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Area softball players, games to watch this season

$Alex Machen won't let a fractured vertebrae in her back keep her from taking her position behind the plate for the Lebanon High School softball team this season.$

Alex Machen won't let a fractured vertebrae in her back keep her from taking her position behind the plate for the Lebanon High School softball team this season.

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By Greg Billing, Staff Writer Updated 10:17 AM Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Players to watch

Rachel Drinnon, jr., Brookville: All-league pitcher has the Blue Devils as a team to beat in the Southwestern Buckeye League. Brookville has won three straight SWBL Southwestern Division titles.

Ashley Fletcher, jr., Springboro: Catcher hit .488 with 21 RBIs and 12 stolen bases for the Panthers, who look to challenge Lebanon in the GWOC South.

Jordyn Fisherback, jr., Greenville: Power pitcher takes the rubber for the Green Wave, a D-I regional semifinalist last season. Fisherback was the Cross County Conference player of the year for Tri-Village in 2008.

Abbey Ledford, jr., West Liberty-Salem: Shortstop blistered opposing pitchers with a .638 batting average and knocked in 35 runs for the D-III state semifinalists.

Ashley Legge, sr., Kenton Ridge: All-Ohio selection is a dual-threat for the Cougars. She hit .505 and popped five home runs and went 21-8 from the rubber for the D-II regional finalists.

Kacey Locker, so., Tippecanoe: Hurler looks to improve on 13-5 record and 0.55 ERA. Struck out 209 batters in 2008, 11 short of season record held by sister Jessica. Also brings it at the plate with .390 average.

Alex Machen, sr., Lebanon: Catcher could play pain free for the first time in four varsity seasons, which could be trouble for opponents. Field leader hit .426 with 22 RBIs for D-I regional finalists.

Jamie Schnarr, jr., Fairmont: Versatile player has been all-league in outfield and catcher, but best position is third. Should see significant time behind

the plate for Firebirds. Hit .379 with 33 RBIs and 6 homers in 2008.

Katie Stewart, sr., Newton: Indians will count on pitcher to keep them in the Cross County Conference chase. Went 21-8 with 1.69 ERA last season, while hitting .388.

Mallory Wright, so., Valley View: Gives Spartans versatility with ability to play third and outfield. Good speed makes her a tough out.

Games to watch

April 9: Northmont at Fairmont

April 16: Waynesville at Valley View

April 17: Lebanon at Colerain

April 20: Kenton Ridge at Tippecanoe

April 21: Lebanon at Greenville

April 23: Brookville at Bellbrook

April 25: West Liberty-Salem at Fairmont

April 28: Ansonia at Newton

April 29: Fairmont at Centerville

May 2: Centerville at Northmont