Players

TAMMY PECKAM, Pitcher

The “rookie” on the Lionettes last year, Tammy figures to improve under the watchful eyes of Nance Ito and Donna Lopiano. A strong young pitcher, Tammy is a product of the local Bobby Sox and IGS programs. Tammy has won several awards for the most shut outs/no hit games while competing in the I.G.S. She has all the tools and needs only to work hard to realize her potential as a top WPS pitcher.

MARY LOU PENNINGTON, Catcher

Mary Lou Pennington, a long-time Lionette opponent, was the regular San Jose Sunbird catcher last season. A strong hitter who likes to swing and hates to bunt, Mary Lou was selected M.V.P. of the first WPS All-Star game last year. “Moving the pitcher’s mound back four feet shouldn’t affect the strong Lionette pitching staff very much,” assured Pennington. It will, however, provide the base runner with an extra step, but Mary Lou is confident that she can cope with that problem.

JACKIE LEDBETTER, Catcher-Infield-Outfield

Jackie is the only survivor of the Lionettes open tryouts this year. This fact is particularly significant when you consider that seven players that started on WPS teams last season couldn’t make this year’s Lionette roster. A left hander, Jackie has impressed manager Ito with her bat as well as her strong arm. In the tryouts and practice Jackie has played catcher, first base and in the outfield. The “rookie” is going to be tough to keep out of the lineup.

MICKEY DAVIS, Outfield

Mickey Davis, the Pete Rose of Women’s Professional Softball, has been a mainstay in the Lionette outfield for the past eight seasons and seems to get better each year. A free swinger, Mickey’s batting average suffered last season, but figures to improve under manager Nance Ito’s aggressive offensive style. Her speed and hustle were important ingredients in many of the Lionette victories on the way to last season’s WPS playoffs. A fan favorite, Mickey figures strongly in future Lionette plans.

STEPHANY TENNEY, Infield

Stephany was the starting Lionette shortstop last season and was one of the best until she was hit by a pitched ball and broke her wrist. Her return to the lineup late in the season helped the Lionettes make the playoffs. A steady fielder with a quick release, Stephany has been a consistent 300 hitter. The Lionettes are looking for Stephany to provide the experience and consistency necessary to overtake Connecticut this year.

ROSIE ADAMS, Infield

Rosie started her Lionette career as a 10-year old bat girl. She played in her first national tournament game on her 14th birthday. Since that time Rosie has split her career between the Lionettes and the Raybestos Brakettes. She has been on 4 national championship teams and has been selected on four national all-star teams. Noted for her quick hands and strong bat, Rosie hopes to pick up where she left off after a year’s absence from competitive softball.

DEBBIE RICKETTS, Outfield

Debbie has been the Lionette’s centerfielder for four years. She has speed, a strong arm and a consistent bat. A starting guard for the nationally ranked CSUF basketball team Debbie seems to rise to the occasion under pressure. Paired with Mickey Davis, Debbie gives the Lionettes one of the fastest outfields in the league, regardless of who plays in right field.

DEBBIE ALLEN, Infield

In her three years with the Lionettes, Debbie has played shortstop, outfield and first base. She is slated to see a lot of action at first base this season, but her versatility will come in handy over the long WPS schedule. If anyone deserves the tag “Miss Inspiration” – it’s Debbie Allen. She gives 190% and picks up the entire team with her spirit and hustle.

VICKI SCHNEIDER, Infield-Outfield

Vicki was brought up to the Chicago Ravens in mid-season last year to fill a hole at third base. Her strong bat, speed on the bases, strong arm and steady glove plugged the leak at third base and helped the Ravens make the Eastern Division playoffs. Vicki’s first hit came off Joan Joyce on her 21st birthday last season.

DONNA MAGA, Pitcher-Outfield

Donna was a late starter last season. Her strong bat down the stretch was responsible for keeping the Lionettes in the race for the playoffs. Her pitching should improve with the guidance and experience of Donna Lopiano and Nance Ito. Look for Donna in the outfield when she’s not pitching this season.

JENNIE HINKLE, Outfield

It took Jennie a little while to get started last year, but during the second half of the WPS season, she blistered opposing pitchers with a barrage of extra base hits. As the starting left fielder with the San Diego Sandpipers last year, Jennie provided most of the offense to support Nancy Welborn’s pitching as the Sandpipers battled the Lionettes down to the final day of the season for a playoff berth. Lionette pitchers are glad she’s on our side.

LINDA McMORRAN, Infield-Outfield

Linda was the starting shortstop for the Southern California Gems last season. Voted the most improved player by her teammates, Linda is going to see a lot of action for the Lionettes this year. Many of her 82 hits last season were for extra bases and her .255 batting average and constant improvement convinced manager Ito that Linda would be an asset for the Lionettes this season.

ADELE JOHNSON, Infield

Adele does her job quietly but efficiently. The starting second baseman for the San Diego Sandpipers last season, she drove other clubs crazy. She may draw a walk, get a hit on error and advance the runner with a ground ball to the opposite field, score two runs, steal two bases and the stats show her going 0 for 2. But her team beat you 2-0. The Lionettes are glad she’s on our side.