2008 Woodie Awards
Despite tough times, losing seasons, Mac softball looks to 2006 with hope
Team looks to improve with the help of first-years
By: Josh Springer
Issue date: 3/10/06 Section: Sports
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Macalester softball has struggled the past several years to get into a competitive position in the MIAC, but the varsity womenâ?TMs program remains enthusiastic and eager to test itself.
â?oeWe graduated some good players this past year,â?? head coach Tom Cross said. â?oeBut, we are returning a strong nucleus of players with a lot of experience.â??
Graduate Kat Sprole â?TM05 was the teamâ?TMs statistical leader in hits, batting average and on base percentage. However, 2006 captains Kate Ayer â?TM06 and Laura Meinke â?TM06 have the familiarity with the game and leadership qualities a team needs from its upper classmen Cross added.
The team has a total of 14 athletes dedicated to the program this year. â?oeWe have a real shot to be better this year,â?? Ayer said. â?oeIf we play to our potential and finish out close games we will improve dramatically.â??
Offense was one aspect of the game the Scots lacked last year as they ended their season outscored by opponents 277-55. To add to the teamâ?TMs frustration they were shut out 20 times in their 38 games. Answering the call for offensive productivity will be one of the primary goals for the season if the team seeks to improve its 2005 record.
Katie Grudnowski â?TM08 is viewed by many to be the teamâ?TMs top returner as she led the team with 12 runs and nine stolen bases.
Like any team looking to better its previous season after suffering the loss of valuable players, the softball program will rely heavily on the help of incoming first-years. â?oeThe freshmen have the potential to contribute immediately,â?? Cross said.Modeling after last yearâ?TMs incoming class, which played an important role for the team, the first-years look to quickly and positively impact the team.
Kristen Mainz â?TM07, who will start as pitcher this season, said, â?oethe first years are great hitters, they should quickly contribute to the team.â?? First-years Hannah Wydeven â?TM09 and Meredith Wisniewski â?TM09 will support Mainz with pitching, something Cross noted as key. Without the assistance of new players, Mainz would be left alone in covering the demanding position as sole pitcher.
â?oeWe graduated some good players this past year,â?? head coach Tom Cross said. â?oeBut, we are returning a strong nucleus of players with a lot of experience.â??
Graduate Kat Sprole â?TM05 was the teamâ?TMs statistical leader in hits, batting average and on base percentage. However, 2006 captains Kate Ayer â?TM06 and Laura Meinke â?TM06 have the familiarity with the game and leadership qualities a team needs from its upper classmen Cross added.
The team has a total of 14 athletes dedicated to the program this year. â?oeWe have a real shot to be better this year,â?? Ayer said. â?oeIf we play to our potential and finish out close games we will improve dramatically.â??
Offense was one aspect of the game the Scots lacked last year as they ended their season outscored by opponents 277-55. To add to the teamâ?TMs frustration they were shut out 20 times in their 38 games. Answering the call for offensive productivity will be one of the primary goals for the season if the team seeks to improve its 2005 record.
Katie Grudnowski â?TM08 is viewed by many to be the teamâ?TMs top returner as she led the team with 12 runs and nine stolen bases.
Like any team looking to better its previous season after suffering the loss of valuable players, the softball program will rely heavily on the help of incoming first-years. â?oeThe freshmen have the potential to contribute immediately,â?? Cross said.Modeling after last yearâ?TMs incoming class, which played an important role for the team, the first-years look to quickly and positively impact the team.
Kristen Mainz â?TM07, who will start as pitcher this season, said, â?oethe first years are great hitters, they should quickly contribute to the team.â?? First-years Hannah Wydeven â?TM09 and Meredith Wisniewski â?TM09 will support Mainz with pitching, something Cross noted as key. Without the assistance of new players, Mainz would be left alone in covering the demanding position as sole pitcher.
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