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Both Coaches Doug Marion and Preston Dockter agreed; they were pleased with the success of the Pahrump Valley High School baseball and fast-pitch softball teams at tournaments in Arizona last weekend.

They also echoed the view that both teams have to work on some problems. The baseball team still lacks veteran pitching; eligibility is an issue and some boys have yet to catch onto the idea that they have to be in good physical condition in both the classroom and on the field to play the game.

The fact that the Trojans were Nevada Class 3-A state runnersup last spring is history; it has no bearing on how they have to approach the 2008 campaign -- Pahrump Valley's last in 3-A. Next spring, the Trojans will be in the always tough Sunset Region Southwest Division, which includes perennial Class 4-A powers Las Vegas Durango, Sierra Vista and Bishop Gorman.

And, they still have to develop the skills and confidence to go after defending state champion Faith Lutheran. Only one state playoff berth is open to a Southern Nevada team this spring -- in baseball and fast-pitch.

Some good young players -- including Mike Franco, Sam Morrow, Ed Martinez, Garrett Darr, Jaret Holley and Tyler Lepley -- are working hard under the direction of Marion and varsity assistant coaches Rich Lauver and Urbano Sanchez. Veterans like Ethan Wald, John McHugh, Iggy Wagner, Daniel Miller, Danny Cazier, Tyler Raymer and Cody Nielsen have to have solid performances, as well as provide leadership, on and off the field.

The Trojans, who were 4-2 in the River Valley tournament last weekend, return to action at noon Saturday against homestanding Las Vegas Canyon Springs.

In softball, how the defense plays behind senior righthanders Ashleah Barney and Tori Thomas will be the most important elements in the PVHS scheme. When the defense rocked at the River Valley tournament last weekend, the Trojans breezed to five victories; when it struggled, as in an 11-0 loss to Arizona power Lakeside Blue Ridge, every phase of the game was adversely affected.

The Lady Trojans, who are in St. George, Utah, today and Saturday for another tournament, have been to the state tournament five of the last six years. Standing in their way of another trip is Faith Lutheran's Crusaders, led by Jessie Tracy, pitcher-fielder-hitter extraordinaire.

Seniors Barney and Thomas, first baseman Christine Gamble and second baseman Emily Poertner give PVHS valuable experience, but they have to help stabilize the performances of sophomore catcher Becca Gamble and sophomore shortstop Taylor Raymer.

In the outfield are Chelsea Cochrell and Shayna Smith, who have varsity experience, and freshman Casey Scheller. And ready to contribute behind the plate is Liberty Gamble.

Dockter has several young players ready to make an impact, which makes it vital that the PV girls keep the pressure on opponents in the tournament this week and another one in Kingman, Ariz., the following week to give those youngsters an opportunity to play.