2007 Softball Preseason Newsletter 2007 Season Outlook

2007 Schedule

2007 Season Outlook

Returning just four starters from last year’s 10-20 (5-11 NEWMAC) squad, the Clark University softball team will enter the 2007 campaign with a vastly different look. The Cougars welcome 10 newcomers, including a new-look infield and a trio of first-year hurlers to the staff. Although their appearance has changed, the pitch remains the same – make a run at the conference championship.

“We knew that we would have a number of new players coming into the season,” said head coach Linda Wage. “But that’s not always a negative. With such a versatile group, it will give us the opportunity to shake-up the line-up.”

One of the Cougars’ biggest concerns was pitching. Although last season’s ace Heather Warren (9-11, 3.67) returns for another year on the mound, Coach Wage supplemented the staff with three first-year pitchers. Leading the list of recruits is Melissa Traft, a three-time first-team All-Star from Milton High School. The first-year hurler, who has an assortment of pitches, is expected to be the mainstay on the staff and see playing time at first-base and designated player. A four-time All-State player from Bishop Brady High School Chelsea Proulx and Karrie Hanson will also see time on the mound as well as the infield.

“Heather will be more effective with quality pitchers around her this year,” said the 19th year head coach. “Our depth in the rotation will allow us to change it up more and keep batters off-balance.”

The pitching staff will be in good hands with senior co-captain Lauren Ackein (.307 BA, 12 RBI), a four-year starter, behind the plate.

There will be new faces all around Clark’s infield. When Warren’s not on the mound, the steady fielder will be at shortstop. Proulx, a versatile performer, will back her up and could also take a spot on the hot corner. First-year Lauren Blake, a defensive standout, will take over at second base, while newcomer Darcy Kurashige-Elliott will be in contention for time at first and third. Along with pitching, Traft will share first baseman and designated player duties, and strong-armed infielder Joanna Clark will also handle first. Both Allison Ventrice, who missed last season due to injury, and freshman Alex Gauthier, an excellent contact hitter, will serve as third base/designated player options.

“We wanted to make sure we were solid defensively this year,” said Wage. “There’s a lot of youth, but we are expecting them to step right in and get the job done.”

Senior co-captain Kaitlin Kelley (.306 BA, 13 RBI) will anchor a Cougar outfield that includes junior Julie Parnell and first-year Jenn Timmreck. Capable of power at the plate, Kelley will move from right to left this spring, while Parnell, who provides a quality arm in the outfield and Timmreck, whose speed will help around the bases, will patrol center and right, respectively. Junior Kerriann Powers, a cross-country runner, and sophomore transfer Rebecca Eldridge will also be in the mix.

“We have high expectations for this group,” Wage said. “Their attitude and work ethic has been great, and the added pitching depth is going to be a tremendous boost. We’re really excited about being a competitive team.”

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2007 Schedule

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Softball Office
Linda Wage, Head Coach, 508-793-7637
Email: lwage@clarku.edu