Sandy Gholston's 2010 GLIAC Softball Preview
Sandy Gholston is a special writer for the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference andformer recipient of the GLIAC "Media Service Award."
BAY CITY, Mich.
– The reputation of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate
Athletic Conference (GLIAC) as one of the nation’s better
softball leagues, grows stronger by the season.
If the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Preseason
Division II poll is any indication, expect the GLIAC to once again
be a player on the regional and national stage led by strong
programs at Ashland University, Ferris State University, Grand
Valley State University, Saginaw Valley State University and Wayne
State University. The coaches of those programs, however, would be
the first to tell anyone that all schools have to come ready to
play every afternoon if they expect to earn wins in a league loaded
with quality coaches, players and teams.
|
2010 GLIAC Softball
Coaches’ | ||
|
Rank |
School (first-place votes) |
Points |
|
1. |
Wayne State (6) |
77 |
|
2. |
Ashland (2) |
71 |
|
3. |
Saginaw Valley State (2) |
68 |
|
4. |
Ferris State |
57 |
|
5. |
Grand Valley State |
52 |
|
6. |
Tiffin |
32 |
|
7. |
Hillsdale |
29 |
|
8. |
Northwood |
28 |
|
9. |
Findlay |
26 |
|
10. |
Lake Superior State |
10 |
In the preseason NFCA poll, Saginaw
Valley State was listed 10th and Wayne State was 20th while Ashland
and Ferris State each were listed among “Others Receiving
Votes.”
GLIAC teams will battle for
supremacy throughout the regular season before they travel to
Midland for the annual GLIAC Softball Tournament (May 7-9) at
Emerson Park. Saginaw Valley is the two-time defending GLIAC
champion.
In the preseason GLIAC Softball Poll, Wayne State was first with 77 points and six first-place votes. Ashland was second with 71 points and two first-place votes, Saginaw Valley was third with 68 points and two first-place votes, Ferris was fourth with 57 points, Grand Valley was fifth with 52, Tiffin University was sixth with 32, Hillsdale College was seventh with 29, Northwood University was eighth with 28, the University of Findlay was ninth with 26 and Lake Superior State University was 10th with 10 points.
Previews are listed below in projected order of finish in the 2010 GLIAC Softball Coaches Poll released by the league office:
Wayne State University
Overview: For decades, Wayne State University has
enjoyed remarkable consistency as one of the top programs in the
GLIAC. A big reason for the success of the Warriors starts with
head coach Gary Bryce, who is entering his 29th season as the head
coach of the Wayne State program. WSU in 2010, has the look of one
of Bryce’s better teams after a solid campaign in 2009. The
success that the Warriors hope to accomplish begins in the circle
with returning All-American pitcher Casey Hanes, who can be
dominating when she is on her game. Last year, Hanes was a
second-team All-American (Daktronics) as she started 36 games and
claimed a record of 30-9 with a 0.79 earned run average and 283
strikeouts. Hanes was the 2009 GLIAC "Pitcher of the Year." Nicole
Abel was an All-GLIAC Honorable Mention pitcher last season. Those
two alone make the Warriors tough, but, there is more. At catcher,
Wayne State has three players who will battle for top duties behind
the plate with redshirt freshman Brittany Omelanchuk, coming off a
season shortened by injury, likely leading the way. The rest of the
infield will be anchored by third baseman Rebecca Stanley, a
sophomore and an All-GLIAC Second Team choice last season, and
Becca Ryan, a sophomore who also was an All-GLIAC Second Team pick.
In the outfield, Alison Allen leads a strong group coming off a
season in which she led the GLIAC with 11 home runs in 2009. She
also led WSU with 61 hits and 30 runs batted in. The Warriors
advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the fourth
consecutive season.
Coaching: Gary Bryce is entering his 29th season
as head coach of Wayne’s softball program and will be joined
on a strong coaching staff by his trusted assistant, Pat Kent.
2009 Record: 40-16 overall, 17-5 GLIAC
Noteworthy: Bryce was a 2008 inductee into the
NFCA Hall of Fame.
Ashland University
Overview: The GLIAC is blessed with a number of
programs defined largely by their consistent excellence on the
softball diamond. Included among those programs is Ashland. This
year, the Eagles again appear poised to be a contender for the
GLIAC championship as they open play on the diamond this spring.
