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The Olivet College softball team returns a solid nucleus of players from the 2007 team, which finished the year with a 20-12 overall record and placed fifth in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) with an 8-8 mark. After missing out on the MIAA Tournament for the first time in three years, the Comets have aspirations of making the four-team field this year.

INFIELD
     The Comet infield is led by junior shortstop Kacie Rosecrants (Parma/Western). Rosecrants, a 2007 first-team All-MIAA, has started almost every game of her collegiate career at short. In two seasons, she has a .347 batting average to go along with 41 runs scored, 70 hits, 14 doubles, 33 RBI and .460 slugging percentage.
     Joining her in the infield is junior third-baseman Anna Braner (Belmond, Iowa/Marshall). Braner, who came to Olivet after one season at Simpson (Iowa) College, was the starter in all 32 games last year. She posted a .305 batting average and led the team with seven stolen bases. Braner may also see time in the outfield this spring.
     At second base, juniors Cassie Bowerman (Quincy) and Beth DeLora (Muskegon/Oakridge) are expected to split time. Bowerman was used as a role player for the bulk of her first two years at Olivet. She broke into the starting lineup for the final two doubleheaders of the 2007 season, and made the most of it. Bowerman had seven hits in the four games, including a 5-for-5 performance in a doubleheader sweep of Albion College.
     Junior Katie Fleshner (Grand Blanc/Haslett), sophomore Taryn Johnson (Grand Rapids/Creston) and freshman Amber Askin (Grand Blanc/Lake Fenton) are all competing for the starting job at first base. After playing during her freshman season, Fleshner did not play in 2007. Johnson was a back-up infielder last year.
     Junior Amanda Egmer (Constantine) has improved and is going to get an opportunity to play at any of the infield positions.

OUTFIELD
     Juniors Kacey Darling (Hartford) and Heidi Wear (Hastings/Wayland Union) return to lead the outfield in center and left field, respectively. In two seasons at Olivet, Darling has a .312 batting average along with 39 runs scored, 12 doubles, five triples, 10 home runs and 36 RBI. Her 10 home runs rank No. 1 all-time at Olivet. Wear is a lifetime .356 hitter, collecting 57 hits in 160 at-bats. In her career, she also has 44 runs scored, 11 doubles, four triples and 27 RBI.
     Sophomore Christine Cameron (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) is expected to start in right field. During her rookie season at Olivet, she had a .348 batting average. Also, look for freshmen Morgan Heintz (Eaton Rapids) and Courtney Praski (New Lothrop) to get playing time.

PITCHERS
     Sophomore Karlie McManaman (Williamston) is the only returning pitcher. Last year, she made seven appearances and posted a 2-2 record with both of her wins came in relief. One of McManaman’s wins came during Olivet’s spring break trip and the other was against Calvin, pitching thee shutout innings against the Knights.
     When she is not at second base, DeLora is going to be in the pitching circle. A transfer from Muskegon Community College, she earned Honorable Mention All-Michigan Community College Athletic Association honors. In addition, freshman Katie Harper (Vassar) is expected to see time in the circle.

CATCHER
     Look for junior Felicia Smith (Spring Lake) to be the starting catcher. She is also a transfer from Muskegon Community College. A trio of newcomers -- Ashley Laprise (Constantine), Haley Ray (Constantine) and Jenny Robbins (Fenton) -- are also in the mix to get playing time either behind the plate or at an infield position.

SCHEDULE
     Olivet opens its season for the fourth consecutive season at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Fla. Over the last three years, the Comets have compiled a 24-6 record.
     After returning to Michigan, Olivet will travel to play Grand Valley State University March 19, host Manchester (Ind.) College March 26 and participate in the first-ever Denison (Ohio) Invitational March 28-29.
     The Comets host three straight league doubleheaders, beginning April 2 when Saint Mary’s (Ind.) College visits Olivet. MIAA play wraps up Aprl 21 at Hope College. A home non-league doubleheader against Huntington (Ind.) College is scheduled for April 26, followed by a single game at Rochester College April 29.
     The 2008 MIAA Tournament will take place May 1-2 at the regular season champion.