Six County Players on SCCC Roster

By Ted Waddell
LOCH SHELDRAKE — March 28, 2000 -- Chris DePew, first-year coach of Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) women’s softball team, has a hard road ahead of him.
DePew inherited a team that has won only three games in the last several years. Last season, the Lady Generals’ softball team won two, none in 1998 and recorded a solo win in 1997. Before that, it’s anybody’s guess.
During the 1999 season, a lot of their games never made it to the seventh inning, because of the 10-run mercy rule.
“We would score runs, but we just couldn’t keep the other teams off the bases and scoring a lot more,” recalled DePew. “The main goal of the program this year is to turn some attention to it, because it’s been neglected for so long. Softball-wise, I think I can build this program to the level of [where] the men’s basketball program is currently. And that’s very successful.”
Twelve players comprise the team, six who recently graduated from area high schools, and an equal number from out of the area. Lacy Dalrymple, Barbara Dertinger, Amanda Weickum and Jessica Wright are “locals” are from Livingston Manor, Lori Brown and Heather Winderl graduated from Tri-Valley.
The team is scheduled to play 11 double headers this season. DePew said he considers Orange County Community College (OCCC), ranked third in the nation last year, to be the toughest opponent.
“I believe that for the first time in several years, Sullivan will put a competitive team on the field this year,” said DePew. “We have three strong returning players and we’ve added a good mix of freshmen to compliment them.
“From what I have observed at this level thus far, pitching is the name of the game,” he added. “Fortunately for us, we have a pretty good one. Jessica Wright will keep us in games and we will score some runs, but it is how we hold up defensively that will be the key.”
“The team is focused and working very hard, and I am optimistic about qualifying for the Region XV Tournament,” said DePew. “I don’t think we can compete with Orange, Ulster and a couple other elite teams in the region, but we should win some games.”
DePew served as assistant softball coach to Jack Mager last season, and was appointed to the position of professor of sports management/coach on August 25, 1999. He came to SCCC last year as director of athletic facilities recreation equipment and assistant AD. DePew also serves as assistant coach of the SCCC Generals men’s basketball team.
DePew was raised in Kerhonkson, and graduated from Rondout Valley HS in 1986. He played basketball and baseball at Ulster Community College for two years before transferring to Cortland State, where in 1991 he received a degree in recreation education.
For nine years prior to coming to SCCC, DePew coached track and field and cross country teams at Rondout Valley.
He has played on several fast-pitch softball teams over the past 12 years, including back-to-back state championship recreation league teams in 1997 and ’98.
A Closer Look
*Lori Brown: Sophomore tri-captain, Tri-Valley CS. Honorable Mention Mid-Hudson Conference pick last year, when she batted .398 with 14 RBI and eight stolen bases. Will play second and third base. “With an above average bat and glove, she will bat second for the Lady Generals.”
*Lacy Dalrymple: Freshman, Livingston Manor CS. Will see time at second and third base, and is slated to bat second or fifth. “She is a great talent with a good arm, glove and bat. I expect big things from Lacy.”
*Joliette Davis: Freshman, Lincoln HS. “Joliette is just learning the game and will see some time at first base and in the outfield. She is working hard and getting better each day.”
*Barbara Dertinger: Sophomore tri-captain, Livingston Manor CS. Slated to anchor the shortstop spot for the second year, clean-up hitter, listed by the NJCAA Softball Guide as one of the top 60 returning Division III players in the nation. “She will be the heart and soul of this team, and I will depend on Barbara to lead the team… an outstanding glove and arm.”
*Lucy Lopez: Freshman, George Washington HS. “Will be used mainly as a utility infielder/outfielder, designated/pinch hitter, and will vie for the ninth starting spot. With a good arm and a decent glove, Lucy’s strength lies with her bat.”
*Lorraine Fernandez: Freshman, Dewitt Clinton HS. Although she has never played competitive softball, Fernandez will guard the plate as catcher. “She is a quick learner with an above average arm… will improve steadily as the season progresses.”
*Janelle Herrera: Freshman, Health Opportunities. Will start the season at first base and see some time in the outfield. “Janelle has a decent arm and a good glove, but her strong point is her bat. I look for big things from her in the fifth spot in the batting order.”
*Betty Pimentel: Freshman, Dewitt Clinton HS. Scheduled to see time on the mound and in the outfield. “Though just learning to pitch, she has shown good improvement since we started practicing. A good batter, Betty will see time as a DH this year.”
*Mirlene Rosario: Freshman, George Washington HS. With a decent bat and arm, will start somewhere between the seventh-ninth slot in the batting order. “She has shown tremendous improvement since the first day of practice and will vie for the remaining starting spot in the outfield.”
*Amanda Weickum: Freshman, Livingston Manor CS. Starter on last year’s Western Sullivan League (WSL) championship team, the Lady Wildcats. Will be the leadoff batter. “With excellent speed, an above average bat and a decent arm, she will start in either left or right field, and will also see some time at second.”
*Heather Winderl: Sophomore tri-captain, Tri-Valley CS. Last year, she batted .400 with a homer, 17 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. Listed in the NJCAA Softball Guide as one of the top 60 returning JUCO Division III players in the nation. Will bat third. “I expect her experience and leadership to carry us… will be our field general in center field… has all the tools with an excellent glove, bat and arm.”
*Jessica Wright: Freshman, Livingston Manor CS. The left-handed pitcher was picked as the WSL’s MVP last season. Scheduled to bat seventh or eighth. “She is a great talent for this level, and we are lucky to have her. Just having her on the mound is going to win some games for us this year.”