Northwestern University Athletics
2002 Softball Outlook
1/28/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 28, 2002
Evanston, Ill. - Integrity, intensity, personal responsibility, teamwork and pride.
These are the five standards that Coach Kate Drohan has set forth for her players as they embark on a new and exciting era of Northwestern softball. Drohan is in her first year as the Wildcats' head coach after her predecessor and mentor, Sharon Drysdale, stepped down last May.
The Wildcats return 15 letterwinners, including every starter from last year's squad and 12 players from the 2000 team that advanced to the NCAA Regional Championships. There is also an abundance of leadership, with four seniors and nine juniors donning Wildcat jerseys this spring.
Pitching
Two juniors and a freshman will share duties in the circle this year. Junior Brie Brown made a team-high 35 appearances last year, including 17 of the first 19 games. Classmate Lauren Schwendimann is the healthiest she has been in preseason. With a career earned run average of 1.84 and 322 career strikeouts, Schwendimann's healthy arm is one big key to NU's success.
"We depended on Brie a lot last year and she has become a better pitcher because of that," says Drohan. "Lauren and Brie's styles complement each other very well and we will use them together often in games."
The newest member of the staff is 6-foot-1 freshman Stephanie Elliott.
"Stephanie is a powerful pitcher who will attack batters," says Drohan. "She will see time in the rotation as the season progresses."
Catching
Sophomore J.C. Kira returns behind the plate after stepping into the starting role last year.
"J.C. has gotten stronger in the offseason and I believe she now possesses one of the best throwing arms in the Big Ten," says Drohan.
Senior Gretchen Barnes has been used in a variety of roles in her three years at NU and Drohan expects her to give Kira a rest from time to time.
Corners
Barnes' main contribution to the squad will be at third base. She was one of only three players last year to start in all 45 games. Her
big bat will provide the 'Cats with their strongest home run threat, as the senior has knocked 13 pitches out of the park in her career.
"Gretchen has come into her own as a leader," says Drohan. "We will look to her to lead this veteran infield."
Moving in from the outfield, junior Brett Nakabayashi will solidify the other corner position. A true lefty, Nakabayashi keeps opposing defenses on their toes with her ability to lay down the bunt or swing away at any time.
Providing assistance at first will be junior Cindy Muran. Muran was injured last season and did not see any action.
Classmate Alyson Schulz could find herself on either side of the infield. Schulz started all but one game last season, leading the team with 23 RBI.
Middle Infield
Sophomore Carri Leto made an immediate and sizable impact on the Wildcat softball program last year. As the Wildcats' rookie second baseman, she was named first-team NFCA All-Midwest Region and led the team in six offensive categories.
"Carri has tremendous softball instincts," says Drohan. "Her power, speed and solid defense make her one of the best players in the Big Ten. We expect Carri to have another great season for us, both at the plate and in the field."
Robyn Pettinger returns at shortstop. The junior was the Wildcats' playmaker last year, coming up big with crucial stops on defense. Although she led the team in home runs last season, Drohan looks for more consistent offensive production from her shortstop this year. Senior Katie Gross provides support to the middle infielders.
"Katie knows the game well and is a proven leader," says Drohan. "We can count on her to step right in."
Outfield
Drohan's biggest dilemma this year could be deciding who to play in the outfield. In all, eight players could see time in the outfield, but competition will be stiff as last year's starting three are back.
Senior Erin Jancic leads the seasoned corps. Slowed by a shoulder injury last year, she is now healthy and ready to put up numbers similar to her sophomore campaign, when she hit .318 and belted six home runs.
"We are happy to have Erin back at full strength this season," says Drohan. "She is a great clutch hitter and has a strong arm in the field."
Senior Rane Gunderson anchored the outfield last season in center. A walk-on as a freshman, she has earned a starting role all of her three previous seasons.
"Rane is a dedicated player," says Drohan. "Her competitive drive and foot speed make her an asset to the outfield."
Nakabayashi rounds out last year's starting contingent, but with her main duty coming at first base this season, freshman Erin Mobley is a candidate for a position.
"Erin is very technically sound," says Drohan. "She has good speed in the field and on the bases, plus a powerful bat. She will be a great addition to the outfield."
Junior Jessie Wellnitz stepped in last year for Jancic and will see some time again this season, as could junior Andria Caruthers and sophomore Jenny Glonke.
Schedule
Tampa, San Diego, Louisville and Honolulu. It sounds like a dream vacation list, but it is actually the nonconference schedule for the 2002 Wildcats. They begin their travels in Tampa, Fla., for a three-day tournament, hosted by the University of South Florida, in February. Next it is the West Coast as the 'Cats participate in the San Diego State Tournament in mid-February. March will bring them to Louisville, Ky., and then to a week-long spring break tournament in Honolulu, Hawaii. The variety of locations and teams will expose the 'Cats to different abilities and styles as they prepare for the Big Ten season.
"The Big Ten is one of the toughest conferences in the country," says Drohan. "Every inning, every out, every pitch is a dogfight. Our highly competitive winter schedule will do a good job preparing us for that challenge."
The 'Cats return home to open the Big Ten season against Indiana on Sunday, March 31.
"Most of this group has been to the Regional Championships before and knows what it takes to win," says Drohan. "We want to experience that feeling again and I have no doubt that this group of 17 is capable of just that."
