2008 BSU Softball Season Preview

February 13, 2008 | Softball

By: Ball State Athletics

Season Preview
Craig Nicholson enters his second season as the head coach of Ball State. One of Nicholson's off-season goals was to improve team defense. "We gave away to many runs last year, " Nicholson said. "We put an emphasis on becoming better defensively in the fall. In order to pull out a tough win against a quality opponent you have to play all seven innings the same, which means limiting errors."

Offensively, Nicholson believes his team has a lot of speed at the top of the order, followed by some power in the middle. "This team will have the ability to manufacture runs better than last year's team," Nicholson said. "We may not hit as many home runs as we did a year ago, but the run production should increase."

"We still need to change the team's mentality, and work on the approach we bring to each game. If we are confident in ourselves and consistent through all seven innings, I feel we will be able to come out on top in those close games."

"Overall, we have a more athletic team this year and I am excited about the upcoming season. The returning players have worked hard, and have improved."

Pitching
Elizabeth Milian, Amanda Pick, Laura Masch and newcomer Tiffany Garofano will be on the mound for the Cardinals in 2008. Garofano and Milian will see alot of innings, yet Nicholson says there is not a clear number one or number two.

"Each girl will have opportunities this year, the starter will be decided on who has the better matchup against our opponent," Nicholson said. "Tiffany is a power pitcher that uses good movement and change of speed to strike batters out. Elizabeth also has good power, but is more of a pitch to contact player. She gets a lot of ground balls and lazy pop flys which can be just as effective as a strikeout."

Both Pick and Masch will add experience to the pitching rotation. "Amanda has a good idea of how to get people out based on her experience," said Nicholson. "She has good location on her pitches and will be able to contribute innings to the team. Laura has a great change up and can be effective with her movement and change of pace."

Behind the Plate
Abby Gross returns for her senior season as the starting catcher for the Cardinals. Gross started all 56 games behind the plate for BSU in 2007. She already holds the career home run record for Ball State with 15, including her team-high eight home runs hit a year ago. Gross also broke the BSU single-season RBI record during her junior year with 41.

"Abby will bat clean up for us," Nicholson said. "She is one of the premier hitters in the conference, as well as a good experienced catcher behind the plate. She could have her best year yet with the opportunity to set more records."

Junior College transfer Natalie Bejarano will serve as the back-up catcher. "Natalie is a great athlete and a very good defensive catcher," Nicholson said. "She will be able to fill in for Abby at times, which is important in a season that has nearly 65 games on the schedule."

Sophomore Amber Wolf will see more time as the designated player than at catcher this season. Last year Wolf hit .253 with six doubles and a home run. "Amber has great hand eye coordination," said Nicholson. "She will get an opportunity to drive in runs."

Outfield
Allie Pennock and Brittany Jones return to form a solid core of outfielders for BSU. Pennock will get the start in right field, and hit second for the Cardinals. Last season Pennock led the team in steals with 26, and scored 37 runs which ranks second all-time at BSU. "Allie worked hard in the off-season," Nicholson said. "We will depend on Allie to use her speed to get on base and generate runs."

Jones and freshman Alyssa Collins will both spend time in leftfield for the Cards. "Brittany has great speed and is probably our best defensive outfielder," said Nicholson. "Alyssa is a slap hitter that can drive the ball."

Lisa Rozanski will start in centerfield and bat lead off for BSU, while Katelyn Gunderson will serve as a backup in the outfield. "Lisa has all the tools to be a great centerfielder," Nicholson said. "She can cover the field with her great speed, she also has a good arm. "Katelyn has the ability to play any outfield position, which is important during a long season."

Infield
The right side of the infield will have some familiar faces, while a pair of freshmen will take over on the left side. When Amanda Pick is not on the mound she will spend a majority of her time at first base. "Amanda is good at first base," Nicholson said. "She can cover bunts and at times can bail her teammates out by making plays on bad throws." At the plate Pick hit .235 last season with seven doubles and three home runs. "Amanda has all the tools to be a good hitter, she has the potential to have a great year, " Nicholson added. Courtney Gage will serve as the backup at first base.

Junior Kamilah Holle will move from shortstop to second base for the Cardinals in 2008. "Kam is moving to a more natural position," Nicholson said. "She did a great job filling in at shortstop last year but she has the opportunity to be even more productive playing second."

Newcomer Jen Moore will also see some time playing second base. "Jen has good power at the plate and runs really well," Nicholson said.

Freshman Alicia Barkley will start at shortstop. "Alicia is the most athletic player on the team," Nicholson said. "She has good arm strength and we have confidence in her to complete plays. Barkely will serve as the three-hole hitter for BSU. "Alicia can slap, bunt, or hit depending on who is on base and what we need her to do," Nicholson said.

Kathryn Wilczynski will make the transition to third base, as she was a shortstop in high school. "Kate has great hands and a good arm," Nicholson said. "She has a good idea of the strike zone at the plate and will wait for a good pitch to hit."

Kristy Stratton and Cassi Olp are two players that will see time in the infield and have the opportunity to pinch hit. "Kristy can play any infield position," Nicholson said. "Cassi is a slap hitter that runs really well."

Schedule
The Cardinals kickoff the 2008 season by facing the LSU Tigers in the Louisiana State Tournament on Feb. 15. The team will participate in six tournaments to begin the year. Eastern Illinois visits Muncie for the home opener March 18. Mid-American Conference play begins March 28, as the Cardinals host Ohio University in a doubleheader.

"Overall we have a good mix of opponents," Nicholson said. "We will test ourselves early in the year by playing some ranked teams, (#9 LSU, #18 Oregon State, #23 Ohio State) to see where we are at. Our goal is to get as many quality games in as we can to prepare ourselves for conference play."