Northwestern University Athletics
Expectations High for Wildcats in '99
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Softball
January 15, 1999
With eight of nine starters back from last year's 34-19 team and an infusion of talented newcomers, the Northwestern softball team has high expectations for the 1999 season.
This year's roster contains an interesting mix of veterans and youngsters, as the 20 player roster contains nine new faces.
"We have half the team with a lot of experience and half the team with no experience," says head coach Sharon Drysdale, entering her 21st season with Northwestern. Fortunately, chemistry does not seem to be a problem for the Wildcats.
"Our players have melded together very well and we have very good team chemistry," Drysdale says. "They are all characters in their own right, but they have come together and worked very hard."
To be a successful team, you must have quality pitching, and the Wildcats have one of the best in the Big Ten in junior standout Jaclyn DeBoard. A first team All-Big Ten selection and team tri-captain, DeBoard went 24-8 with a 1.33 ERA (second in the Big Ten) to solidify her position as the staff ace. In addition, she led the conference with 210 strikeouts while holding opponents to a paltry .185 batting average (second in the conference).
"Jaclyn has all the pitches, good velocity and has proven herself to be a dominating pitcher," praises Drysdale. "She worked very hard on her conditioning during the offseason and it should translate into another excellent season for her."
Also primed for a big year on the mound is senior Jenni Beseres. Last season, Beseres made 23 appearances, going 4-6 with a 3.25 ERA. She held her opponents to a .229 batting average, ranking her sixth in the Big Ten.
"Jenni has better command of her pitches, has more pitches now," says Drysdale. "She's ready to take on a heavier workload and contribute more than she did last season."
Also in the mix for Northwestern is returning Big Ten Freshman of the Year, sophomore Brooke Siebel and freshman Kelly Campbell. Siebel compiled a 6-5 record last season in 19 appearances while Campbell had a 1.47 ERA and 193 strikeouts in 162 innings her senior year in high school.
"Each pitcher has a different style so they should compliment each other well," explains Drysdale. "Jaclyn will definitely be the workhorse but we need each pitcher to play a role as well."
Offensively, the Wildcats will look to Siebel to lead the attack. A first-team All-Big Ten selection, Siebel led the team with a .342 batting average and tied a Northwestern single-season record with 13 doubles. She also finished third on the team with 24 RBIs.
"Brooke has a very good bat and we need it in the lineup," says Drysdale. "She will see some time at third base when she is not pitching.
Offensively, the philosophy will be the same as it has been in the past. "We'll run a lot, as we always do, but I'd like to see us generate a little more power than in past years, do a little bit more with the long ball." says Drysdale.
Returning at first base is senior Jill Nesbitt. Nesbitt was second on the team with 15 walks and proved to be an excellent clutch hitter, leading the team with 28 RBIs. In addition, Nesbitt provides a solid defensive presence.
"Jill is an excellent defensive first baseman," praises Drysdale. "She digs balls out of the dirt and she communicates very well. I think everybody has a great deal of confidence in her."
Junior Mikeal Chambers returns to handle second base duties. Chambers swiped a team-high 28 bases a season ago (fourth in the Big Ten) and was third on the team in batting average, finishing at .319.
Returning to anchor the infield is shortstop Tami Jones. A junior tri-captain, Jones plays solid defense and upped her batting average to .292 last season. A good contact hitter, she struck out only four times in 106 at-bats.
"Tami has a style about her play," explains Drysdale. "She charges the ball well and she has fun out there and I think that shows."
With last year's starter Brittany Nelson moving to a utility role, Northwestern may go to a third base by committee this season. Converted catcher Jenn Shull could see playing time with Siebel and freshman Gretchen Barnes as other possibilities. Shull possesses a good bat and drove in 26 runs last season, second on the team.
When Shull's at third, there is an opening at catcher. Barnes has the inside track, but she will be pushed by classmates Katie Campbell and Elizabeth Bear.
Senior Amanda Peterson remains a stalwart in the outfield and at the top of the lineup. Peterson will likely move to left field this season and carries an 104-game errorless streak into 1999. She has a very accurate arm and provides some power from the left side of the plate.
"Amanda has good speed and is a very smart baserunner," praises Drysdale. "She's a good all-around player and probably our best conditioned athlete."
Senior tri-captain Lindsey Prezell has found a home in right field. Prezell hit .319 last season and tied for second on the team with three home runs.
"She really came on strong last season," says Drysdale. "Playing everyday, she became really confident and I expect that to carry over into this season."
Centerfield remains a question mark for the Wildcats, who are looking at a couple of freshmen to replace Peterson. Erin Jancic, who has a good bat, will get a long look, as will Rane Gunderson. Gunderson is very athletic but is a converted shortstop. Sophomore Stacey Austin, who has good speed from the left side of the plate, is also in the mix.
"We have reason to be optimistic about this year," says Drysdale. "We have more depth than we've ever had and it has brought a healthy competitiveness to the team. The beginning of the season is going to be very important to develop confidence and our seniors are going to have to carry us."
