Softball Readies for Year
February 3, 2009
WEATHERFORD , Okla. - The Southwestern Oklahoma State University softball program starts its 2009 season with both its coaching staff and players excited about the prospects of a season filled with promise and potential.
Veteran head coach Tami Loy, who is set to begin her 10th season at the helm, has worked hard at re-positioning the Bulldogs to challenge the Lone Star Conference's best teams. Loy has a number of starters back from last year's team including the entire pitching staff plus three of the team's top hitters. Still the coach has not rested as she recruiting a number of newcomers that are certain to improve the Bulldogs in a few critical areas.
While Loy is expecting to play no fewer than nine freshmen at some point this season, she knows the importance of getting everyone on the same page from the outset.
"The thing I like best so far about this team is their mental approach to the game," Loy said. "They're very driven and willing to put the team ahead of themselves. It's unusual for a group to have this good of chemistry this soon. They understand their roles and what is expected of them. We will need all of them if we are to achieve the goals we've set."
One of the strong suits of this year's team will be the pitching staff that has back three senior starters - Alex Zukerman, Brittany Strickland and Kaci Carpenter. All have had impressive outings in their SWOSU career and will be looked upon for even bigger things in their final season.
Zukerman has won over 20 games in her career and has struck out more than 250 batters while Strickland threw a two-hit shutout against regional power Nebraska-Kearney. Carpenter tossed the third no-hitter in school history when she blanked Adams State in a five-inning game last year.
Add to the mix freshmen Cassie Chambless, Katie Raines and Kristina Davis-players from top Oklahoma high school programs -- and the pitching staff should give Loy a number of options and versatility that had been missing in recent years.
While pitching appears set, SWOSU has a number of voids to fill defensively and in the lineup with the departure of five graduated starters. Still, with the heavy losses the Bulldogs could still be better with the return of senior first baseman
Meghan Browning, junior third baseman Stacey Creger and sophomore outfielder Fallon Bradshaw.
Browning was having her best season as a Bulldog, leading the team in average (.333) and home runs (3) when she fell victim a knee injury halfway through the season. She has worked hard in the offseason through a vigorous rehabilitation program and appears healthy and ready to pick up and move forward.
Creger's offensive numbers are expected to rebound and return to the lofty status she achieved as a freshman when she hit .273 and finished second on the team with six home runs. She is a very determined and tough-player who has not missed a collegiate start, a span of 90 straight games.
Bradshaw is an electrifying player who can change the course of the game once she reaches base. As a freshman, she hit .290 and set a school record by swiping 20 bases in 23 attempts. She should again have similar if not better numbers as a sophomore.
Loy accepted two junior transfers from Southern Nazarene University where Amy Barrios and Kelly Moore played for the Crimson Storm last year. Both should provide leadership and experience for a team that will be relying on several first-year players.
Freshmen Sara Harwell, Kristyn Shawver, Deven Brandt, Raven Staats, Laiken Lester and Brittany Scott have shown a number of positive elements in pre-season drills and will be given a chance to win a starting berth at various positions.
SWOSU will again face a challenging slate of non-conference and conference opponents throughout its 2009 season. A total of 48 of the 50 teams SWOSU is scheduled to play are NCAA Division II schools. Only the home opener against Mid America Christian on Feb. 10th is SWOSU's only NAIA opponent.
"I realize we have a demanding schedule, but it will prepare us for what is ahead," Loy said. "We play in a tough conference, and it is important that we be prepared. Our girls don't shy from competition and that's the attitude that I want them to carry."