2003 Softball Outlook

The Tri-State Softball team anticipates that the 2003 season will be one of its best years in recent memory.  With only one senior on the 2002 squad, a strong group of experienced players will look to improve upon last year’s season in which the team won more games than any other since 1990.

           Back to anchor the Thunder pitching staff is senior Ariane Kurtz.  A first team All-Conference and All-Region performer a year ago, Kurtz holds the school records for strikeouts in a game, a season, and a career.  Joining her on the mound are two returning sophomores, Sarah Piper and Courtney Schuttrow, and first-year player Erin Brockert.  Hard work in the off-season has paid off for both Piper, who is much improved since her freshman campaign, and Schuttrow, who is likely to continue in a relief role after posting a winning record her first year.  Brockert brings composure and consistency to the rotation, making her a great addition to the team.

Development of the leadership and pitch-calling abilities of the Thunder catchers could further enhance the pitchers’ success.  Sophomore Darla Roberson—who caught the majority of innings in 2002, transfer Emily Smith, and red-shirt freshman Natalie McDaniel all possess strong arms, and each of the three will compete for time behind the plate.  Natalea Tom, a sophomore, continues to refine her defensive skills, and it is her quick bat that may get her into games.

The 2003 Tri-State outfield play will be characterized by speed and aggressiveness.  Stephanie Dura and Alysha Wagenknecht gained valuable outfield experience in 2002, and the addition of community college transfer Anne Rohm       will enhance the Thunder defense.  At the plate, each has a different style but can be an offensive catalyst.  Along with Dura, Wagenknecht, and Rohm, members of the catching corps and freshman Elizabeth Whitehead may step up to battle for spots in the outfield.

The steady group of infield starters from last year’s team that helped set a new Tri-State mark for fielding percentage is back intact.  Seniors Laci Haisley at first base, Katie Kawiecki at second base, and Allison Cockrum at shortstop have been mainstays in the Tri-State line up the past few seasons.  Sophomore Liz Wilson, who started all fifty games a year ago at third base, has a solid glove and has become a leader among the younger players.  Natasha Tom, Lindsay Fisher, and Desiree Nipple return to provide depth, and newcomers Lexi Balsis and Ashley Kostelnik are learning the system at a good pace.  Several from this group of players have the potential to contribute to the team’s run production, while Brockert and Smith may step into defensive roles for the Thunder as the season progresses.

A trip to the Tucson Invitational Games kicks off Tri-State’s schedule on March 2.  Two weeks of non-conference play versus other schools in the region will follow to provide preparation for the start of conference games in late March.  With a move from the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) to the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) approaching in 2004, Tri-State is intent on having a significant impact in the WHAC race this spring.