Apr 1, 2003 By Jim Wexell For The 3 min read

Beth-Center is the defending WPIAL Class A softball runner-up and returns six starters, including four all-Section 6 players. Beth-Center, however, has started its season with four losses in seven games. Should the Bulldogs be worried?

“I don’t know,” said coach Frank Mazeppa. “We have to wait and see on that.”

Truth be told, Beth-Center got off to a 4-5 start last year before winning 13 in a row on its way to the title game, where it lost to Sto-Rox. So it’s clear Mazeppa knows what he’s doing.

For example, he takes his team to Florida where it plays some of the best opposition in the country. Two of the Beth-Center losses were at the hands of the defending Class AAA Minnesota state champion. Another loss occurred the other night against local Class AAA power Connellsville in eight innings.

“That could’ve gone either way,” Mazeppa said.

Beth-Center did beat quality teams from Ohio and Oregon during the Florida trip.

“We like to go down there. It gives me a good, long look at the kids,” Mazeppa said. “By the time we get back here, we’re ready to make the adjustments we have to make. Up here, you don’t get a good look because of the weather, so it takes longer to make those decisions.”

One of those decisions involves a change on the mound. Returning all-section pitcher Kristi Mazzaferri, a senior, will play left field this year. On the mound will be either Stacey Greenawalt – the all-section catcher – or Chelsea Stotka.

“It’s progressing, getting better every day,” was all Mazeppa would say about the transition.

The other returning all-stars are junior second baseman Lesley Kurjanowicz and junior first baseman Breanne Paletta. They, along with graduated all-section infielder Jamie Brady, led Beth-Center to the Section 6-A title (10-0) and a 17-7 overall record. It was the third consecutive section title for Beth-Center, which has yet to win a WPIAL title.

That could happen this year with an offense that leads off with Kurjanowicz, followed by designated hitter Alisha Holt, Mazzaferri, Greenawalt and Paletta. Mazzaferri and Kurjanowicz were the team’s top hitters last year and Holt was the leading hitter in Florida.

“Last year we were a pretty decent offensive team,” Mazeppa said. “Although the bats haven’t come around yet, I certainly expect them to.”

Defensively, Beth-Center is led by Paletta and Kurjanowicz on the right side of the infield. They combined to make only two errors last season. Center fielder Tammy Penland is the go-getter in the outfield.

The remaining starters are shortstop Lauren Kuntz, third baseman Courtney Kurowski, catcher Kim Urcho and right fielder Julie Bakewell. “Because we are making some changes, one being pitching, we’re going to be patient, take it one game at time,” Mazeppa said. “I know it’s a clich?, but we have to do it that way. I can’t take it much further than that.”