2008 Connecticut Softball Media Guide [.pdf] - UConn Huskies

UNIVERSITY 2008 SEASON PREVIEW OF CONNECTICUT
2006 2008 University of of Connecticut Field Softball Hockey
Great Expectations
2008 Team looks for big things in BIG EAST
With four of her top five hitters and three of her top
four pitchers returning, University of Connecticut coach
Karen Mullins is excited about her team’s prospects for
the 2008 season. The Huskies return 12 players from a
squad that went 22-21 in 2007, including 10-9 in the BIG
EAST. UConn also qualified for the BIG EAST Championship
for the first time since the 2001 season.
“We graduated three key players from last year’s
team in Krista Michalczyk, Holly Calcagno and Jessica
Quan,” commented Coach Mullins, “In order to have the
success we are looking for, we will be looking to a strong
freshman class and a proven squad of veterans to fill some
pretty big shoes.”
Pitching
Three players with experience will make up the
Connecticut pitching staff in 2008. Junior Rachael Crossin
(Fairless Hills, Pa.) and sophomore Tricia Sullivan (New
Bedford, Mass.) will be looking to improve on their performances
in 2008. Sullivan had an excellent freshman
campaign, starting 18 games and finishing with a 9-7
record. She led the team in ERA at 3.39. Crossin was the
team’s primary reliever last year, appearing in 17 games,
finishing with a 1-5 record and 3.86 ERA. Fifth-year senior
Kristina Tolles (Southington, Conn.) will assume a dual
role as both a reliever and starter for the Husky staff. She
made her first appearance as a pitcher last season after
previously playing in the outfield.
“Kristina proved this fall that she is ready to assume a
greater role and is determined to help this team succeed,”
said Mullins.
Infield
“I think young and inexperienced best describes the
Husky infield,” commented Mullins.
This year’s infield will be built around All-BIG EAST
first team selection Jillian Ortega (Aberdeen, N.J.). Last
year’s leading hitter with a .352 average as well as finishing
third on the team with six home runs, she could potentially
see time at either third base or shortstop. Although
she is primarily an outfielder, sophomore Lauren Cecchi
(Simsbury, Conn.) is also an option at third base when
Ortega is at shortstop. First base will be covered either by
sophomore Justyne Roy (North Dighton, Mass.) or fresh-
man Melissa Lucas
(Methuen, Mass.).
Roy is a smooth fielder
who saw action in
28 games last year,
while Lucas brings
aggressiveness and
Catching
The catching position is stacked with talent and
options. Senior offensive powerhouse Allie Gendron
(Belchertown, Mass.) brings experience and a quality bat
to the lineup, while
Danielle Del Ponte
(Tewksbury, Mass.)
showed flashes of
Allie Gendron
strong leadership,
a powerful bat and
a cannon arm. With
Gendron settling into
a designated player
role last season
due to injury, Erin
Burtner (Jefferson,
Md.) emerged as a
reliable option a
year ago, developing
a strong relationship
with the pitching
staff, and displaying
excellent receiving
abilities. Each of the
three will receive the opportunity to win playing time at
the catching position.
“I challenge one of these three talents to really rise
to the occasion and make me play her everyday!” said
Mullins.
presence. Mullins
believes time at first
base may come down
to offensive output.
The middle infield
the last four years has
been very dependable
featuring Calcagno at
shortstop and Quan
at second base. A pair
of talented freshman
are auditioning to fill
those roles, in Julie
Towers (Goodlettsville,
Tenn.) and Jessica
Arremony (Griswold, Conn.)
Jillian Ortega
“Julie had an impressive fall at second base, and
showed spurts of offensive firepower at the plate,” said
Mullins. “Her classmate Jess Arremony showed a strong
arm and solid range at shortstop and has been working
hard this winter to improve her offensive consistency.”
Outfield
Led by 2007 Easton All-America member and BIG
EAST Player of the Year Micah Truax (South Glens Falls,
N.Y.), the outfield is bursting with talent. The starting
centerfielder, Truax had a season to remember last year,
as she was third on the team in batting average at .338,
and set a single-season home run record at UConn with
11 long balls. Competing for time at the other outfield
positions will be juniors Meghan Tierney (Salem, Conn.)