Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: EMU Athletics/Randy Mascharka
Softball Kicks Off 2011 Season at FGCU
2/18/2011 3:40:51 PM | Softball
The Eagles begin the 2011 campaign at the Moe's Green and Blue Invitational in Fort Myers, Fla.
Click HERE for Game Notes.
Click HERE for Live Stats.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — After narrowly missing a 2010 Mid-American Conference postseason berth last year, the Eastern Michigan University softball team is hungry to get back on the field this spring in hopes of making a return to the MAC tournament for the first time since 2007.
The Eagles went 19-30-1 (8-13-1 MAC) in last season and just missed a MAC tournament bid, despite sweeping Northern Illinois in exciting come-from-behind victories in the final two contests of the year. EMU needed losses by both Buffalo and Bowling Green on the final day of the regular season to secure a postseason appearance, but each squad managed victories to steal the remaining spots for the conference championship tournament.
EMU returns 15 members from that squad and welcomes four newcomers to the roster in 2011.
The Eagles lose quite possibly one of the best in program history in graduating four-year starter, Jenny Scherer. Scherer shattered a number of offensive records including doubling the career home run mark, cranking out 48 round-trippers in her tenure. She was also an integral and vocal leader in centerfield.
Head Coach Karen Baird feels that although they will lose one of the program's best, the 2011 squad brings tremendous depth that will allow them to reach new levels of excellence.
“This season, we do not need to rely on individuals to get the job done because we have a much more balanced roster that has improved in the offseason,” said Baird. “The depth of this team brings a lot more inter-squad competition and each player is pushing each other. There is no room to be complacent and that makes everyone that much better.”
She hopes to see that push coming from her captains Sarah Gerber (North Canton, Ohio-Hoover), Stacie Skodinski (South Bend, Ind.-Washington), and Jamie Melchert (Scottville, Mich.-Mason County Central/Muskegon C.C.).
Gerber returns behind the plate after picking up First Team All-MAC accolades in 2010. The junior turned in a solid year last season, registering a .977 fielding percentage, while picking off two base runners, allowing just two passed balls and gunning down 25 potential base stealers. Offensively, she ended the year with an 11-game hitting streak to bring her average up to .301 on the season. In conference play, she hit .351 and was tied for the league lead in doubles with eight.
A three-year starter, Skodinski returns to shortstop for the Green and White. The senior sits atop multiple offensive categories in the EMU record books, including the highest batting average in a single season (.425) and career batting average (.329). Last year, Skodinski hit .307 with three home runs, 24 RBIs and 20 runs scored.
Melchert joined the Eagles in 2010 as the first transfer in program history. Originally expected to play more of a relief role, Melchert worked her way into a starting spot and came through for the Eagles after recording a sub-3.00 ERA with four complete games in 11 starts in MAC play.
In addition to the 2011 captains, a solid core of players returns to the infield including junior Jessica Richards (Canton, Ohio-Jackson). Baird notes that her quickness and strong arm make her the leading candidate for the starting third base position.
Senior Lauren Delapaz (Plymouth, Mich.-Canton) missed some time last season due to injury, but is expected to make a full return this spring. Her versatility, ability to read the ball, and strong arm will allow her to see time in the outfield or at first base.
Also vying for some time at first is freshman Kayla Kostich (Taylor, Mich.-Cabrini). The rookie comes from a successful high school program and has been part of numerous state title runs. She will serve as a backup catcher as well.
Junior Kaylee Tolliver (Amanda, Ohio-Clearcreek) will also see innings at first base and has two years of experience under her belt at that position tallying 71 career starts.
Sophomore Nellie Coquillard (Niles, Mich.-Niles) and junior Allison Scherer (Stow, Ohio-Stow-Munroe) will both see time at second base. In her freshman campaign, Coquillard started 40 times at second and cranked out five doubles, six home runs, and 20 RBIs en route to a .276 clip at the plate. Baird sees Scherer transitioning into a second baseman after making 27 starts at first base last season. Her bat will also pose as a threat at the plate and has made significant strides offensively in the offseason.
The infield will welcome a new face in Amanda Stanton (Homer Glen, Ill.-Lockport Twp.). The freshman will step into a role of backup shortstop and possibly see time at designated player.
Freshman Shaina Peters (East Jordan, Mich.-East Jordan) will serve as a utility player in her rookie season. Her athleticism offers her the opportunity to play multiple positions for the Eagles.
