Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Softball Opens Season at Rebel Spring Games in Orlando
3/9/2002 7:00:00 AM | Softball
March 9, 2002
LEWISBURG, Pa. - The 2002 season looks to be one of promise and success for the Bucknell softball team. Behind the leadership of five experienced seniors, including co-captains Jenna Demetriades (Tamaqua, Pa./Nesquehoning) and Kelly Dugan (Mt. Holly, N.J./Rancocas Valley), the squad brings a plethora of skill to the field in the form of the juniors and sophomores. The addition of two talented freshmen to the fold will help to fill the void left by the graduation of three seniors.
"With the loss of the seniors, the underclassmen are going to have to rise to the challenge," commented head coach Janelle Breneman. "Talent-wise, there is no question they can do it."
Following is a position-by-position look at the 2002 Bucknell Bison:
Pitcher
Returning to the mound this season will be two-year starters Brandi Porter (Prospect Park, Pa./Interboro) and Lauren Box (Malvern, Pa./Villa Marie Academy). Porter is coming off of a highly impressive sophomore campaign. The right-hander set a school single season record for strikeouts with 101, surpassing the old mark of 99 that stood for over 10 years. Among the Patriot League leaders in nearly every pitching category, including a league best ERA, opposing batting average and batters struck out looking, Porter will be counted on to provide experience and composure on the mound. Box worked herself into the second spot in the Bison rotation last season and is expected to maintain consistency throughout the year to provide needed depth to the pitching staff.
Joining the hurlers is right-handed freshman Kelli Haskins (Bensalem, Pa./Nazareth Academy). Haskins is coming from a very competitive summer softball program and is adjusting to the college distance well. An all-around athlete, Haskins will make an immediate impact on the Orange and Blue program, both defensively and offensively.
Catcher
The catching duties for the 2002 season will rest on the shoulders of senior Kathy Zeevalk (W. Caldwell, N.J./James Caldwell) and sophomores Angela Stackhouse (Muncy, Pa./Hughesville) and Jenna Fitch (Wayne, Pa./The Shipley School). Zeevalk put up her best offensive numbers a year ago, and could also be used in the designated player position. Stackhouse came on at the end of last season, batting .248 with a team-best nine doubles. Behind the plate, she allowed only five passed balls and recorded a .972 fielding percentage, committing only four errors in 143 opportunities. Stackhouse will be counted on to continue her solid defense and improve on her numbers at the plate. Fitch joined Stackhouse as one of Bucknell's primary catchers a year ago. A starter in nearly half of the games, Fitch brings a strong and accurate arm to the position. A player who started to step up offensively at the conclusion of last year, Coach Breneman expects to see good things from Fitch.
First Base
Where in the past three years, co-captain Dugan has been Bucknell's starting first baseman, this season will see the senior challenged on defense. Dugan brings a well-rounded game to the field, providing solid defense and improving her offensive skills with every season. Pushing her this year will be Zeevalk. Zeevalk has seen time at both catcher and first base through her first three seasons, and may be called on again to fill those roles.
Second Base
Letterwinners Courtney Dohoney (Bowling Green, Ohio/Bowling Green) and Kristen Potts (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) return to the second base position. The two split time at second last season, each starting 18 contests. With the freshman year jitters out of their systems, both players will be expected to use their experience to make the second base position a solid one.
Third Base
The hot corner is one of the deepest positions on the infield roster. With the graduation of four-year starter Charity Ford, three players will be counted on to fill the void. Sophomore Melissa Monday (Livingston, N.J./Mt. Saint Dominic Academy) showed tremendous progress in the off-season and is expected to challenge senior Barb Wood (Averill Park, N.Y./Averill Park) for the starting position. Also vying for time at third is freshman Jennifer Ross (Wharton, N.J./Morris Hills), who will see time at both third base and shortstop.
Shortstop
Junior All-Patriot League performer Meredith Gill (Hampstead, Md./North Carroll) returned from studying abroad in the fall semester to fill her shortstop position, a role she's started in her first two years. Gill brings a variety of skills to the field, both offensively and defensively. A natural leader on the infield, she has the potential to go deep at the plate and also provides great speed and base running ability. Competing with Gill for playing time at shortstop is Ross. Ross brings great defense to the table and how well she adjusts to the college game will be the main factor in determining how much time she sees on the field.
Outfield
With five players competing for time in the outfield, head coach Janelle Breneman has some options. Co-captain Demetriades returns for the final season of what has been a highly successful career. A three-time All-Patriot League performer, Demetriades will be counted on to continue to lead by example from her position in centerfield. Also returning for her fourth year is left fielder Lauren Titus (Hatboro, Pa./Upper Moreland). Titus will be asked to provide consistency, both offensively and defensively. Junior Jacqueline Trapp (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) and sophomore Erin Doyle (Wayne, Pa./Upper Merion) return to the outfield for 2002. Trapp, a lefthander, adds versatility at the plate, presenting the option for the slap or drag bunt. Doyle has one of the strongest arms on the team and will likely see added playing time in her second season.
With a solid nucleus returning to the field and two very talented freshmen joining the fold, the 2002 Bucknell softball team has its sights set on getting back to the Patriot League Tournament and moving onto the NCAA playoffs.
The Orange and Blue open the 2002 season on Sunday, March 10, with an 8:50 a.m. contest against Austin Peay at the Rebel Spring Games in Orlando, Fla.
