhibits great leadership. She is sacrificing a lot for the team because first base - not catcher - is her natural position," said Thomas.

"Karina is a coach’s dream. She got the winning RBI when we defeated South Lakes. Karina is an inspiration to the entire team. She plays centerfield not unlike Willie Mays - making the hard catches look easy. She will really sacrifice her body out there in the field," said the veteran coach.

The Panthers have finished no worse than third in each of the past three WCAC regular seasons. The Panthers won the VIS Title in 2002. "That is Paul VI's only softball title in school history," said Thomas.

"We're a young team. We graduated five of our top 10 players. We've gotten better with each game this season. Offensively, we've been a little bit too anxious. We need to relax more at the plate and let the ball come to us," said Thomas.