By J.C. Baumuller
Managing Editor
Published: March 26, 2008

"We haven’t had a lot of success lately," said Holy Angels coach Sue Liddy. "If we go .500 this will be a successful season."

The key for the Angels is their offense. Last year they got great pitching from Krissi Gorsuch and Liz Best, both of who are back on the team this season.

But they lost a lot of one- and two-run games last year when the offense did not come through in key situations.

"The pitching and defense will be there," said Liddy. "We need offense. They need to hit the ball and not take too many pitches."

"Our hitting will be stronger this year," said Best. "We are young and strong and have a lot of positive energy. Everybody wants to be here."

Gorsuch agrees, saying that she worked with a new hitting coach that has changed her stance and she is hitting the ball better.

"And Liz is hitting well," she said. "The [other] girls practiced a lot more in the off season. They have shown a lot of commitment."

Best and Gorsuch will switch off at first base and pitching and each brings something different to the mound, especially since Best is left handed and Gorsuch is a right-hander.

"It changes the pace of the game," said Best, "having a lefty and righty thrower. It gives the batter something different to look at with different angles and speeds."

Liddy also plans to work some of the younger kids into the lineup. Shortstop Demetria Zayat started last year as a sophomore.

"And the outfielders are all underclassmen," said Liddy.

The pitching is solid but the team’s fate will come down to the hitting.

"We have the attitude that we want to win," said Best. "The energy is contagious. The hitting is contagious. Once one of us starts hitting, everyone starts hitting."

"We beat St. Mary’s is a scrimmage for the first time in a long time," said Liddy. "It made everybody feel good.

"It’s a new season and everyone is ready to go.

Last season’s record: 8-15

Key players: P/1B Liz Best, 2B Nina Bruno, P/1B Krissi Gorsuch, seniors

Outlook: The pitching is solid but the teams’s success will likely be decided by the play of the underclassmen.The pitching is solid but the teams’s success will likely be decided by the play of the underclassmen.8-15 P/1B Liz Best, 2B Nina Bruno, P/1B Krissi Gorsuch, seniors The pitching is solid but the teams’s success will likely be decided by the play of the underclassmen.

E-mail: baumuller@northjersey. com or call 201-894-6702