<b>Coach:</b> Linda Young-Davis, fifth season
<b>2007 Record:</b> 5-15
<b>Key Players:</b> C/OF Courtney Urano, SR; SS Lisa Charney, JR; P Ashley Rollins, SO; INF Kristin Manville, JR.
<b>Quotable:</b> “I love to start freshmen. Just cause they are freshmen doesn’t mean that they can’t play ball.” – Fairfax head coach Linda Young-Davis.
<b>Outlook:</b> Last year, Fairfax head coach Linda Young-Davis took the “trial by fire” approach and fielded four freshmen, including starting pitcher Ashley Rollins. The young Rebels struggled through a tough season in the stacked Concorde District, but Young-Davis kept her focus on the long-term benefits.
“Just cause they are freshman doesn’t mean that they can’t play ball,” she said. “This year, they have had a year under their belt. It has been a big improvement since last year. A year together has made a really big difference.”
Young-Davis has seen the biggest improvement in Rollins, who will again get the nod as the Rebels’ starting pitcher.
“Her softball skills are just going to keep improving,” said Young-Davis. “She has improved mentally at the plate and on the mound.”
This year’s Rebel squad is considerably older, with six seniors and three juniors to complement the returning sophomores. Senior catcher Courtney Urano will be the captain on the field for the Rebels, while juniors Lisa Charney and Kristin Manville will provide a wealth of experience in the infield.
“We have a chance of breaking through this year,” said Young-Davis. “Our goal is to just improve what every game. Take what we lacked in one game and take it to the next. If we do the small things, the big things will happen.”