The Madras Pioneer

Abendschein tosses Buffs into IMC mix

Junior hurler is on target from pitching circle

Photo by Joe McHaney/The Pionneer

Madras junior pitcher Maycee Abendschein delivers a pitch during a Madras intersquad scrimmage March 12. Abendschein was named an Intermountain Conference second-team pitcher last season.

Joe McHaney

March 16, 2010

Madras' varsity softball hitters struggled some at the plate last Friday during an intersquad scrimmage.

That's because they were hacking away at pitches from junior hurler Maycee Abendschein, who is one of the top returning pitchers in the Intermountain Conference this season.

Abendschein is one of several key returnees for the White Buffalos, who look to improve upon what was a disappointing 6-15 IMC record last year.

"She has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in the IMC," Madras head coach Shawna McConnell said of Abendschein. "She worked very hard in the offseason and I expect big things from her."

While Madras will lean on the right arm of Abendschein, the White Buffalos will also turn to several freshmen to fill spots vacated by eight seniors from last year's squad that finished 9-17 overall.

"I'm excited to see how our freshmen will respond under pressure," Abendschein said. "We're going to make errors, but it's how we respond to those errors that will determine how we hold up."

Abendschein will toss to honorable mention catcher and junior JoElla Smith, who is strong and athletic.

"The two work well together," McConnell said of Abendschein and Smith. "Jo knows Maycee well and can help her when she gets rattled."

Smith and Abendschein hit for high averages and so can third baseman Alex Holcomb, who has the ability to belt home runs.

"Alex can hit. She's a big hitter," McConnell said of the junior.

Junior Lauren Short provides leadership for the White Buffalos, who do not have a senior on the roster. Short will log innings at second base and leadoff for Madras.

"She brings maturity to the team," McConnell said. "Some are calling this a rebuilding year, but players like Lauren do not think so and the girls are determined to compete with teams in the IMC."

Freshman Sarah Brown and Inez Jones will share time at first base and freshman Jamie Moe will play short stop.

"Our freshmen are working very hard on situations and fundamentals," McConnell said. "They're young, but there is a ton of potential."

In the outfield, sophomore Mallory Smith will play center field.

"Mallory is quick and she reads the ball very well," McConnell said.

The corner outfielders are a work in progress. Norene Sampson will see time in the outfield, but a season-ending injury to Sierra Studnick has left Madras thin in the outfield.

"It's just up in the air right now," McConnell said. "We're working to find the most consistent players to fill our corner spots."

Despite Madras' lopsided record, the IMC was very competitive last season. Pendleton and The Dalles-Wahtonka advanced to the Class 5A semifinals before bowing out of the state tournament. Summit and Crook County were no slouches either.

"The IMC was really good last year, but it's a turnover year," McConnell said. "Pendleton will be good, but after that it's wide open."

Pendleton returns IMC Pitcher of the Year Alex Hillmick. The PHS senior is one of the top pitchers in the state, but McConnell believes Abendschein can hang with the Buckaroo star pitch for pitch.

"Maycee has five different pitches and working on a sixth," McConnell said. "She can be as good if not better than Hillmick, but we have to back her up in the field."

The White Buffalos graduated several vital players from last year's squad. IMC first-team infielder Kara Katchia hammered the ball at the plate and the squad lost veteran leaders like Marisa Hulsey, Hansina Martin, Olivia Parkins and Rachel Aimone -- all of whom earned IMC honorable mention honors.

"We just have to get our freshmen comfortable and we will be fine," McConnell said. "This group has a great attitude and is working very hard."

Madras opened its season at Sisters Tuesday after press deadline and will not host a home game until April 1 against Mountain View.