University of North Texas Athletics
2007 Softball Preview: The Infield
2/5/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
DENTON (2/5/07) - The North Texas softball team opens its 2007 spring season on Friday, Feb. 9 at the Las Cruces Hilton Invitational. The Mean Green will play two games on Friday, starting with Colorado State at 12:30 pm. NT will have two games each on Friday and Saturday and concludes play on Sunday with either a consolation or championship game.
Each day this week, MeanGreenSports.com will breakdown the outlook of the 2007 season, starting with the infield. The Mean Green opens its home portion of the schedule on Wednesday, Feb. 14 against Oklahoma State at 5:30 pm. The team will be playing on its new field, Lovelace Stadium, which is located in the Mean Green Village on Bonnie Brae in Denton.
SEASON OUTLOOK
The biggest difference between the 2006 team and the present squad can be explained in one word: depth.The North Texas softball team filled its roster with 11 new faces for the 2007 season despite losing only one senior to graduation.
"We did not have depth at any position last year," said head coach Kelly Burns. "This year we not only have depth on the mound, but in all positions, including role positions pinch running and pinch hitting."
In her third year at North Texas, Burns has only high expectations for this year’s team.
"I expect to have the best season in the program’s history," said Burns. "With the depth and talent we have, and the nucleus of our team being seniors, I think this should be our best season yet."
Burns is hoping the team’s productive fall season will carry over to the spring. The team recorded its best fall record (6-2-2) to date along with its top hitting and pitching statistics.
"In the fall season, we had seven players hit over .300," said Burns. "If we can maintain that level of hitting this fall, with the pitching depth we have, that will be a great combination."
The Mean Green will not be lacking in leadership either. For the first time, North Texas will have seniors that have been in the program for all four years. Six student-athletes that helped start the program in 2004 will now be entering their final year at North Texas.
"I think the seniors are doing a great job," said Burns. "It is nice having a group that has been here for four years. They know what to expect, they know what I expect and they are hungry. They want to win, and this year they have the tools they need to do just that."
INFIELD
The Mean Green returns all of its starters from the infield and will have numerous newcomers pushing them for time.
Senior Heather Bostic returns as the veteran at first base. She has been a mainstay at first base her first three years. Despite missing games down the stretch, Bostic was among the leaders in last year’s offensive and defensive categories. She is the team’s career leader in fielding percentage.
""Bostic saves a lot of her teammates by fielding bad throws," said Burns. "She is an amazing defensive first baseman."
Returners Kristina Fowler and Monica Garcia have both played at first base sparingly, while newcomers Kayla Lawson and Sally Windle could also see time there.
One of the biggest surprises for Burns was the return of second baseman Sarah Jones for her sophomore year.
"Jones returned and was a pleasant surprise," said Burns. "She came back with a level of confidence that brightened my mood. Her overall game was impressive."
Jones started 54 games last year at second base and after hitting over .400 during fall ball will be tough to push out of the starting position. Freshman Rebecca Waters, Kayla Lawson, Sierra Scott and sophomore Kadie Platt will all contribute. Platt was competing for the second base position last year with Jones but ended up becoming a fixture in right field.
On the other corner is a veteran and an all-conference performer. Senior Susan Waters is a three-year starter who returns to third base after having a breakout junior season.
She set the North Texas single-season home run record last year with 18 long balls and is the career holder with 32. She led the team with 18 home runs, 14 doubles, four triples, 53 triples and 21 walks. She also set 10 single-season marks and holds 11 career records.
Her younger sister, Rebecca, will push her for time at third. Burns calls the younger Waters a true utility player. She can step in at any of the infield positions.
Junior Katya Muller returns to the shortstop position after a stellar sophomore season. She finished the season on a 13-game hitting streak, setting a school record. The shortstop batted .538 in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and finished her sophomore season with a .332 average. The .332 average is a single-season best. Her 69 hits during the season is also a single-season record, surpassing Stephanie Cranmer’s 66 hits set in 2004.
Burns said Muller looks better and better every year. Rebecca Waters and Jones will fill in at shortstop when needed.
Look for a preview about the outfield on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
