Northwestern University Athletics
2003 Softball Season Outlook
1/28/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 28, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - One year ago, all that prevented the Northwestern softball team from advancing to the Big Ten tournament was a lost tiebreaker to settle a three-way tie for fifth place. In 2003, the Wildcats are out to leave nothing to chance, while shooting for bigger and better things.
"Every single day we talk about where we could have made up a half-game," head coach Kate Drohan said. "But this year's motto has been, 'we're not going to be a qualifying team-we're going to be a championship team.'"
Drohan has a talented group of seven seniors to lead the way. The senior class experienced a trip to the NCAA Regional Championships as freshmen, something that Drohan hopes will help them be mentors toward the underclassmen.
"They're leading the team by saying, 'We've done this before. We know what it takes and here's what we need to do.'"
Meanwhile, there are numerous underclassmen that are rich in talent, providing the Wildcats with unlimited potential and the ability to put varying looks on the field.
"We have never had this kind of depth before," Drohan said. "We have so many different options in terms of what type of lineup we want to use."
Pitching
Two seniors that are both among the most experienced pitchers in school history will lead the way on the mound. Lauren Schwendimann ranks third on the career list with 93 appearances and 43 wins. After posting a 16-6 record with a 2.54 ERA last season, Schwendimann has worked hard in the offseason for her senior season.
"She has done a great job preparing herself for her final year," Drohan said. "Lauren is not only physically tough, but she's mentally ready to lead this team to the postseason."
Fellow senior Brie Brown also has a wealth of experience, having pitched in 89 games and over 400 innings in her career.
"Brie is a workhorse with a lot of great experience on the mound for the 'Cats," Drohan said. "Offensively, she has worked very hard and will have an opportunity to impact the game on all levels."
Sophomore Stephanie Elliott, who battled injuries in 2002 and in the preseason, may be looked upon to close out games.
Freshman Courtnay Foster has stepped in immediately and has shown the maturity to provide an immediate impact.
"Courtnay is a gifted pitcher who has tremendous work ethic," said Drohan. "Based on what she has shown us this fall and in the offseason, Courtnay will see action right away."
Catching
Junior J.C. Kira started every contest for the Wildcats in 2002 and is expected to pick up where she left off. Kira exploded offensively in her sophomore year, increasing her batting average .172 points from her freshman season.
However, it is her defense that is her strong point, having led all Big Ten catchers with seven runners caught stealing in conference play.
"I think she's got one of the hardest overhand throws I've ever seen for a catcher," Drohan said of Kira. "Her experience in working with our pitchers the past two years makes our battery our strongest tool right now."
Freshman left-hander Jamie Dotson has the leadership skills and a powerful bat that will allow her to also see time behind home plate, in addition to first base.
Corners
A number of players will battle it out for playing time at first and third base.
Senior Cindy Muran appeared in 35 games last season, starting 23. She posted an on-base percentage of .384, the third-highest on the team.
"Cindy is a key veteran who came strong for us at the end of last season and made some great defensive plays," Drohan said.
After earning second-team All-Big Ten honors as a freshman and posting a team-high 23 RBI in 2001, fellow senior Alyson Schulz missed most of last season due to injury.
Freshmen Dotson and power-hitting Kristen Amegin will also figure into the mix.
"Kristen has excellent power to all fields," said Drohan. "We're really looking for her to be ready and make an offensive impact in our lineup from the start."
Senior Brett Nakabayashi may also see time at first base.
Middle Infield
Junior Carri Leto has ignited the Wildcats both offensively and defensively throughout her first two seasons. After earning second-team All-Big Ten honors at shortstop last season, Leto may return to second base where she played as a freshman.
"Carri is a playmaker. She's a sparkplug," said Drohan. "Her aggressive style of play and terrific game sense make her one of the top players in the conference."
Senior Robyn Pettinger and freshman Ashley Crane will each see playing time at shortstop. Pettinger started 31 games in 2002, mostly at third base. She finished third on the team with seven doubles. Crane was a three-time all-conference selection in high school and has a powerful arm.
"Ashley had a great fall and showed us a lot, both offensively and defensively." Drohan said.
Outfield
If speed kills, the Northwestern outfield could be deadly this season. Seniors Jessie Wellnitz and Nakabayashi will be looked upon to provide leadership and quickness.
"Jessie is the fastest person on our team, if not the fastest female athlete at Northwestern," Drohan said. "She can cover a lot of ground for us.
"Brett is very impressive running the bases and has great instincts," said Drohan. "I am looking forward to having a senior in the leadoff spot."
Sophomore Erin Mobley hit .285 and started every game last season as a freshman, mostly at second base. She makes the move to the outfield this season, a position that Drohan feels may be more natural to her.
Junior Jenny Glonke and freshman Sheila McCorkle are also expected to battle for playing time.
"Sheila has made some great adjustments the fall," said Drohan. "I learned very quickly that she has a great feel for this game."