Success, in softball, is built largely on a strong foundation of
good pitching and defense. From a pitching standpoint, Ashland is
in solid shape with junior Logan Hursey (All-GLIAC First Team in
2009), who was 15-5 last season with a 1.83 ERA, and 2009 GLIAC
"Freshman of the Year" Emlyn Knerem, who was 17-8 last spring with
a 1.85 ERA. Knerem was an All-GLIAC First Team pick in addition to
being named an all-region competitor for her pitching as well as
for her strong hitting (she batted .283 with nine home runs and 27
runs driven in). Ashland also has young talent returning in
sophomore third baseman Alyssa Kelley (All-GLIAC First-Team as a
freshman in 2009) and junior outfielder Erica Miller. Ashland
welcomes back seven starters from 2009 as the team seeks to make a
return trip to the NCAA Division II Tournament after again
competing for the GLIAC championship.
Coaching: Sheilah Gulas owns a record of 458-220
through 14 seasons at Ashland and is 661-344 overall in 24 seasons
as a head coach. Gulas was named the “Michael J.
Corbett” GLIAC Coach of the Year for 2009.
2009 Record: 36-14 overall, 22-4 GLIAC
Noteworthy: Ashland is hoping to make consecutive
trips to the NCAA playoffs for the first time since 2002 and 2003.
Saginaw Valley State University
Overview: The last two seasons have been the
platform for a softball renaissance at Saginaw Valley State. That
renaissance includes consecutive trips to the NCAA Division II and
back-to-back GLIAC softball championships under third-year head
coach Everett Roper. Although the Cardinals did lose some quality
players to graduation, Roper’s cupboard is far from bare.
Saginaw Valley welcomes back two starting pitchers from last season
in Kari Bowlby, a senior, and Jade Fulton, a junior. Bowlby was
13-2 last season with a 1.41 earned run average while Fulton was
18-6 with a 1.15 ERA and 233 strikeouts. The Cardinals have added
some depth to their pitching staff with newcomers who could see
some time in the circle. On the infield, the Cardinals welcome back
Jordan Stuart, a four-year contributor who looks solid over at
first base and as one of the team’s leaders. Kim Sills and
Ashley Coffin are expected to compete for second base. At
shortstop, the Cardinals have to fill in a spot handled by Nicole
Fick so well. Kailah Happ, a top-notch defender, is expected to be
battling for that spot. At third base, Senior Shannon McLaughlin
appears to be the leader. Behind the plate, Nicole Bigelow is the
likely candidate to start as one half of the battery. On the
outfield grass, Angela Kaiser is a familiar name as a returning
first-team All-GLIAC performer in 2009. Ashley Jordan and Billi
Hoepnner also bring experience to the outfield.
Coaching: Everett Roper is in his third season as
the head softball coach at Saginaw Valley State.
2009 Record: 39-11 overall, 18-4 GLIAC
Noteworthy: Saginaw Valley has made NCAA post-season appearances four times (1992, 2000, 2008 and 2009) and last season advanced to and hosted the NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional.
Ferris State University
Overview: Ferris State graduated a number of key
players from a team that advanced to the NCAA Division II
Tournament for the second consecutive year in 2009. Even with those
graduation losses, the expectations remain high for head coach Keri
Becker’s Bulldogs as they enter 2010 with a combination of
new and experienced hands – all with lofty expectations. The
middle of Ferris’ infield is solid thanks to second baseman
Amanda Harrington returning off a banner season during which she
batted .290 with two home runs, 36 hits and 14 RBI en route to
being named All-Midwest Region First-Team. To her right, at
shortstop, Ferris welcomes back Lynsay Weaver, a junior, who is
looking for a breakout season in 2010. Last season, she had five
home runs and drove in 21 runs for Becker’s squad. Ferris
will have some more power in its lineup with designated player Rhea
Flores returning off a solid season at the plate. In 2008, Flores
batted .314 with six home runs, 25 home runs and 43 hits. Rachel
Wade brings experience to the outfield for Ferris as well as a good
bat. Wade batted .304 last season with one home run, 15 RBI and 45
hits. Flores, a second-team All-GLIAC player in 2009, also will see
some time pitching for the Bulldogs. Ferris has high expectations
with the return of Kayle Stevenson, a second-team All-GLIAC
performer in 2009, in the circle. She was dependable for the
Bulldogs. Last spring, Stevenson put together a record of 12-1 with
a 0.91 earned run average and 60 strikeouts.
Coaching: Keri Becker is in her 13th season as
head coach of the Bulldogs and owns a career record of
383-237-1.
