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VETERANS TO POWER SOFTBALL FOR 2011 SEASON
2011 GNAC SOFTBALL PRE-SEASON POLL
With eight returning players that set a program record with 17 victories last season, the Mount Ida College softball program looks to improve on their 17-19, 10-14 record compilation in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) in 2010. After finishing seventh in the GNAC and losing in the first round of the post-season tournament to St. Joseph College (CT), fourth year Head Coach Katie Zuman expects her team to continue their progress in GNAC rankings with a very talented returning core and some promising new faces.
"We're a small team, but we have a lot of talent," said Zuman
Junior co-captains, Erica Belliveau (Tewksbury, MA/Tewksbury) and Erin Dufficy (Shelton,CT/Shelton) look to continue their roles as captains this season for the Mustangs.
Belliveau, who was a second team all-conference utility player selection last year, will play a key role at the catcher position much like she did her freshman year; where she led the conference in picking off runners. "Her aggressiveness and agility behind the plate along with her knowledge of the game will make her the defensive anchor of the infield," said Zuman. Offensively, Belliveau will be looked to as a cleanup hitter leading the Mustangs last season in runs batted in (36), slugging percentage (.586), and home runs (5). She also led the squad in total bases (68) and had the lowest strikeout total (7) on the team. She will be the catalyst for success this season offensively and will be looked upon to produce on a daily basis. Although Belliveau is not the fastest player for the Mustangs, she led the team in triples (6) all last season.
Dufficy will be a great asset for the Mustangs as a lefty, versatile hitter. Also with her improved speed she will be of great value on the base paths. At first base her tall stature will be an advantage as she will be able to dig a lot of balls out of the air and dirt. Dufficy compiled a .277 batting average last season with 28 hits and 12 runs batted in.
Junior outfielder Tracy Koukol (North Attleboro, MA/North Attleboro) will be looked upon as a leader this season as she steps into her first year as a co-captain. She is a quick player who is smart at the dish and speedy on the base paths with a very aggressive approach always threatening to take off. "Tracy leads by example and always gives 100%," said Zuman. Koukol is a fearless outfielder who has made some impressive catches in centerfield throughout her career.
Returning as the teams number one hurler this year will be sophomore Devan Meeker (Bantam, CT/Litchfield), as she will look to build on an impressive freshman season. Meeker was voted the team's Most Valuable Player last year and also with a GNAC third team all-conference selection. Meeker threw 166.1 innings last season out of a possible 231.2 total frames all of last year going 13-11 posting a 2.53 earned run average with only 21 walks which ranked 20th in NCAA D.III. She was second overall in the conference for innings pitched and fifth overall in strikeouts (108).
Due to a few roster changes, Meeker may also see time at shortstop and first base. Offensively, Meeker is a lead off type of hitter with plenty of speed who knows how to read the ball well which leads to scoring opportunities almost every time she's on base or at bat. Zuman describes Meeker as a "work horse and a player that sparks the offense." Meeker was second on the team last year with 10 steals with an on base percentage of .366. She batted .328 with 122 plate appearances and 11 runs batted in and 32 runs scored.
Sophomore Tiffany Hamann (Newton, MA/Newton North) returns at second base for the Mustangs after being awarded the teams Most Improved Player in 2010, voted on by her teammates. Hamann is lightning quick on the base paths who led the Mustangs in runs scored (38) finishing second in the GNAC in stolen bases (18); number one overall for the Mustangs. She has a huge repertoire of offensive skill that includes drags, bunts, and slaps. Hamann will be at the top of the batting order to also add a spark to the offense. She was second on the team last year with a batting average of .379 and nine runs batted in with an on base percentage of .395.
At the third base position will be GNAC third team all-conference sophomore, Danielle Mitchell (Whitman,MA/Whitman-Hanson Regional). The Mustangs will look for her to consistent and continue to improve with a very strong bat. Mitchell was second on the team in RBI's (33) and in home runs (3). She was third overall in slugging percentage (.539) and was one of three players with over 40 hits for the year. She was number one overall on the team in doubles (12) with 62 total bases.
Sophomore Denise Picard (Winooski,VT/Winooski) returns to the Mustangs much improved with coach Zuman very excited to see how she does this spring. Picard will be on the mound behind Meeker as she has been working very hard with Pitching Coach, Audrey Poulton. Picard pitched 59.1 innings compiling a 1-6 overall record with an earned run average of 7.31and 22 strikeouts. Picard has improved her pitching repertoire and has also added alot of speed to her pitches.
The Mustangs add four new versatile freshmen to the team this year who Coach Zuman expects to be important to their growth and success.
Kirsten Guerrero (Fairfield,CT/Fairfield Ludlowe) will see time primarily at shortstop and in the outfield. . Megan Hall (Danielson, CT/Killingly) will be essential to the Mustangs in the outfield and also at second base. Devonna Lotko (Shelton,CT/Shelton) is a versatile player who will see time on the mound, shortstop, and second base for the Mustangs. Tiffany True (Haverhill, MA/Essex Agricultural) will also be a key defender in the outfield.
With the majority of last year's team returning and the addition of a few new faces the Mount Ida Softball team should continue their success as they make strides to work up the GNAC ladder and fight for the title.
The Mustangs will head to Clermont, Florida next week for their annual Spring Break trip.
