 Kristy Gordon/Collegian photographerAmanda Baughman, junior outfielder, connects during batting practice last week as Michelle Dreiling, sophomore catcher, waits in position. The softball team plays its first game tomorrow against Dakota Wesleyan. [Click to enlarge]
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An anxious team will take the field tomorrow in Shawnee, Okla. The Moundbuilder softball team looks to put last year's 6-30 record behind them.
The team is optimistic it will be able to do just that.
Kayla Tibbs, junior pitcher, said, "We have many strengths among the 19 girls on the team. Our leadership is definitely stronger this year along with our fielding and batting line up.
"We are always looking to improve our season from the past years we have played. I definitely think we have the talent to go much farther than we did last year."
The team questioned its commitment last year, but they feel this season doesn't include a lack of enthusiasm. Monica Sauber, sophomore shortstop, said, "This year we have more players that are willing to give it all they've got to play. Last year not that many people cared and it really showed on the field. This year we have a good chance at being a really good team. Our main strength is that we all get along and work well together."
The ladies bring a young team to the plate this season. Nine freshmen are featured on the team that goes 19 deep. There are also four sophomores on the team.
Tibbs said, "Along with having a very strong team we are also very young. Most of the girls on our team have never played at this level and it will
be interesting to see how some of them react. However I do feel that all of the girls on our team have the strong mental game to bare the pressure of this level of play."
Nicole Wilson, freshman second baseman, said, "The freshman class is very diverse in what we can do. We have solid infielders and outfielders. We have players who have speed and work the short game, and we have players who can hit it to the fence."
The team expects contributions from the freshmen right away. Tibbs said, "The freshmen who came in this year are very strong players and will help us out in many different ways. We received two great transfers that have added a lot of strength among the team."
Before the season has even started, injuries are already starting to be an issue.
Sauber, who went to the doctor last week for an injury, said, "I found out that I do have a hairline fracture and that I will have a cast on for three weeks and then I go back to the doctor to find out when for sure I will be back."
Wilson said, "I found out in be interesting to see how some of them react. However I do feel that all of the girls on our team have the strong mental game to bare the pressure of this level of play."
Nicole Wilson, freshman second base, said, "The freshman class is very diverse in what we can do. We have solid infielders and outfielders. We have players who have speed and work the short game, and we have players who can hit it to the fence."
The team expects contributions from the freshmen right away.
Tibbs said, "The freshmen who came in this year are very strong players and will help us out in many different ways. We received two great transfers that have added a lot of strength among the team."
Before the season has even started, injuries are already starting to be an issue.
Sauber, who went to the doctor last week for an injury, said, "I found out that I do have a hairline fracture and that I will have a cast on for three weeks and then I go back to the doctor to find out when for sure I will be back."
Wilson said, "I found out in October that I had a heart condition known as WPW. I basically had an irregular heartbeat due to an extra open pathway in my heart. February 19 I had surgery to have it burned out. It wasn't open heart. They used catheters, so I should be able to play this season."
The team won't have to wait long to find out what they're made of. They play four out of the next six days and will visit Sterling for a tournament over spring break.
Tibbs said, "I think right now our team goals are to play together and succeed together. As of the ending of the season obviously we hope to be high in rankings and win conference."
Anthony Cook is a junior majoring in communication. You may e-mail him at anthony.cook@sckans.edu.
2008 Woodie Awards
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