Softball hopes to win Big 12, get to World Series
This fall, 15 players will compete for three spots.
Published Oct. 2, 2008
The softball team showcased its experience Saturday afternoon with a sweep of North Central Missouri College and Meramec, ending the doubleheader with a combined score of 29-0.
Following the program's best season, when the team advanced to the NCAA Super Regional tournament for the first time in its history, the Tigers are striving to build off the previous year.
Still, the team needs to improve certain aspects of its game. Pitching, however, is key to this year's chance at success, coach Ehren Earleywine said.
"I think one way to improving any team is by improving your pitching, and there is no doubt in my mind that this pitching staff is the best in the history of Mizzou softball," Earleywine said.
The Tigers tested freshman pitcher Chelsea Thomas, who started the first game against North Central Missouri College. She left the game following the fourth inning, after allowing no hits and hurling 10 strikeouts.
"She is going to be an ace-caliber type pitcher," Earleywine said. "She is the kind of kid who can win a Big 12 (title) and take us to a World Series."
Junior utility player Meredith Nash said the entire pitching staff might help make this year better than any other.
"We have a variety of pitchers with all different stuff, so we can definitely mix it up enough to make a serious run," Nash said.
The Tigers have 18 returning players from last year's team, but Earleywine said this year's freshmen could make an impact.
"There's a good chance that all four see some significant playing time, so it was good to get them out here and see what they do under pressure," he said.
Some competition for starting spots remains, which gives the freshmen plenty of opportunities.
"There are 15 legitimate girls going for three spots," Earleywine said. "The other six positions (are) where everyone knows who is starting, but those other three spots are a real dog fight."
Nash is one of the players fighting for a chance to play.
"I would like to become a main starter," she said. "I need to keep working hard so I have a better shot."
The fall games give everyone a chance to showcase their abilities.
"In the fall, we want to work on some things," sophomore outfielder Shana White said. "But in the spring we want to win the Big 12 and get to the World Series."
White said every player has skills that will help over the course of the season.
"We have the pitching, the hitting," she said. "Everyone's playing good defense, so we can definitely do it."