Westlake softball team a mix of youth, veteran talent

Acorn Sports Writer


Michelle Rehm

Michelle Rehm

The Westlake softball team improved to 4-1 with a 1-0 extra-inning win over Newbury Park last Thursday in a game played at Westlake.


Michelle Rehm, a freshman, threw eight shutout innings to win the game in the Marmonte League opener for both teams.


The Warriors are coached by Garry Fetman and assisted by Russ Kramer. It’s Fetman’s first year at the helm for Westlake. His team, he said, combines youthful and veteran talent.


Stephanie Savre, a freshman, singled and was on base three of four times in the victory over Newbury Park and scored the game’s only run after leading off the bottom of the eighth inning with a walk and later stealing third base.


"She’s going to be a star," Fetman said. "Stephanie can play any position except pitcher. She can hit for power, she can slap (hit), she can run, she’s a competitor and she’s going to be a Division I (college) player."


Senior Katie Reifman is a four-year starter, who bats left-handed, as does Savre (they bat first and second in the Warrior lineup).


"Katie is a very good first-baseman," Fetman said of Reifman. "She gets the job done. She can hit with power when she puts her mind to it and she can bunt."


Third in the Westlake batting order is senior Katie Kearns, who played third base vs. the Panthers. "Katie Kearns is a defensive wizard," said Fetman.


"She can play any position, even pitch, if she wanted. She is still the catalyst and the anchor on the team."


The cleanup hitter for the Warriors is another four-year starter, Angela Funk, a senior. "She’s got a great arm," the Westlake coach said. "She can hit for power and she’s a very steadying force behind the plate."


Julie Zelman, the junior shortstop who batted fifth vs. Newbury Park, is described by her coach as "Very athletic and very good defensively. She works hard and wants to learn, and will continue to contribute more and more as the season goes on."


Tiffany Meadows, a junior center fielder, is a three-year starter. Said Fetman, "She has great speed, she’s a great kid. She’s a big threat offensively, plays great defense and runs the bases well." Meadows batted in the eight slot vs. the Panthers.


Rachel Murray, a junior who batted sixth against Newbury Park and played right field, can hit for power, according to Fetman. "She’s got all the tools to be a great player. And this year or next year, she will realize her potential. She has a great arm from the outfield."


Rehm has the task of taking over for Erin Voeltz who starred for four years as the Warriors’ starting pitcher and is now playing at Georgia Tech.


"I call her our secret, because nobody knows about her, at least not yet," Fetman said of Rehm. "She hits her spots and doesn’t let anything affect her on the mound."


Ashley Jones, a freshman, also played varsity soccer this year. "She’s going to get her opportunities this year," Fetman said. "She’s fast, she’s smart and she hits well."


Shana Barmassee is a junior who started at second base vs. the Panthers. "She works very hard to improve herself and is doing a very good job in the infield for us."


Lindsey Ethridge was the designated hitter against Newbury Park. "She also plays outfield and third base," Fetman said. "She doesn’t strike out much and is working hard to make her way into the lineup."


Zoe Raleigh is the backup catcher as a freshman. "She’s going to be ‘The Man’ so to speak the next three years," said Fetman. "She’s very enthusiastic."


Lauren Dirks is a junior. "She works hard in practice and is waiting her turn to play," said Fetman.


"Our freshmen are over-achieving," Fetman said. "The seniors are doing their part, the juniors are, too, and the blend is very nice with the output we’ve had from the younger kids. The outlook is very good for the future."




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