The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
2003 Softball Pre-Season Outlook
1/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
After a break-out season in 2002, one that included 39 victories and a conference tournament runner-up finish, the UAB softball team has high expectations for the upcoming 2003 campaign. Despite her team's excellent performance last year, head coach Marla Townsend believes the team still has a lot of work ahead of it. "We need to continue to build on what we've already accomplished as well as play consistently starting from game one," said Townsend.
The NCAA recognizes the strength of the schedule by producing the NCAA Ratings Percentage (RPI). After the 2002 season, the NCAA RPI ranked UAB #39. Previously, the Blazers were ranked #150 after its inaugural season and #101 in 2001.
In 2002, School Sports Magazine ranked UAB's recruiting class among the top 20 in the country. Preceding the Blazers in the standings were softball powerhouses such as: UCLA (1), LSU (5), Alabama (8) and Northwestern (10).
Early indicators would seem to point to post-season play for the 2003 Blazer softball team after coming off an impressive fall season. For the second year in a row the softball team finished with a perfect 8-0 fall season.
SCHEDULE
With their confidence and attitude mounting after the fall season, the Blazers are looking forward to facing six NCAA Tournament teams, including C-USA champions DePaul. "We are ready to get a win against DePaul," said Townsend. UAB came close to clinching that victory over DePaul last year in the C-USA championship, but couldn't get it done. "DePaul is a team we've got to beat, we've got to stay competitive and be in the game. If we do that, then we will come out on top and get a landmark win," said Townsend.
In addition to the eight C-USA teams, the Blazers will face two teams from the SEC and 19 teams from other conferences. The Blazers will also compete in four highly competitive tournaments during the season, including the OU/Nike Classic hosted by the University of Oklahoma, the Compass Bank Invitational at Baylor University, the Red Desert Classic hosted by the University of Utah and the Magic City Tournament at Birmingham Southern College.
PLAYERS
This year the UAB softball team has four returning seniors. Kerri Foster is a senior who is coming off of three good years on the rubber. Last year, Foster had a 1.69 earned run average. "Foster is in the best shape that I have ever seen her in. I believe she is going to have a remarkable year due to her hard work and dedication in the off-season," said Coach Townsend.
Kelli Thompson will be seeing playing time on the pitching rubber as well as in the designated hitter spot. "She can change the game with one swing of the bat," said Townsend. "Pitching wise, she keeps the other teams on their toes, she's got an incredible change up." Last year, Thompson had a 1.97 earned run average.
Senior Candice Hithe will be manning the shortstop position as well as team captain for the 2003 Blazer softball team. "Candice is one of the purest athletes I've ever seen. She has no limits and makes ESPN plays," said Townsend. "She is a silent leader, but motivates her teammates by the plays she makes."
Cliffanie Engram will be spending her final season with the Blazers in left field. The Blazers have a group of talented outfielders and hope to look to Engram to help get the job done. "Cliffanie is the career leader in five offensive categories," said Townsend. "I look for her to really have a stand-out year and end her career at UAB holding many records."
Junior Emily Scarbrough and sophomore Jennifer Hopkins will also be seeing some playing time in left field during the 2003 season.
Sophomore Sara Christophel will be taking over the starting position in center field and she will be sharing time in that position with Emily Scarbrough. Freshman Chelsea McCall will also be battling for playing time in center field.
Sophomore Kristin Stanfill will be starting in right field for the Blazers this season. "I believe our strongest arm should be in right field and she has made remarkable improvement over the past year," said Townsend. Stanfill's backup in right field will be freshmen Andrea Pierson.
Freshmen Amanda Byrne will be stepping into the starting position at third base for the Blazers this season. "She has done extremely well and is very coachable. We are looking for her to step up into that position this year," said Townsend. Townsend also expects to see Carrie Christophel receive some playing time at third base.
Sophomore Kris Lara has taken over the starting position at first base after playing in the outfield for the Blazers last year. "Lara is very passionate and knowledgeable about the game," said Townsend. Townsend is also looking for Lara to be a major leader on the team as well. Freshman Brandy Ensey and transfer Tara Higashino will be backing up Lara at first base.
Junior Beth Mullins will be starting at second base for the Blazers this season. In 2001, Mullins helped contribute to the Blazer's NCAA record for turning the most double plays in a season. "Defensively, Mullins is a very solid player," said Townsend.
With a reputation of domination behind the plate, UAB junior Amanda Ellis will again be starting in the catching position this season for the Blazers. "Amanda is one of the most intense and knowledgeable catchers I have ever worked with." "She works extremely well with each pitcher and helps make the most of their ability each performance," said Townsend.
Freshman Meredith Giangrosso will also be helping out this season with catching responsibilities.
Rounding out the infield in the pitching position will be junior transfer Tara Higashino, who will be sharing this role with seniors Thompson and Foster as well as incoming freshmen standouts Alexis Kreske and Jennifer McClure.
COACHING STAFF
After a high coaching turnover rate, Townsend will enter the 2003 season with the same Blazer staff as last year. Returning for the 2003 season are assistant coach Mick Hokanson, assistant coach Jamie Madewell and administrative assistant Lucy Bass.
"This is the first year that I have ever had the same coach's return," said Townsend. "The stability of knowing how to read each other and knowing the players, I think is going to be huge." By having the same coaching staff, the girls are able to have some form of stability and know what the expectations are from each individual coach.
THE END OF THE BEGINNING
Those who have been following the UAB softball program over the past four years realize that this is the final year for the inaugural team of 2000. Seniors Cliffanie Engram, Kerri Foster, Candice Hithe and Kelli Thompson and will always be a part of the UAB softball program. "They've put a lot of sweat, blood and tears into the program and will be successful because of their work ethic and dedication they've applied over their four years at UAB," said Coach Townsend.