Katy Blaharski (Carleton, Mich.-Airport) makes the switch this season from infield to outfield and Baird projects her as the starting centerfielder this spring. The sophomore showed her versatility in 2010 playing six different positions for the Eagles and showcased her speed on the bases, successfully swiping 14 last season. She is surrounded by depth in the outfield positions, with one option in junior McKenna Russ (North Canton, Ohio-Hoover). Russ made 22 starts last year with a majority of reps in left field and provides a strong arm and valuable experience at that position.
Sophomore Courtney Nicholson (Navarre, Ohio-Canton Central Catholic) will see playing time in the outfield as well. Baird was impressed with her efforts this fall and expects her success to translate over into the regular season.
Lindsey Smith (Seville, Ohio-Cloverleaf) also put in valuable time during the fall. The sophomore possesses speed that is not only beneficial to the outfield, but it offers a great option for a quicker lineup and another lefty to the mix offensively.
Perhaps one of the biggest concerns lingering from last season is pitching. In 2010, EMU's pitching staff was plagued by injury and struggled with walks allowed, leading the MAC with 189 free passes in 2011. Assistant Coach Eric Oakley is optimistic that change is coming in 2011.
“We are confident in the way our pitching staff looks right now,” said Oakley. “Our strength is our depth and experience in the circle. They are competitive and work well together. If one is struggling, the others will pick them up and get the job done.”
Aside from Melchert, a majority of that experience comes from senior Jaclyn Caro (Chino, Calif.-St. Lucy's Priory) who comes back at full health after undergoing surgery prior to the 2010 season. She saw limited innings in relief last year but is expected to make a strong return and fall back into her starting role on the mound this spring.
Also resuming her job in the circle is sophomore Jenna Ignowski (Niles, Mich.-Niles). In her rookie campaign, Ignowski appeared in 22 contests and started 10 times for the Eagles. She also recorded her first career shutout against Florida Gulf Coast in a 1-0, complete-game effort last spring. Oakley hopes that these successes continue to build in 2011.
“Jenna has matured and gotten even stronger on the mound. Her pitches are working well and we feel she is really stepping into a major role for us.”
Oakley also mentions that sophomore Jillian Williamson (Sebewaing, Mich.-Unionville-Sebewaing Area) should see some key innings this season as well.
“She has looked really good so far and has proven that she can come through in clutch situations.
Rounding out the staff is freshman Lauren Wells (Lowell, Ind.-Lowell). The lefty hurler was a Miss Softball candidate in the state of Indiana after her senior season, breaking eight school pitching records for Lowell High School, including most wins and most strikeouts for the Red Devils.
Collaboratively, this year's squad has high expectations with hopes that a competitive spring schedule will help put them in a good position for conference play and will help gage where each player can utilize their talents to best fit the team.
This year's schedule will force the Eagles to play the first 28 contests on the road as the 2011 season kicks off in Fort Myers, Fla. at the Moe's Blue and Green Invite hosted by Florida Gulf Coast. EMU is slated to take on opponents University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Albany, Iowa, and St. Francis (Pa.). The Green and White will also contend in two double headers against both St. Francis (Pa.) and FGCU to close out the nine-game stay in the Sunshine State.
EMU then travels to Indiana for a five-game weekend trip against four solid opponents. The Eagles will play Big Ten members Indiana and Michigan State and will tussle with both Loyola-Chicago and Wright State to round out the Hoosier Classic.
From there, EMU continues its long road game swing to Clarksville, Tenn. for the Austin Peay State Lady Govs Classic on March 26-27. The Eagles will face APSU for just the second time in program history and will have their first ever meeting with Southern University over the weekend.
A number of mid-week day trips are featured on the schedule as well, including the 178-mile trek to South Bend, Ind. on March 23 for a two-game tilt against Notre Dame. Detroit and Cleveland St. are also scheduled, as well as the annual drive to Ann Arbor, Mich. where they will be welcomed by the nationally-ranked Michigan Wolverines.
The Eagles will finally return home to the friendly confines of Varsity Field on April 8 and play 14 of their last 22 games at home to finish out the regular season.
Baird knows that her squad is ready for whatever challenges the 2011 schedule may bring.
“They are all understanding of what we want as a team this year. They are hungry and are ready to work. It is going to be fun to watch.”
