Boiler Softball Kicks off Season at Triangle Classic'99 squad features exciting mix of experienced upperclassmen, spirited freshman.
February 18, 1999
RALEIGH, N.C. - A total of 25 NCAA Division I softball teams will converge on the capital of North Carolina this weekend, all hoping to start the 1999 season with a bang. For the Purdue softball team, priority number one is to finish in the upper division of the Triangle Classic, but priority number two may be just as challenging. The Boilermakers must find a way to mix a group of talented and experienced upperclassmen with a group of lively and spirited freshmen.
"The exciting part is that we have six seniors and their leadership is exceptional, as they know the ins and outs of the program," head coach Carol Bruggeman said. "On the other hand, we have a bunch (eight total) of freshmen who are like sponges trying to soak up as much information as they can. Its an exciting mix of players."
A cornerstone for this year's team should be the right side of the infield. Second baseman Sam Mercier and first baseman Kristin Billen were chosen captains by their teammates, and rightly so, as the two seniors have started at their respective positions for the past three seasons.
Mercier, who has a solid grip on the leadoff position, was the team's most valuable player a year ago, leading the team in hitting with a .350 average and ranking as the second toughest player to strike out in the NCAA with just two whiffs in 197 at-bats. Billen, a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, will be looked to more for her defensive ability, as she has recorded a .979 fielding percentage each of the last two years.
On the left side of the infield, coach Bruggeman will likely use a number of combinations. Senior Jenny Barnett will have the first crack at shortstop after earning the position in practice and batting .350 in the fall season. However, freshman Katie Crabtree will be knocking on the door. The excitable newcomer was invited to the National Team Camps by the Women's National Team Selection Committee of USA Softball this past January. Crabtree will also try to jump in at third base, but standing in the way is senior Kristie Boland, who batted .305 in Big Ten play in '98 and was second on the team in home runs with five. Freshman Sarah Humphrey should also compete for playing time at the two positions.
"One definite strength is our defense and our experience in the infield," assistant coach Christy Connoyer said. "Our seniors know how it's done and it's shown in practice."
Rounding out the infield at the catcher's position will be sophomore Keely Povlitz. The Highland, Mich., native, had moments of brilliance last season, throwing out two potential base stealers against No. 2 Michigan and hitting a grand slam against Bowling Green, however, she will work on her consistency to help the Boilers' be successful. Challenging Povlitz for the starting role will be junior Danica Maher who hit .273 in the fall.
Purdue's biggest concern this season may come on the mound. With the loss of three senior pitchers, the Boilermakers will have to rely on two promising freshmen and one junior to carry the load. Freshman Nicole Crouse heads into the season as the team's number one hurler, compiling a team-best 1.98 ERA in the fall. After Crouse, the Boilers are untested. Junior Crystal Inman should see some action as well as freshman Meagan Dooley. Inman has memories of one-hitting Iowa in the fall of '97 dancing in her head, but she also remembers a frustrating spring season that led to a 4.05 ERA. Dooley, who has recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, looks solid in practice and boasts several high school accolades, but has not yet faced NCAA competition.
"Our pitching is a little untested," Connoyer said. "Meagan has recovered from knee surgery, Nicole looked good in the fall and Crystal seemed more effective in spring practice, but it will be a challenge for our new staff."
In the outfield, the Boilermakers will depend on members from every class. In left, junior Skeeter Nixon enters her third year in the starting role. Nixon led the team in steals with 18 swipes in 21 attempts and batted .280 in the conference. Center field should belong to senior Mandy Smart and sophomore Lynne Tortorelli. Smart hit .306 last season and possesses great range in the outfield, while Tortorelli is equally as quick with eight steals in 12 attempts in '98. In right field, freshman Chrissy Davie looks to be one of the team's biggest hitters. One of three California natives on the team, Davie led the team with a .441 average in the fall.
"We have good speed in the outfield," Connoyer said. "Our speed and quickness are definitely strong points. Skeeter, Katie, Mandy and Lynne all have great quickness."
Providing some firepower on offense will be designated hitter Denise Szany. The senior from St.John, Ind., hit .358 with runners in scoring position last year and led the team in on-base percentage at .463. She was also named second team All-Big Ten and second team All-Mideast Region.
"We plan to be very aggressive and make things happen on offense," Connoyer said.
Off the bench, coach Bruggeman will also have the services of redshirt freshman Danika Nice and true freshmen Joy Ishida and Christine Hinderliter. Nice is a utility infielder, while Ishida and Hinderliter will see action in the outfield.
Purdue will begin action on Friday at 4 p.m. when it plays UNC-Charlotte and then at 6 p.m. against Eastern Kentucky. On Saturday, the Boilers conclude pool play with games against Liberty and Marshall. Bracket play begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Other tough teams in the tournament include Ball State, Illinois-Chicago, Kansas and Minnesota. While none of the teams made it to the College World Series last season, each were highly successful in their regions.
"We want to be the best we can out of the chute and hopefully go up from there," coach Bruggeman said.
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