2009 Record: 35-10 overall, 18-4 GLIAC
Noteworthy: Coach Becker is a three-time GLIAC "Coach of the Year" (1997, 2003 and 2008).
Grand Valley State University
Overview: In 2009, Grand Valley posted yet
another solid season of college softball as the team ended the
campaign with a record of 33-18. This season, the Lakers expect to
take another step forward to climb the ladder of contention in the
GLIAC standings this season. Grand Valley returns some firepower
led by senior Breanne Kronberg, who plays catcher and first base,
was a first-team Daktronics All-Region First-Team selection and an
All-GLIAC Second-Team choice. She was a big part of the Laker
offense as she led the team in eight offensive categories and was
first in the GLIAC in doubles (17) and RBI (41). She was third in
the league in hits (57) and total bases. The list goes on and on
for Kronberg, who had a banner season. In the outfield, Tina Briggs
will help lead the group on the grass. The senior started 48 games
of error-free softball last season in center field. She is a terror
on the bases, too, as she stole nine bases. Lauren Rohan, who has
learned from some solid pitchers she has worked with in the GVSU
program, returns as the experienced member of the GVSU pitching
staff. She registered 82 strikeouts in 105 innings and allowed a
team-low 40 runs.
Coaching: Doug Woods is in his 20th season in the
dugout as head coach of the Lakers.
2009 Record: 33-18 overall, 11-11 GLIAC
Noteworthy: Woods has an all-time record of 705-319-3 overall and 244-128-1 in GLIAC competition.
Tiffin University
Overview: Tiffin is entering its second season of
softball in the GLIAC with expectations that are elevated from last
spring. A year ago, the Dragons compiled a record of 23-25 overall
under head coach Jeff Nickerson, who now is in his second season
with what he hopes will be a TU team that features a stronger
offensive attack. Among those expected to lead Tiffin, during the
upcoming season, are sophomore second baseman Lauren Mazzuca (who
batted .327 last spring) and junior catcher Delaney Talmage (batted
.307 with a team-best 39 runs driven in), who were all-region and
All-GLIAC choices, respectively. There is plenty of help for
Mazzuca and Talmage as all-league pick Tiffany Smith is back, as a
junior first baseman, after batting .321 with nine homers and 38
RBI. At shortstop, the Dragons welcome the return of sophomore
Meagan Baird and, in the outfield, Tiffin is pleased to have back
centerfielder Stephanie Bobotas. Pitching is a key to a
team’s success in softball. Tiffin has two returners on its
pitching staff in sophomore Abbey Cooksey, who was 3-7 with a 6.67
earned run average and another sophomore, Lexie Pinkleman, who was
2-4 last season with a 6.75 ERA. Additionally, Tiffin has some
newcomers who could step in and perform for the pitching staff in
Kelly Mayer, Amber Young and Erika Davis.
Coaching: Jeff Nickerson is in his second season
as head coach of Tiffin. In seven years as a head coach, overall,
his record if 190-153.
2009 Record: 23-25 overall, 9-16 GLIAC
Noteworthy: Tiffin has been playing college
softball since 1985 and has an all-time record of 623-403-2.
Hillsdale College
Overview: Hillsdale expects to send a competitive
team out on the diamond this season to battle amongst some
top-notch teams that comprise the GLIAC’s roster. The
Chargers, under the guidance of head coach Jamie Meyers, hope to
return to the GLIAC Tournament. Hillsdale returns with a talented
group that comprises the core of its squad. One of the defining
characteristics the Chargers hope people will see in their squad is
their ability to swat the long ball and to put some points on the
scoreboard this spring. All-GLIAC First Team choice Devon Trimmer
is back after a season during which she batted .320 and played in
the outfield for the Chargers. Jessica Guerin, coming off a
campaign during which she hit six home runs, is back in the lineup.
From a pitching standpoint, Hillsdale hopes it will be able to win
the arms race with a number of throwers operating from the circle.
Laura Homan and Kellie Hirst are back as experienced performers.
Freshmen Taylor Schulty and Brittany Hulett add depth to the
pitching staff. As for the other part of the battery, Becca
Strother and Chelsy Jacobson will be important to the Hillsdale
defense.
Coaching: Jamie Meyers is in her third season as
the head softball coach at Hillsdale.
2009 Record: 17-27 overall, 7-19 GLIAC
Noteworthy: Hillsdale College has not competed in
the GLIAC Softball Tournament since 2006, but hopes to change that
this spring.
