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Lawrence Softball Preview

2007 record: 5-15, didn't make state tourney

Returning starters (1): Lucy Francisco, Jr., SS

Returning lettermen: Michelle Costello, Jr., OF;  Kristine Loosowski, Sr., P/OF; Minerva Rivera, Jr., OF;  Ramona Moore, Sr., OF

Promising newcomers: Johelly Hernandez, Sr., 1B; Luz Brenz, Jr., 3B; Jen Pagan, Soph., OF; Jericka Santiago, Frosh., C; Kelly Sicard, Frosh., INF

Candidates in all grades: 75

Captains: Lucy Francisco

Assistants: Dan Blouin; Tricia Arrajj, volunteer

Opener: Hosts PMA April 3

Odds and ends: Jenn Arrajj, who was a four-year catcher for the Lancers, takes over for Andy Reusch, who coached 25 years.  Arrajj, who was the Eagle-Tribune MVP in 1994, teaches at the School for Exceptional Studies in Lawrence. She has been coaching in a women's league the last 10 years. ... Arrajj's younger sister Tricia Arrajj, a 2000 Lawrence graduate, is serving as a volunteer assistant. ...... Junior shortstop Lucy Francisco, who is a two-year starter and captain, is an Eagle-Tribune All-Star in soccer. ... Kristine Loosowski, who didn't pitch at the high school last year, is expected to do the bulk of the hurling. ... MVC All-Star third baseman Stephany Colon will miss the season for medical reasons. ... Three-sport star Johelly Hernandez started off at Lawrence, transferred to Greater Lawrence, and is back at Lawrence for her senior year. ... The Lancers have only made the state tourney once since 1995.

Coach Jenn Arrajj (1st year): "I wouldn't call this a rebuilding year. A lot of the girls have been together playing basketball. ... Realistically, I'm hoping we can be around .500, but I know the girls are hoping for better. Our strength is that we have some pretty good bats and speed at the top of the lineup, and we have a good leader in Lucy (Francisco).  She'll be our glue. Pitching is our biggest concern."