Baird and the Eagles kick off the 2011 campaign on Feb. 25 against the Retrievers of UMBC in Fort Myers, Fla. First pitch is scheduled for 11:15 a.m.
Click HERE for Live Stats.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — After narrowly missing a 2010 Mid-American Conference postseason berth last year, the Eastern Michigan University softball team is hungry to get back on the field this spring in hopes of making a return to the MAC tournament for the first time since 2007.
The Eagles went 19-30-1 (8-13-1 MAC) in last season and just missed a MAC tournament bid, despite sweeping Northern Illinois in exciting come-from-behind victories in the final two contests of the year. EMU needed losses by both Buffalo and Bowling Green on the final day of the regular season to secure a postseason appearance, but each squad managed victories to steal the remaining spots for the conference championship tournament.
EMU returns 15 members from that squad and welcomes four newcomers to the roster in 2011.
The Eagles lose quite possibly one of the best in program history in graduating four-year starter, Jenny Scherer. Scherer shattered a number of offensive records including doubling the career home run mark, cranking out 48 round-trippers in her tenure. She was also an integral and vocal leader in centerfield.
Head Coach Karen Baird feels that although they will lose one of the program's best, the 2011 squad brings tremendous depth that will allow them to reach new levels of excellence.
“This season, we do not need to rely on individuals to get the job done because we have a much more balanced roster that has improved in the offseason,” said Baird. “The depth of this team brings a lot more inter-squad competition and each player is pushing each other. There is no room to be complacent and that makes everyone that much better.”
She hopes to see that push coming from her captains Sarah Gerber (North Canton, Ohio-Hoover), Stacie Skodinski (South Bend, Ind.-Washington), and Jamie Melchert (Scottville, Mich.-Mason County Central/Muskegon C.C.).
Gerber returns behind the plate after picking up First Team All-MAC accolades in 2010. The junior turned in a solid year last season, registering a .977 fielding percentage, while picking off two base runners, allowing just two passed balls and gunning down 25 potential base stealers. Offensively, she ended the year with an 11-game hitting streak to bring her average up to .301 on the season. In conference play, she hit .351 and was tied for the league lead in doubles with eight.
A three-year starter, Skodinski returns to shortstop for the Green and White. The senior sits atop multiple offensive categories in the EMU record books, including the highest batting average in a single season (.425) and career batting average (.329). Last year, Skodinski hit .307 with three home runs, 24 RBIs and 20 runs scored.
Melchert joined the Eagles in 2010 as the first transfer in program history. Originally expected to play more of a relief role, Melchert worked her way into a starting spot and came through for the Eagles after recording a sub-3.00 ERA with four complete games in 11 starts in MAC play.
In addition to the 2011 captains, a solid core of players returns to the infield including junior Jessica Richards (Canton, Ohio-Jackson). Baird notes that her quickness and strong arm make her the leading candidate for the starting third base position.
Senior Lauren Delapaz (Plymouth, Mich.-Canton) missed some time last season due to injury, but is expected to make a full return this spring. Her versatility, ability to read the ball, and strong arm will allow her to see time in the outfield or at first base.
Also vying for some time at first is freshman Kayla Kostich (Taylor, Mich.-Cabrini). The rookie comes from a successful high school program and has been part of numerous state title runs. She will serve as a backup catcher as well.
Junior Kaylee Tolliver (Amanda, Ohio-Clearcreek) will also see innings at first base and has two years of experience under her belt at that position tallying 71 career starts.
Sophomore Nellie Coquillard (Niles, Mich.-Niles) and junior Allison Scherer (Stow, Ohio-Stow-Munroe) will both see time at second base. In her freshman campaign, Coquillard started 40 times at second and cranked out five doubles, six home runs, and 20 RBIs en route to a .276 clip at the plate. Baird sees Scherer transitioning into a second baseman after making 27 starts at first base last season. Her bat will also pose as a threat at the plate and has made significant strides offensively in the offseason.
The infield will welcome a new face in Amanda Stanton (Homer Glen, Ill.-Lockport Twp.). The freshman will step into a role of backup shortstop and possibly see time at designated player.
Freshman Shaina Peters (East Jordan, Mich.-East Jordan) will serve as a utility player in her rookie season. Her athleticism offers her the opportunity to play multiple positions for the Eagles.