Northwood University
Overview: Northwood had some highs and lows
during the 2009 season, but hopes to display a higher degree of
consistency this spring – in and out of GLIAC competition.
The Timberwolves have four seniors returning to their lineup with
pitcher/first baseman Jessica Wojcik, outfielder Ashley Slusser,
middle infielder Michelle Boscola and Jamie Swick, who plays both
second base and outfield for Northwood. Boscola is the top
returning hitter after batting.306 last season with 44 hits, six
doubles, two triples, eight home runs and 21 RBI. Slusser batted
268 last season with 33 hits while Swich had 26 hits and drove in
six runs. Outfielder Tiffany Melgoza, a junior, was
Northwood’s fourth-leading hitter last season as she batted
.277 with 33 hits, seven doubles, three home runs and 22 runs
driven in. Northwood has to fill the spikes of a pair of All-GLIAC
Honorable Mention players from last season in catcher Ashley
Belling and first baseman Alyssa Eppler. Rachel Hammer gives
Northwood athletic ability and proficiency at shortstop as she
helps solidify the top of the Timberwolves’ lineup.
Coaching: Meaggan Pettipiece is in her fourth
season as the head coach of Northwood’s softball program.
2009 Record: 17-24 overall, 11-14 GLIAC
Noteworthy: Pettipiece has a whole new staff of
assistant coaches as she has added Michelle Ignatowski and Andrea
Berchert to her staff.
University of Findlay
Overview: Findlay was hovering around that .500
mark last season and, with a good-sized group of returners, hopes
to continue to become more competitive with the teams at the top of
the GLIAC. The Oilers are a team of potential, but head coach Ron
Ammons hopes that potential becomes reality on the field. Senior
Katie Ammons, in center field, is one of the top returners for
Findlay after batting a team-best .352 with 43 hits and an on-base
percentage of .437. A year ago, Ammons was a second-team All-GLIAC
selection. All-GLIAC Second Team choice Brittany Dauterman returns
as a versatile all-around player who pitches and plays in the
outfield for the orange and black. Dauterman finished the 2009
season with a 3.95 earned run average, 64 strikeouts as she ended
with a record of 4-7. At the plate she proved dangerous with six
home runs, a .589 slugging percentage and a batting average of
.318. Kara Hochevar, a junior shortstop, is coming back off a
strong 2009 season during which she batted .399 with 40 hits. Calli
Coppus, a first baseman, started all 43 games last season. Jaci
Messmer, a junior left fielder, started 41 games last season and
batted .283 after transferring in from Cleveland State. She had 10
doubles, two triples and three homers with 17 RBI. Lauren Orban
appeared in 22 games last season with 18 starts. She tossed 97.1
innings and posted a record of 7-12 with a 4.46 ERA with 49
strikeouts. A year ago, as a freshman, Alyssa Schultz was 5-4 with
48 strikeouts and 20 walks.
Coaching: Ron Ammons is in his seventh season as
the head coach of the Oilers and claims a record of 99-185.
2009 Record: 20-23 overall, 7-19 GLIAC
Noteworthy: Katie Ammons picked up the GLIAC
Commissioners Award for her work on the field and in the classroom.
Lake Superior State University
Overview: Last spring, Lake Superior State
University had several players make big steps in improvement from
the prior season. The Lakers finished 7-42 last season, but did
have some bright spots on the field as middle infielder Lacey
Knoop, who has the capability to play a number of different
positions on the field, saw a dramatic improvement in her batting.
As a testament to her work ethic, Knoop improved from .190, as a
sophomore, to .303 as a junior with 43 hits. Another middle
infielder for Lake State is senior Lorrie Chaperon, who was the
team leader in hits last season with 44 while batting .319. Amber
Kern returns as a senior first baseman while Nichole Dunford, a
former GLIAC "Freshman of the Year," is back in the lineup. Also
back as a starter is Nicole Carstensen, who batted .267 last
season after transferring from North Dakota . In the circle,
sophomore Jillian Willette is back after compiling a 3-17 record
with a 5.21 ERA during her freshman season.
Coaching: Don Myers is entering his 21st season
as a head coach for the Lake Superior State University Lakers.
2009 Record: 7-42 overall, 1-25 GLIAC
Noteworthy: In 20 seasons, Don Myers has compiled
a career record of 228-638-1 as a softball head coach.
