Ball State University Athletics
Season Preview: Softball Hopes To Build On Last Season
February 11, 2009 | Softball
MUNCIE, Ind. ? The Ball State University softball team returns to the field for its 34th season of play after posting an overall record of 36-32 in 2008. Despite losing two seniors, including one All-Mid-American Conference selection, the Cardinals hope to build on last year with 14 returning letterwinners, seven returning starters and six newcomers.
Head Coach Craig Nicholson, in his third season as head coach at Ball State, expects quality play this year with a core group of players. "Winning the West division is at the top of our list," he said.
Pitching:
Nicholson said pitching is a strength of this team. Elizabeth Milian returns for her junior year as the team's top pitcher over the last two years. As a Second Team All-Conference selection last year, she posted a 2.38 ERA and struck out 139 batters in 217.1 innings. “Elizabeth pitched a lot of big games, including three-and-a-half games last year in the MAC Tournament. She's gotten stronger and more experienced,” Nicholson said.
In addition, seniors Tiffany Garofano and Laura Masch, as well as newcomer Kim Mazzapica will add depth to the group of right handed pitchers. “They all have things they do very well. I know they will give us a chance to win more games,” Nicholson said. Freshman Katie Rynex rounds out the pitching staff. Nicholson said she will come in and throw some innings as she learns from the experienced pitchers around her.
Catching:
Opposite the pitchers, Natalie Bejarano will handle most of the catching duties this year. She caught 20 games as a junior last season, gaining experience at the Division I level after transferring from Mesa Community College. “I know Natalie will be solid behind the plate, and will help our pitching staff a lot,” Nicholson said. Freshman Amanda Montalto will also add talent behind the plate. “Amanda is good defensively, but very good offensively for us too. She will most likely be a pinch hitter or designated player as well,” Nicholson said.
Outfield:
Nicholson said he feels really good about senior Allie Pennock and sophomores Lisa Rozanski and Alyssa Collins returning. The trio has done a lot of things defensively, as well as offensively. Rozanski was the leadoff hitter last year for the Cardinals. She tallied 38 hits and led the conference with 43 stolen bases. Pennock collected six multiple-hit games. She hit very well in conference play, leading the team with a .417 slugging percentage during that time. Collins started all 68 games as a freshman, scoring 34 runs and logging 25 stolen bases. “They are certainly an offensive strength for our ball club,” Nicholson said.
Jen Moore also adds experience to the mix. “Jen played some at second base, but will be a bigger factor in the outfield for us,” Nicholson said. The Cardinals also return sophomore Katelyn Gunderson, who saw action in 41 games last season, and welcome freshman Jackie Durment to the outfield as well.
Infield:
The Cardinals' third baseman, Kathryn Wilczynski; shortstop Alicia Barkley; and second baseman, Kamilah Holle all return. “The left side of our infield was tremendous last year,” Nicholson said. Wilczynski and Barkley were both freshmen who played at least 66 games each. “Alicia is a huge part of what we do offensively. She hit .320 as a freshman and will hopefully keep it going. Kathryn is poised to have a very big year as well. She had a very good second half of the season after adjusting to college play,” Nicholson said. Holle moved from shortstop to second base last season and had a very good year defensively there.
The team also brought in transfer and First Team All-America selection, Jen Reifschneider, from Pratt Community College. “Jen is a power kid, as well as a big target at first base." Nicholson said.
"The 5'10” transfer handles the glove well." Sophomore Kristy Stratton started three games for the Cardinals last year. “Kristy can play any position in the infield when we need her, so that's big to have that versatility there,” Nicholson said. Freshman Lisa Cappa will add talent at second base.
Schedule:
Ball State opens its season against UNC?Greensboro in the Georgia Tournament begining February 20. The team will participate in 23 games over the course of three tournaments to begin preseason play. “The draw of those schedules will challenge us. We are playing 12 teams that finished in the Top 50 RPI,” Nicholson said.
The Cardinal's home opener is set for March 18 as Ball State hosts Valparaiso. The team then faces Central Michigan on the road to begin Mid-American Conference play March 27.
“It's not about how many games we expect to win, its more about getting ourselves prepared for the MAC and playing well at the end of the year to give ourselves a chance to win in the tournament,” Nicholson said.
The Cardinals took part in the MAC Tournament last season as the seventh seed for the first time since 2002, finishing 2-2. “Until last year, no one on the current roster, coaching staff included, had been to the MAC Tournament. We hope to use that experience from last year to build on and give us a big lift,” Nicholson said.
“We put together a very solid schedule. The big thing is staying positive and being resilient without destroying our psyche,” Nicholson said.
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