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2002 Season Outlook A young roster will take to the field this spring for the Cedarville University women's softball team. Of the 16 players on the roster, 12 are either freshmen or sophomores. However head coach Sue Carpenter firmly believes her Lady Jackets can continue the success they've experienced recently. "We're young, but it may be the most athletic softball team that Cedarville has ever had," explained Carpenter, who has produced a 42-33 record during her first two years at the helm. "We have great new talent coupled with some returning players who have improved their game." The lone senior on the club is Debbie Krick, who will spend most of her time at third base, but she can also work behind the plate. She was named an NCCAA All-American last year after hitting .327 with team-highs of 36 hits and 21 runs batted in.
Pitchers Denaye Hilty and Julie Burt as well as first baseman Sarah Tsermengas form the junior class. Hilty has seen action in 64 games during her career as a pitcher, outfielder, and a designated player. She is coming off a season in which she batted .323 and she'll be one of CU's key pitchers this spring. Burt, the lone lefthander on the pitching staff, may be the most improved player on the squad and expects to log a number of innings. Tsermengas has battled through injuries during her first two seasons and is ready to settle down at first base. Sophomore Ashley Smith put together an outstanding rookie season. She started at shortstop and batted in the lead off position in every game hitting .286 with a team-high 23 runs scored. Smith was named to the NCCAA Midwest Region All-Tournament Team. Sophomore catcher Courtney Green started 25 games behind the plate and posted a .971 fielding percentage. Classmate Annie Stafford returns to right field where she totaled six assists and then ranked second on the team with 16 runs scored.
Christa Stanford, another sophomore outfielder, looks for more playing time after finishing the 2001 season with a .471 batting average over the final eight games. Tana Adams is back for her second season on the infield and Ginger Keithley is a sophomore transfer from Word of Life Bible Institute. A talented group of six freshmen join the program and will be counted on to make an immediate contribution. The list includes pitcher Natalie Fox, infielders Tara Munson, Patty Wilson, and Kailin Acheson as well as utility players Richelle Clem and Katy Dellicarpini. "I think we will be much stronger defensively," Carpenter stated in summary. "Our pitching staff has worked hard in the off season and the plan is to use all three - Burt, Fox, and Hilty. We believe we can be very competitive with anyone on the schedule." The Lady Jackets host eight doubleheaders during the season with six of those against American Mideast Conference foes. Cedarville will also play in the Sun West Tournament in Orange, CA to open the season and will participate in the NCCAA Midwest Regional at Spring Arbor University. | |||||||||||||||
