Northwestern University Athletics
Softball Team Opens Fall Practice Season
9/25/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Sept. 25, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - Last season, the Northwestern University softball team rode a rollercoaster ride of emotions at the end of the regular season. The Wildcats believed they had won a tiebreaker that assured them of a spot in the Big Ten Conference Tournament. As it turns out, the 'Cats came out on the short end of the scenario and were forced to think about next year.
With the fall practice season underway, NU Head Coach Kate Drohan said that her team is out to leave no doubt in 2003.
"Every single day, we talk about making the difference of a half of a game. I think that this can be a championship team, not just a qualifying team," Drohan stated. "The team came back in great physical shape and they are very focused and committed."
Northwestern will get its only look at another team this Sunday when it travels to South Bend, Ind. for a doubleheader against Notre Dame. The Wildcats will also conduct an intrasquad scrimmage when they wrap up their month-long practice season on Oct. 11.
The focus for the Wildcats in the fall is on team practice instead of game preparation. With five talented freshmen added to the mix, Drohan is already seeing their contributions being made.
"All of the freshmen are tremendous athletes," Drohan stated. "They will have an impact on this program, and you can see it already."
Courtnay Foster (Tucson, Ariz.) is expected to provide immediate pitching depth while Kristen Amegin (W. Sacramento, Calif.) will add pop to the lineup as a power-hitting third baseman. Ashley Crane (Sammamich, Wash.) will help solidify the middle-infield at shortstop and Sheila McCorkle (Costa Mesa, Calif.) is set to roam centerfield. Southpaw Jamie Dotson (Santa Ana, Calif.) will split time between catcher and first base.
In addition to the newcomers, a solid nucleus returns from last year's squad that finished 24-18-1 overall and 10-9 in the Big Ten. The group gives the Wildcats the ablility to demand notice on both the conference and national scenes.
Northwestern opens regular season practice on Jan. 6 and opens 2003 season play on Jan. 31 in Tampa, Fla. at the Louisville Slugger Invitational.
