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Tri-State University softball begins the 2008 campaign as the reigning MIAA champion, with aspirations to repeat and earn the school’s first trip to the NCAA national tournament. With the loss of only one player, the 2008 team looks to build upon last season’s school-best record of 31-8. The core of the offense that led the MIAA with a .362 batting average and 93 stolen bases is set and ready to improve.
The four seniors on the TSU roster have done a tremendous job throughout their career of establishing TSU softball at the highest level. Erica Bednarski and Karly Hooker return to the outfield as three-year starters. Bednarski is coming off her best season at the plate, batting .348 with 40 hits and 24 RBI’s. Hooker is the staple of the outfield in center, and has a unique combination of speed and power that makes her a threat at the plate and on the bases.
Leslie Schudel has embraced her role as the designated player and is the leader in the dugout for the Thunder. Brittney Stensland was selected as a member of the All-MIAA First Team last season after setting new school records with 40 RBI’s and 14 doubles. Stensland solidified her position at first base last season, and her leadership will be relied upon heavily in the infield.
Sophomore Sallie Richardson will resume her position at third base after a stellar season with a .419 batting average with 57 hits and a conference-leading 24 stolen bases. The middle infield will see some new faces after the graduation of MIAA MVP Rainbow Bednarski at shortstop. Sophomores Sara Hivley, Claire Will, and Darcie Clark are three well-qualified candidates to fill the vacancy. Newcomers Vicki Hayes and Jessica Hutchinson also have the potential to see innings in the middle infield.
Sophomore Alishia Raak will resume her position behind the plate after a solid freshman campaign with only one error and a .995 fielding percentage. Freshman Katey Schiering and Lauren Wallace will be a key to give Raak some relief behind the plate.
Junior Kara Graham solidifies the outfield as a two-year starter in right field. Graham was selected to the All-MIAA second team after hitting .375 and a team-leading .465 on-base percentage.
The approach for the pitching staff will not change its emphasis this season on “winning by committee!” The deep Thunder pitching staff has three juniors and one sophomore that all have experience in pressure situations. Sophomore Elise English, 2007 All-MIAA First Team selection, leads the way for TSU with after having a team-best record of 10-2 and a 1.70 ERA. Junior Lauren Hudson came into her own last season, and the Thunder will rely upon her strong mental approach in big games. Juniors Kristen Barron and Amber Matthews bring depth to the TSU pitching staff and keep giving opposing hitters many different looks.
With confidence gained from the success of the 2007 season, the 2008 team knows what is needed to repeat as MIAA champions. The team will embrace the new pieces and work together to become the best team they can, on and off the field. TSU softball will continue to put the team achievements before those of the individual, and play the game the right way! The Tri-State softball motto will remain intact: “Work hard and have fun!”
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