Junior, junior, junior, junior, junior.

It’s not a lineup comprised of Sammy Davis, Frank Sinatra, Martin Luther King, Robert Downey or Cuba Gooding. It’s the bulk of St. Charles East’s softball roster.

And while a large crop of younger players may generate thoughts of inexperience or learning curves, nothing could be further from the truth for the Saints and first-year head coach Kelly Barnett.

“We have a lot of depth at every position,” Barnett said. “Every single day in practice is a battle for position.”

While the roster is full of juniors, most have experience and even accolades at the varsity level.

Claire Desrosiers (first team), Gaby Moe (first team) and Stephanie Roan (honorable mention) all received postseason honors in the Upstate Eight Conference, and the Saints have a senior and another all-UEC selection at one of the most crucial positions in softball in shortstop Rebecca Reinbold.

Reinbold (.321) and Desrosiers (.361) hit well over .300 last year while Roan were in the mid-.200’s.

Not only can Reinbold hit for average, she can also hit for power as evidenced by her 12 doubles and 25 RBIs while being named to the Republican’s all-area team last season.

“Rebecca Reinbold is an extremely talented young lady,” Barnett said. “And it’s really nice that right behind her we have two juniors ready to play. It’s only going to make her better putting that pressure on her.”

That scenario is playing out all over the diamond.

Moe went 9-3 with a 1.72 ERA and three shutouts as a pitcher last year, but even she could be challenged by incoming juniors Katie Stengler and Savannah Hupe.

“You can say someone is a No. 1 (pitcher),” Barnett said, “But you need a pitching staff to be successful. I’d really like to  use all three. Hopefully at the end of the year I can say we have three No. 1 pitchers.”

Returning seniors Rachel Edwards and Courtney Morgan as well as junior Kayla Brooks are all capable of playing at first base while Edwards and junior Alyssa Payleitner could both play at third base.

Barnett said seven players — Roan, Desrosiers, Hupe, Mary Kate Brooks, Pamela Sommer, Beth Carrignan and Casey Driessen — were vying for the three outfield spots. Since all can play defense, Barnett said the biggest deciding factor on which players make the starting lineup would come down to offense.

“If you can hit and get on base, you’re going to play,” the coach said. “This is a new year, a new chapter. You’ve got to bring it this year.”

In addition to the returning talent, more optimism stems from the fact that talent comes back at a higher level than it finished last season.

“This year, more than any other year, the girls came to tryouts in shape,” Barnett said. “That’s a testament to their work ethic and where they want to take their softball careers.

“They worked with their summer teams to be their best yet. It’s nice to see the kids come from different (summer) teams ready to do the right thing and ready to help the team.”

The Saints will see just how far they’ve come when they jump into UEC play, where elite teams like Lake Park, Neuqua Valley and Bartlett await.

“Our conference gets every team in it so prepared for the postseason because every single game you have to compete,” Barnett said. “Our goal is to take things one game, one day at a time.”

Saints by the numbers
3 All-conference players returning: Claire Desrosiers, Gaby Moe and Rebecca Reinbold

.183 Batting average against Moe last season

11 Juniors on the roster this season, along with four seniors and one sophomore

2002 Last time St. Charles East won a regional title

Conference Upstate Eight
Coach Kelly Barnett (1st year)
2008 record 15-14-1 overall (12-6 UEC)
Home field 1020 Dunham Road, St. Charles

Top returners
Claire Desrosiers        jr.    OF
Rachel Edwards          sr.    1B/3B
Courtney Morgan        sr.    C/1B
Gabriella Moe             jr.    P
Rebecca Reinbold       sr.    SS
Stephanie Roan          jr.    OF

Promising newcomers
Kayla Brooks              jr.    1B
Mary Kate Brooks       jr.    OF
Beth Carrignan           jr.    OF
Savannah Hupe          jr.    P/OF
Jenny Niemiec            jr.    2B/SS
Pamela Sommer         sr.    OF
Katie Stengler             jr.    P/IF

NEXT HOME GAME
April 20 vs. Geneva, 4:30 p.m.

KEY GAMES
April 22 at Bartlett UEC-contending Hawks will challenge Saints in all facets

April 28 at St. Charles North Crosstown battle is always game to keep eye on

May 1 & 2 at St. Charles East invite Tourney offers respite during rugged conference season

May 19 at Lake Park Despite coaching change, Lancers still one of best UEC teams and good test just before playoffs

5 YEAR TREND
2008    Regional semifinals
2007    Regional semifinals
2006    Regional semifinals
2005    Regional semifinals
2004    Regional semifinals

QUOTABLE
“I think we’re really blessed this year. The athletes we have, you can tell these kids have worked for 12 years to be on the varsity level.”
— Kelly Barnett, St. Charles East coach