Softball hits the field
Philip Carkhuff
Issue date: 2/2/10 Section: Sports
After averaging a modest 13 wins per season since its inception in 2002, the University of Dallas softball team exploded in 2009, finishing at 20-17 while achieving its first ever 20-win season.
For 2010, a team heavily comprised of underclassmen will try to keep up the momentum of last year's record-breaking campaign, in which the Lady Crusaders set new team marks in runs scored, hits, homeruns, RBI and strikeouts. Fifth-year head coach Rachel Hanson will now try to lead the team to a place it has never been before - the playoffs - and believes that this year's group has what it takes to make it to the promised land.
"We come ready to work every day," said Hanson. "The girls bring their effort on their own."
Leading such effort will be senior co-captain and four-year starter Amber Adams. The centerfielder and shortstop provides solid defense at both those spots and from a team chemistry aspect brings the field together. Offensively, Adams was nothing but consistent, hitting .409 with 33 RBI and setting the school's single season doubles record with 14.
The team will also look to co-captain pitcher Whitney Thomas to lead the charge as the senior returns from a one-year hiatus. "She sets the tone with that hard work atmosphere, helping the younger kids in that direction," said Hanson. That work ethic will serve her well with just one other pitcher on the team, sophomore Liana Reveles.
Last season's returners include sophomore outfielder Jessica Mollner, who was awesome in her rookie year. Mollner set UD season records for runs scored (52) and stolen bases (27) in addition to teaming with Amber Adams for the most hits in a season (52), all of which contributed to her nomination of First-Team Division III All-Independent and Rookie of the Year.
Fellow sophomore Becca Burns was a fixture at third and second base and has the best fielding percentage among the returning players. Juniors Cheryl Hinze and Jesse Allen bring veteran experience and a competitive edge that should serve the team well down the stretch.
With so much youth, UD will do its best to perform consistently to its potential and avoid playing down to the competition, which so often plagues inexperienced teams. Thus far, thanks to a self-motivated identity, the Lady Crusaders looked primed to grow up quickly and go beyond the accomplishments of years past.
For 2010, a team heavily comprised of underclassmen will try to keep up the momentum of last year's record-breaking campaign, in which the Lady Crusaders set new team marks in runs scored, hits, homeruns, RBI and strikeouts. Fifth-year head coach Rachel Hanson will now try to lead the team to a place it has never been before - the playoffs - and believes that this year's group has what it takes to make it to the promised land.
"We come ready to work every day," said Hanson. "The girls bring their effort on their own."
Leading such effort will be senior co-captain and four-year starter Amber Adams. The centerfielder and shortstop provides solid defense at both those spots and from a team chemistry aspect brings the field together. Offensively, Adams was nothing but consistent, hitting .409 with 33 RBI and setting the school's single season doubles record with 14.
The team will also look to co-captain pitcher Whitney Thomas to lead the charge as the senior returns from a one-year hiatus. "She sets the tone with that hard work atmosphere, helping the younger kids in that direction," said Hanson. That work ethic will serve her well with just one other pitcher on the team, sophomore Liana Reveles.
Last season's returners include sophomore outfielder Jessica Mollner, who was awesome in her rookie year. Mollner set UD season records for runs scored (52) and stolen bases (27) in addition to teaming with Amber Adams for the most hits in a season (52), all of which contributed to her nomination of First-Team Division III All-Independent and Rookie of the Year.
Fellow sophomore Becca Burns was a fixture at third and second base and has the best fielding percentage among the returning players. Juniors Cheryl Hinze and Jesse Allen bring veteran experience and a competitive edge that should serve the team well down the stretch.
With so much youth, UD will do its best to perform consistently to its potential and avoid playing down to the competition, which so often plagues inexperienced teams. Thus far, thanks to a self-motivated identity, the Lady Crusaders looked primed to grow up quickly and go beyond the accomplishments of years past.
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