Katy Blaharski (Carleton, Mich.-Airport) makes the switch this season from infield to outfield and Baird projects her as the starting centerfielder this spring. The sophomore showed her versatility in 2010 playing six different positions for the Eagles and showcased her speed on the bases, successfully swiping 14 last season. She is surrounded by depth in the outfield positions, with one option in junior McKenna Russ (North Canton, Ohio-Hoover). Russ made 22 starts last year with a majority of reps in left field and provides a strong arm and valuable experience at that position.
Sophomore Courtney Nicholson (Navarre, Ohio-Canton Central Catholic) will see playing time in the outfield as well. Baird was impressed with her efforts this fall and expects her success to translate over into the regular season.
Lindsey Smith (Seville, Ohio-Cloverleaf) also put in valuable time during the fall. The sophomore possesses speed that is not only beneficial to the outfield, but it offers a great option for a quicker lineup and another lefty to the mix offensively.
Perhaps one of the biggest concerns lingering from last season is pitching. In 2010, EMU's pitching staff was plagued by injury and struggled with walks allowed, leading the MAC with 189 free passes in 2011. Assistant Coach Eric Oakley is optimistic that change is coming in 2011.
“We are confident in the way our pitching staff looks right now,” said Oakley. “Our strength is our depth and experience in the circle. They are competitive and work well together. If one is struggling, the others will pick them up and get the job done.”
Aside from Melchert, a majority of that experience comes from senior Jaclyn Caro (Chino, Calif.-St. Lucy's Priory) who comes back at full health after undergoing surgery prior to the 2010 season. She saw limited innings in relief last year but is expected to make a strong return and fall back into her starting role on the mound this spring.
Also resuming her job in the circle is sophomore Jenna Ignowski (Niles, Mich.-Niles). In her rookie campaign, Ignowski appeared in 22 contests and started 10 times for the Eagles. She also recorded her first career shutout against Florida Gulf Coast in a 1-0, complete-game effort last spring. Oakley hopes that these successes continue to build in 2011.
“Jenna has matured and gotten even stronger on the mound. Her pitches are working well and we feel she is really stepping into a major role for us.”
Oakley also mentions that sophomore Jillian Williamson (Sebewaing, Mich.-Unionville-Sebewaing Area) should see some key innings this season as well.
“She has looked really good so far and has proven that she can come through in clutch situations.
Rounding out the staff is freshman Lauren Wells (Lowell, Ind.-Lowell). The lefty hurler was a Miss Softball candidate in the state of Indiana after her senior season, breaking eight school pitching records for Lowell High School, including most wins and most strikeouts for the Red Devils.
Collaboratively, this year's squad has high expectations with hopes that a competitive spring schedule will help put them in a good position for conference play and will help gage where each player can utilize their talents to best fit the team.
This year's schedule will force the Eagles to play the first 28 contests on the road as the 2011 season kicks off in Fort Myers, Fla. at the Moe's Blue and Green Invite hosted by Florida Gulf Coast. EMU is slated to take on opponents University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Albany, Iowa, and St. Francis (Pa.). The Green and White will also contend in two double headers against both St. Francis (Pa.) and FGCU to close out the nine-game stay in the Sunshine State.
EMU then travels to Indiana for a five-game weekend trip against four solid opponents. The Eagles will play Big Ten members Indiana and Michigan State and will tussle with both Loyola-Chicago and Wright State to round out the Hoosier Classic.
From there, EMU continues its long road game swing to Clarksville, Tenn. for the Austin Peay State Lady Govs Classic on March 26-27. The Eagles will face APSU for just the second time in program history and will have their first ever meeting with Southern University over the weekend.
A number of mid-week day trips are featured on the schedule as well, including the 178-mile trek to South Bend, Ind. on March 23 for a two-game tilt against Notre Dame. Detroit and Cleveland St. are also scheduled, as well as the annual drive to Ann Arbor, Mich. where they will be welcomed by the nationally-ranked Michigan Wolverines.
The Eagles will finally return home to the friendly confines of Varsity Field on April 8 and play 14 of their last 22 games at home to finish out the regular season.
Baird knows that her squad is ready for whatever challenges the 2011 schedule may bring.
“They are all understanding of what we want as a team this year. They are hungry and are ready to work. It is going to be fun to watch.”
Baird and the Eagles kick off the 2011 campaign on Feb. 25 against the Retrievers of UMBC in Fort Myers, Fla. First pitch is scheduled for 11:15 a.m.
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