Northwestern University Athletics
2004 Season Preview
2/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 4, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. - In only its second season under head coach Kate Drohan, Northwestern's softball program reached heights it had not seen since the 2000 season. Yet, while their NCAA Tournament berth was unquestionably a special accomplishment, the 2004 Wildcats have their sights set on even loftier goals. With a dangerous blend of young talent and proven veterans, there is plenty of reason to believe NU will see such heights.
Pitching
It is no secret that in order to make any kind of run toward the national championship, a team must possess at least one dominant pitcher and number of clutch performers who can get outs when their number is called.
Northwestern's staff certainly features the former. Sophomore Courtnay Foster is coming off an extraordinary rookie campaign and will lead a relatively young staff. Foster led the Wildcats in every pitching category last season, racking up 292 strikeouts en route to a 19-10 overall record. Her strikeout total was good enough for third all-time in strikeouts in a season. She garnered second-team all-Big Ten and second-team NFCA All-Mideast Region honors.
"Courtnay is the top returning pitcher in the Big Ten this season," said Drohan. "She has worked extremely hard in the offseason and is excited to improve on last season's success."
Without question, Foster will be the ace this season. Northwestern must replace Foster's supporting cast, however. With the graduation of Brie Brown and Lauren Schwendimann, the Wildcats do not have another pitcher aside from Foster with collegiate game experience.
However, Drohan feels that hard-throwing freshmen Megan Hinck and Eileen Canney are as talented as any freshman duo the Wildcats have had in years.
Catching
Senior J.C. Kira has been a mainstay behind the dish over the last three seasons. The Honolulu, Hawaii native has made 97 consecutive starts for the Wildcats and was named second-team all-Big Ten last season.
While Kira's offensive numbers have improved every season, she shines with the catcher's gear on.
"J.C. is one of the best defensive catchers I've been around," said Drohan. "She is invaluable to our team in the way she handles our pitching staff, as well."
Corners
With a strong nucleus remaining from last season, the Wildcats should expect to see a great number of RBI from the corners. Sophomore Jamie Dotson, who started 54 games at first base last season, is a clutch hitter and will compete for the starting job. Freshman Garland Cooper is a player Drohan is extremely excited about at first base as well.
"Garland has the ability to drive in a lot of runs," said Drohan. "She has power to all fields and should be very productive for us this season."
Dotson and Cooper are the frontrunners for the designated hitter position and between the first base and the DH, will both see plenty of action.
Slugger Kristen Amegin, who started at third last season, will compete for the same job again this year. Hinck, who also will see plenty of time on the mound, will challenge for playing time at the hot corner, as well.
Middle Infield
With senior Carri Leto back at second base, the Wildcats will be strong up the middle. Leto, a two-time all-conference selection, is regarded as one of the most dangerous players in the Big Ten because of her versatility.
"As good a player as Carri is, she is even better as a leader for our program," said Drohan. "She is what makes our team tick."
Sophomore Ashley Crane and senior Eryn Manahan- who was a member California's NCAA runner-up squad- will battle for the shortstop position. Crane saw action in 38 games last season for the Wildcats.
Outfield
The Wildcats will feature both youth and experience in the outfield this season. Junior Erin Mobley, who led the Wildcats in essentially every offensive category in 2003, was a first-team All-Big Ten selection after hitting .365 with a .551 slugging percentage. She will patrol right field again this season. Freshman Lauren Olson is a capable player in right as well.
Sheila McCorkle, who came on strong in the 2003 postseason, will likely get the majority of the starts in left field. She made only seven starts in 2003, but has made great strides in the offseason and is expected to generate a significant amount of offense this season.
Senior Jenny Glonke will compete compete with McCorkle for time in left and will provide veteran leadership to a relatively young outfield. Freshman Jessica Miller will compete for time in left field as well. A freshman will likely man the center field position. Katie Logan and Elizabeth Piatt will battle for the starting spot, and both have the ability to track down fly balls.
The Schedule
Nobody can accuse Drohan and the 'Cats of easing into their season. From the first pitch to the final out, Northwestern will be pitted against some of the nation's very best.
"We pride ourselves on playing the best teams in the country year in and year out," Drohan said. "We are excited to prove that we can play with any team we face."
Of the Wildcats' 34 opponents, 16 of them finished in the USA Today/NFCA Top 30 at the end of last season. Six of the top 10 appear on the Wildcats' schedule, including 2003 national champion UCLA, runner-up California and national semifinal qualifier Texas.
The Big Ten plate is full of dangerous and talented teams again as usual. However, trips to Tempe, Ariz., Palm Springs, Calif. and Honolulu, Hawaii, where the 'Cats will face many of the top 30 teams, should prepare them nicely. Without question, the schedule is a killer-but then again, it just may breed one.
Northwestern softball is no stranger to being in the national spotlight, however. Last season, the 'Cats appeared on FOX Sports and ESPN2.
"Playing on national television last season is something that I think will have a positive effect on this season's team as we look to advance even deeper into the postseason," said Drohan.
