SOFTBALL

Softball: Cadets Usher In 2008 Season This Week In Florida

Mar 10, 2008

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich softball team kicks off its 2008 campaign this week with its annual Spring Break trip to Florida for eight games, beginning with a pair of contests today (March 10).

Having lost just one senior to graduation last spring, the Norwich University softball team is poised for a big season in 2008. Despite battling the injury bug, and having to play every game on the road last season, the Cadets were able to put together a respectable 15-17 record. With a host of talented players returning to the fold this season, the prospects are looking good for NU and second-year head coach Jackie Patts.

The team will be led by team captains Codi Collins, Christine Carroll and Whitney Grennon. Collins was a first-team All-GNAC selection last spring, while also being named the Cadets' "Most Valuable Player." Carroll will assume the catching duties this season and provide tremendous leadership to the club. Grennon, who is just a sophomore, led the offense last season with 11 home runs and 40 runs batted in. She was a second-team All-GNAC selection as a freshman last year.

Jazmin Stevens will add speed and power at the plate. The sophomore outfielder can hit for average too, as evidenced by her .302 batting average last season. Sophomore Lindsay Fickett will be expected to provide some pop from her first baseman position. Freshmen to watch include Marley Balasco, Lindsay Carey and Tiana Garaboldi.

Kerri Ingraham and Seana Ellsworth should make an impact running the bases with their speed and quickness. Look for Christine Bailey, Kristin Wilbur and Lisa Schmidt to contribute this season as well.

The pitching staff includes senior Emily Bean and freshman Mackenzie Pratt, who was the 2007 "Vermont Student-Athlete of The Year."

Patts, who is a 2000 Norwich graduate, is optimistic about the upcoming season.

"This team looks to be resilient, despite having a pitching staff of just two," said Patts. "If the players can consistently put hits together to produce runs, we can have a very successful season. Defensively, we have an intelligent, experienced group of infielders and outfield. The key will be continuing to develop both."


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