University of North Texas Athletics
2007 Softball Preview: The Catchers
2/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
DENTON (2/7/07) - The North Texas softball team has its last practice today before leaving for Las Cruces, NM on Thursday, Feb. 8 for its weekend tournament. The Mean Green opens its season on Friday at 1:30 pm against Colorado State.
Each day this week, MeanGreenSports.com will breakdown the outlook of the 2007 season, continuing with the catchers on Wednesday. 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.
The Mean Green has depth all over the field this year and that includes the catching position. For the first two years of the program, Christen Jonse started nearly every game behind the plate. Danielle Rupp stepped in last year after Jonse went down with a thumb injury early in the year. Rupp walked onto the team as a freshman and is a versatile player who has seen action in the outfield and as a catcher. Now as seniors, both Jonse and Rupp are capable starters behind the plate.
"We have two seniors behind the plate, Christen Jonse and Danielle Rupp," said head coach Kelly Burns. "I see both of them getting time behind the plate. I think Jonse is going to do a great job hitting as well. When she’s not behind the plate, she may be the designated player."
Jonse saw most of her playing time at the designated player position last year. She has the power to hit for extra bases.
Junior college transfer Kyleigh Callender also looks to get playing time. Junior Taylor Johnston could also be putting on the catcher’s gear in addition to her outfield duties.
We will round out the outlook on Thursday, Feb. 8 with a glance at the pitchers.
