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By CODY TOMER
Staff Writer
MCMECHEN -- A year removed from tough sectional losses to Wheeling Central and Madonna, Bishop Donahue ninth-year coach Curt Mele believes he has the right players to make a run for a state title.
"Our goal is to compete and play for a state championship and win the OVAC," Curt Mele said. "Our section is one of the toughest in the state in Single A but our tough schedule will help us get ready for the postseason."
The Bishops finished the 2016 season with a 12-14 record and enter the upcoming campaign without their two senior leaders from last year.
Abi Mele and Sommer South are two key losses at two key positions on the diamond. Mele was a standout in the circle and at third-base for the Bishops, while South handled things behind the plate.
"It certainly is a big loss to lose those two players," Curt Mele said. "They were leaders on the team and led the team in every offensive category but we do have several returning players who I think will step up and make up for it."
Four of those players who will be looked to for leadership are the four seniors on the roster, which includes Hope Ruza, Josie Bonar, Jewel Purpura and Jen Little.
"Hope (Ruza) pitched for us last year, played center field and a little bit of infield as well," Curt Mele said. "Purpura is a very good athlete and had a great year of basketball. We expect her to have a good softball season at third base.
"Little is starting at second base and will spend some time behind the plate, while Bonar is going to play infield for us."
The four seniors can each do some damage at the plate and their head coach is excited about the potential explosiveness that his offense can provide.
"Our strength is our offense," Curt Mele said. "Especially with the four seniors that we have. Ruza delivered a .375 batting average last year and is a very good base-runner, while Purpura hit 268 but started hitting better toward the end of the year and we hope she can carry that momentum into this year."
Sophomore Sarah Heller has earned catching duties with South gone to graduation and she is progressing daily.
"Heller played second base last year but she is getting better and better each day behind the plate," Curt Mele said. "We will also rely on her at the plate with her power."
The junior class consists of Maddy Adkins (SS), Jamie Emery (1B) and Melanie Kwiatkoski (RF).
Sophomores taking the field for the Bishops include Maddy Menendez (CF) and Patricia Galiana (OF).
"Menendez can cover the whole outfield," Curt Mele said. "She is fast, has great range and plays with a lot of heart.
"She is just as good on the offensive end too. We can play small ball with her on the bases and be aggressive."
The lone freshman for Bishop Donahue is Kendra Dobbs.
JoJo Menendez and Ron South are the assistant coaches for the Bishops.
March 18: Valley (2) 12 p.m.
March 20: Linsly 5 p.m.
March 21: Weir 5:30 p.m.
March 22: at Notre Dame 5:30 p.m.
March 23: at Wheeling Central (2) 4 p.m.
March 25: Steubenville Catholic 12 p.m.
March 27: at River 5 p.m.
March 28: Cameron 6 p.m.
March 29: Bridgeport 5:30 p.m.
March 30: at Paden City 5:30 p.m.
April 1: Shadyside (2) 12 p.m.
April 6: Paden City 6 p.m.
April 7: at Weir 5 p.m.
April 8: at Madonna (2) 3 p.m.
April 10: at Steubenville Catholic 5 p.m.
April 11: at Cameron 6 p.m.
April 12: St. John Central (2) 4:30 p.m.
April 17: at Magnolia 5 p.m.
April 18: at Bridgeport 5:30 p.m.
April 19: River 5 p.m.
April 20: at Linsly 5 p.m.
April 21: Magnolia 5:30 p.m.
April 22: Wirt County (2) 1 p.m.
April 27: Notre Dame 5:30 p.m.