Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Softball Commences 2008 Campaign this Weekend at Longwood Tournament
2/13/2008 7:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 13, 2008
LEWISBURG, Pa. - The Bucknell softball team opens its 2008 campaign at the Lancer Leadoff Classic in Farmville, Va., this weekend. The Bison are slated to play a total of five games, including a pair on Friday, Feb. 15, which is the earliest start date in program history. Fourth-year head coach Heather Rakosik, who has had Bucknell in contention for a postseason berth entering the final weekend of play each of the last two years, will have her squad ready as a number of familiar faces join with a veteran core to form a talented team.
It is rare when a team that returns eight starting players can undergo as much change as the 2008 edition of the Bucknell softball squad has. Gone is four-year starter Lauren Litts and her program-record 20 home runs. In her place is a much more versatile lineup that will still rely on the long ball when necessary, but will also manufacture its share of runs. Veterans Heather Haskin and Sherry Finkel are no longer exclusively infielders. Instead, that pair will also see its share of time in the pitching circle. There has also been an influx of new faces with seven accomplished freshmen joining the experienced squad that will be aiming for its first Patriot League Tournament berth since 2005. Additionally, assistant coach Sandra Mowery will be a new face in the dugout, replacing 2004 Bucknell graduate Angie Stackhouse, who had been part of the program as a player and coach each of the last seven years.
Among the many strengths of the squad, which is picked fifth in the Patriot League Preseason Poll, is the offensive firepower. The Bison hit .272 last year, their best since 2000, and have their top six hitters, including all three that were better than .300, back with an additional year of experience.
Following is a position-by-position look at the 2008 Bucknell softball team:
Pitcher
Senior captain Christie Wiest  |
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"We look at Heather and Sherry's situation and see it as a chance they have had to rest their arms," commented Rakosik. "They are no strangers to pitching; they just haven't had the college experience. The nice thing is they have had the whole offseason to get themselves mentally and physically in shape to pitch."
While Finkel has yet to see time in the circle in college, Haskin did appear in three games in relief as a freshman.
Once again, Wiest will be the veteran of the staff. She has led the Bison in virtually every pitching category each year since setting foot on campus. After a 9-16 season last spring, she ranks among Bucknell's career top 10 in games (85), games started (65), wins (20), saves (3) and strikeouts (258).
"Each year Christie gets stronger as a leader and in developing herself," Rakosik said. "She knows this is her last hurrah and has her eyes on the prize."
McDonald saw her first significant playing time last year and went 4-6 with a 4.81 ERA in 17 games. Her four victories were second on the team to Wiest, while her 35 strikeouts also ranked second.
"Katie is a very effective pitcher, especially with her offspeed pitches and competitiveness," mentioned Rakosik. "We expect her to be even better this year as she continues to mix in different speeds."
Catcher
Senior co-captain Erin Curatola should take over as the starting catcher. After predominantly playing catcher her first two years, Curatola saw the majority of her time at designated player last year when she hit a team-best .342 with 22 runs batted in. Her 55 hits ranked third on Bucknell's single-season list.
"Erin has been a great hitter for us and one of our toughest outs over the last couple of years," praised Rakosik. "We are looking forward to getting her back behind the plate and doing what she does best, which is catching, communicating and running the team."
Sophomore Mary Pavlovich, who spent most of her time at third base last year, and freshmen Elyse Colmenero and Kara Sullivan should challenge Curatola for playing time.
"Mary is a great defensive catcher with a good head for the game, while Elyse and Kara are both strong communicators with stellar arms who have come along strong," explained Rakosik.
First Base
Junior Cassie Lloyd and sophomore Shelly McCormack saw the majority of time at first base last year, and will once again vie for the starting position. This year, freshman Alison Ford will be in the mix at first as well, with the most consistent offensive player most likely getting the nod, according to Rakosik.
All three players can hit for power. Lloyd has two career home runs, while four of McCormack's seven hits last year went for extra bases.
"Alison is a power hitter who we are looking to put into the heart of our lineup," said Rakosik. "She can play first or third base and is a very savvy player."
Second Base
Versatility is the name of the game at second base, shortstop and third base. Rakosik can turn to as many as five players at second base and shortstop and four at third base.
Finkel, who hit .299 with two home runs and 16 runs batted in as a freshman, is one frontrunner at second base, while the other is junior Kristin Frick, who came on strong as last year progressed.
"Sherry has a great bat and is very solid defensively. She can make a lot of great plays and possesses a strong arm," Rakosik remarked.
According to Rakosik, Frick is a self-made player who has turned herself into a phenomenal middle infielder. She was the most consistent offensive player during the fall season and is coming off a campaign in which she hit .278 and made 30 starts.
Freshmen Jessie Snyder and Audrey Russo, who is transitioning from baseball to softball, will be in the mix as well.
"Jessie is a middle infielder with unbelievable range and a very capable arm," described Rakosik.
Senior captain Heather Haskin |
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Shortstop
Sophomore Alyssa Okita claimed the everyday starting shortstop position last year and Rakosik expects her to do the same this year. The .248 hitter, who was second on the team with 10 sacrifice bunts, had surgery in the offseason, but should be healthy in 2008.
"Alyssa has soft hands and a good mind for the game," praised Rakosik.
Finkel, Frick and Snyder will also vie for time at shortstop. Frick spent the fall as the starting shortstop and should see more action there this spring.
Third Base
Mary Pavlovich, who hit .311 and tied the Bucknell single-season record with 15 doubles last year, returns for her sophomore season. Seventeen of Pavlovich's 46 hits went for extra bases. However, Ford is likely to challenge her for the starting position, while Okita and Haskin could see some time too.
"Mary has a tireless work ethic and will always get the job done," explained Rakosik. "Alison is also impressive at third base. She has quick hands and great instincts, which will help her at such a demanding position."
At third base, much like all the infield positions, Rakosik will go with the player that can be the most consistent on offense while also holding her own defensively.
Outfield
Two-year starters Ashley Beans and Ashley Carlson are expected to continue their hold on two of the outfield positions. Beans, who was named Second Team All-Patriot League as a freshman, has been Bucknell's regular center fielder each of the last two years, starting 94 of a possible 101 games. Carlson is expected to move back to her customary right field spot after starting in left field last spring. She has 90 career starts and hit a robust .338 in 2007, second on the team. She was above .400 into mid-April and is Bucknell's lone returning All-Patriot League player.
"Ashley (Carlson) has one of the best arms in the Patriot League, possesses unbelievable quickness and has the ability to cover a lot of ground," Rakosik lauded. "Offensively, she is a left-side threat who can make a lot happen, especially when she gets on base.
"Ashley (Beans) has made herself into a hitter to be feared. She gives us some power, has a strong short game, is a smart player and has good speed."
Sophomore Lauren Trosch, who was a valuable pinch runner as a freshman, will see her duties expanded, while freshmen Lauren Fry and Sam Rollandi will battle for the starting left field job.
"Lauren Fry and Sam are very experienced players who have the potential to make a big impact on our lineup," said Rakosik.
Longwood Lancer Leadoff Classic Schedule
Friday, Feb. 15
Bucknell vs. Eastern Michigan, 12 p.m.
Bucknell vs. Longwood, 4 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 16
Bucknell vs. Eastern Michigan, 12 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 17
Bucknell vs. Pittsburgh, 12 p.m.
Bucknell vs. Morehead State, 2 p.m.
