University of North Texas Athletics
The North Texas Softball Preview: The Infield
2/4/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
DENTON (2/4/08) - The North Texas softball team opens its fifth season of play on Saturday, Feb. 9 with the Quality Inn & Suites/Point Bank Invitational at Lovelace Stadium. The Mean Green will host Creighton on Saturday at 3 pm in its season opener.
The 2008 Preview
When
“The question every year has always been: Can North Texas compete as one of the top teams in this conference?” said Hubbard. “If you ask our returners, they would say, We already have.’ It just took that ULL game for everyone else to finally figure it out.”
The Mean Green had picked up a big win earlier in the 2007 season when it beat Texas Tech for the first time on the road. Drawing a No. 7 seed in the conference tournament,
“After the ULL game, we failed to capitalize on our opportunities and never executed in the clutch against Western Kentucky and
Hubbard is hoping the reverberation from that ULL game sets the tone for the spring.
Hubbard lost a great senior class to graduation but still returns a solid nucleus, including first-team All-Sun Belt shortstop Katya Muller.
“Our seniors were the driving force behind the success at the SBC Tournament. Their determination was left behind and the returners know right where to pick up where they left off,” said Hubbard.
Muller and classmate Fowler have been fixtures in the infield the last three years. They are joined by fellow seniors Lauren Bergstrom, Kyleigh Callender, Jonna Williams and Taylor Johnston. Fifth-year senior Heather Bostic also returns after sitting out last year with a back injury.
Hubbard expects the 2008 team to show a more balanced offensive attack with speed around the bases.
“We might not get the RBIs in bunches with one swing of the bat this year,” said Hubbard. “But we have the athleticism to tack on one or two runs every inning.”
Although there are a few question marks going into the season, the goal, according to Hubbard, has always to been put the team in a position to be in the championship game at the conference tournament. The path toward that goal began during the fall season. The coaches tried to make the adjustment for the freshman from high school to college as quickly as possible by giving them playing time right away. By the end of the season, according to Hubbard, the freshmen were comfortable with playing the college game. By throwing the freshman right into action, the returners were able to learn the styles and ranges of the newcomers’ play.
“We have the personnel and all the tools needed to perform at the top level this upcoming season,” said Hubbard.
The 2008 Infield
The infield has put up great numbers, posting 30-35 double plays the last four seasons. However, the late season defense has been less then stellar. The coaches are demanding perfection from the first pitch to the last this season.
The Mean Green returns a solid group of experienced players. Except for second base, everyone has two years of experience.
“Our success this spring will be connected to our ability to shut down opponents’ late-inning rallies,” said Hubbard. “Our returners know where they need to improve. They are not the type to sit back and be content with mediocre play.”
Bostic was a fixture at first base her first three years. Her defense at first base has been superb over the last few years and her offense has knocked in a lot of Mean Green runs. After sitting out last year with a back injury, she is ready to see action again. She may see time at designated player as well.
From her very first at-bat during the fall, freshman first baseman Mallory Cantler showed the ability to knock in runs in the clutch. Hubbard expects Cantler to be a big hitter for the Mean Green and drive in a lot of runs.
Junior Kadie Platt and sophomore Sierra Scott will compete for the open position at second base after junior Sarah Jones moved over to third base. Jones was a two-year starter at second base. Platt was a two-year starter in right field and brings that experience over to the infield. Scott saw some time last year at second base and brings good defense to that position.
Muller is the anchor of the infield at shortstop. A three-year starter, she was rewarded for her outstanding play last year with first-team All-Sun Belt honors. She has batted over .300 the last two years and holds the single-season hit record at
Jones is making the move over to third base but being more a left-sided player, Hubbard feels third base is more conducive to her strengths. He also expects to see her generating more offense for her junior year. When not pitching, Fowler will fit in at third base or first.
Return to MeanGreenSports.com on Tuesday for a breakdown of the 2008 Outfield.
