[ Normally, the Kansas State High School Activities Association

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, May 28, 2004 by Kevin Haskin Capital-Journal

WINFIELD --- Normally, the Kansas State High School Activities Association attempts to avoid pairing teams from the same league in the first round of a state tournament.

But in the case of Class 5A softball, which begins today at the Broadway Recreation Complex, the familiar rematch was not avoided. Shawnee Heights (19-3) drew the No. 3 seed and is pitted against Centennial League rival Seaman (17-5) at 7 p.m.

"You never want to play a league opponent in the first round of the state tournament," said Seaman coach Kevin Hoffmans, "but on the other side of that, you know what you're getting."

"It's weird," said Heights coach Steve Giddens. "All year long I'd had a hunch we'd see them again, like maybe in the regional finals, because we knew they were a solid team. That's about all I want to say. I don't want to add any fuel to the fire."

At least the teams are on the opposite side of the bracket from the top seed, Wichita Carroll (21-1), which opens against Ottawa (16- 6) at 5 p.m.

Carroll has claimed six state softball titles, while Ottawa captured the 4A title last season. The field also includes defending 5A champ Salina South (18-4).

Heights, which is making its fourth straight state appearance, earned a sweep over Seaman during league play, winning 8-4 and 4-2.

The composition of the two rosters is vastly different.

Seven seniors lead the T-Birds, a wealth of experience Giddens hopes he can continue building into his upper class each season.

"They really have taken on a leadership role," Giddens said. "They're out of school, and have been for a week, yet they're here early for practice and have everything set up when we're ready to start."

Seaman, meanwhile, carries no seniors after returning just three starters at the beginning of the year.

"We've grown up a lot throughout the season and are basically approaching this thing as a learning experience," Hoffmans said. "We can get hot and catch fire, or it can go the other direction, but that's fine because it's a learning experience."

The bulk of the pitching load for the Vikings has been handled by LeighAnna Kruger, who is 11-3 with 1.57 earned run average. Megan Williams is hitting .508 and seven extra-base hits.

Shawnee Heights' power has been supplied by Dani White, who led the city with six homers and 32 RBI during the regular season. Erica Cowhick carries the T-Birds' top batting average. Kacie Kennedy (9- 2) and Kelli Watson (8-2) split the T-Birds' pitching duties.

"We've pitched well, played good defense and the bats have come through when we needed them, too," Giddens said. "We have a higher hitting percentage than we've had in the past, and that has to do with being more patient."

6A: High in field

LAWRENCE --- Topeka High earned a surprise trip to the 6A state softball tournament after upsetting Manhattan 2-0 in last week's regional final.

High (13-9) drew top-seeded Olathe East (21-1) in a 5 p.m. first- round game today at the Clinton Lake Complex.

Kathleen Jolly earned each of the Trojans' regional wins, hurling a four-hit shutout in the title game.