SOFTBALL PREVIEW

SOFTBALL PREVIEW

After graduating the largest class in school history last spring, the 2010 Olivet College softball team will look to build on the momentum left by those eight seniors. The Comets finished the 2009 season with a 23-11 overall record, one win shy of the school record. In addition, they ended the year with a six-game winning streak.

With only four returning starters, Olivet will have some new players stepping into a starting role. Overall, the Comets’ roster features 22 players, including 16 newcomers who have never played for seventh-year Head Coach James Farnum. In order to have a successful season, these 16 new players are going to have to mesh with the six returning players to form a solid team.

“We had a great fall season,” said Farnum. “The returning players did a great job working with the new players. I am optimistic that we may have what looks like an inexperienced team, but in reality is a real talented team.”

PITCHER
The pitching circle is one area where the Comets return experienced players. Junior Katie Harper (Vassar) and sophomore Rachel Cook (Traverse City/Central) split the pitching duties last spring. Each made 18 appearances, started 17 games and threw 16 complete games. Harper had a 12-4 record and 2.52 ERA. She struck out 77 and walked 22 batters. Cook was 11-7 with a 2.90 ERA, while striking out 52 and walking 20 batters.

Sophomore Kelsey Greene (Burr Oak) transferred to Olivet from Eastern Michigan University and gives the Comets another option in the circle. Freshmen Meghan Case (Vassar), Breanne Harmon (Quincy) and Alyssa Snyder (Imlay City) add more depth in the circle.

INFIELD
Sophomore Mallory Schug (Climax/Galesburg-Augusta) is the lone returning starter in the infield. Last year, she started 26 games at second base, but is likely to move over and play shortstop in 2010.

Sophomores Cortney Wernette (Remus/Chippewa Hills) and Nicole Wernette (Remus/Chippewa Hills) are returning letterwinners and are going to get a chance to contribute in the infield or outfield.

Look for Greene to play in the infield when she is not pitching. Junior college transfers Katelyn Boss (Charlotte/Maple Valley) and Morgan Iloncaie (Port Huron/Imlay City) are also going to get playing time in the infield. Snyder and fellow freshman Lindsey Maas (Pinckney) have all shown strong skills during the preseason and are likely to see playing time.

OUTFIELD
Senior Jenny Robbins (Fenton) returns to the outfield. Before suffering a season-ending injury last spring, she started 24 games, including 23 in rightfield, and posted a .300 batting average while scoring 24 runs and stealing 13 bases. As the only returning starter from last year’s team in the outfield, Robbins is expected to start in centerfield.

Iloncaie, as well as freshmen Breanna Bunker (Charlotte) and Ciara Santos (Lansing/Everett), are also going to get opportunities to play. Sophomore Meg Wernowsky (Bellevue) gives the team another option in either the outfield or infield.

CATCHER
A new face will be behind the plate for the Comets in 2010. Junior Christine Daub (Hudson), a transfer from Jackson Community College, is the leading candidate for the starting job.

SCHEDULE
For the sixth straight season, Olivet opens its season March 6-12 at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Fla. While in the Sunshine State, the Comets will play 12 games. Over the last five years, the Comets have compiled a 40-14 record in Florida, including a perfect 12-0 record last spring.

Olivet will play two non-conference doubleheaders before hosting Albion College to open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play. Overall, the Comets have six home and six away doubleheaders on their schedule. The MIAA Tournament will take place May 6-7 with the top four teams in the regular season participating at the highest seed.