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Sibling centerfielders encourage, inspire each other

By Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
In print: Sunday, March 23, 2008

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ADVERTISEMENT [DANIEL WALLACE | Times] Ethan Lovell is making the most of his senior season after being slowed by injuries as a junior.

LITHIA

It might be by coincidence that Newsome's Ethan and Laura Lovell play the same position (centerfield) and hit in the same place in their respective batting orders (leadoff), but it's not coincidence how important they are to their teams. ¶ The siblings are key parts to the Wolves' early success in baseball and softball as both teams aim to better last year's state final four appearances. Since Ethan, a senior, was 6 and Laura, a junior, was 5, the Lovells have had a healthy sibling rivalry. Their games mirror each other in many ways. And in the classroom, both take honors and AP classes. Oh, and they have a computer applications class together. "It's cool because I can make her do my homework," Ethan jokes.

No. 3 Ethan Lovell

Senior, CF

Ethan has rebounded from an injury-riddled junior season to become the spark plug at the top of Newsome's batting order. His .500 average leads the team, as do his 17 runs scored and seven walks.

"He kind of slipped through the cracks a little bit," Newsome baseball coach Zach Walker said. "He's a phenomenal kid. He sees a lot of pitches. He hits the ball well. Probably the best thing opponents will say about him is how well he runs. Out in centerfield, we call him our little Labrador."

Ethan's favorite part of his game is baserunning. His seven stolen bases are second most in the county.

"I like it because that's the best way to put pressure on the defense," he said.

It's no coincidence Lovell is 13-for-27 during the Wolves' nine-game win streak. In that span, he owns a four-RBI game against Freedom and a four-run game against Bloomingdale.

Though he doesn't get to see his sister play much, they often discuss their games at home.

"I try to teach her things and help her out," Ethan said. "It's cool because we get to talk to each other about each game and what we wanted to do better."

No. 4 Laura Lovell

Junior, CF

Laura always wanted to be as good — or better — as her older brother.

"I wanted to be like him," Laura said. "And it always made me work harder. I'd go out and make him practice with me. And I'd always want to outdo him. But anytime I got two hits, it seemed like he'd get three."

Laura is still getting her share of hits. She is hitting .432 from the top of Newsome's order and her 19 hits lead the team. Like her older brother, she's a patient hitter (11 walks, tied for second on the team) with the ability to score runs (14, tied for first on the team). She is 7-for-7 in stolen bases.

In an 11-2 win over Colonial, Laura had two hits, two runs and two steals.

After playing leftfield her freshman year and rightfield last season, Laura has found a home in center.

"I like center the best because I feel more in charge. I feel more in control because people depend on you more."

The Wolves (11-5) have won nine of their past 10, and seven of those games ended with the 10-run mercy rule.

"There might be a little more pressure on us this year," Laura said. "But I actually think we've got a better team this year. We can beat anyone."