2006 Softball Preview Part 1 - Butler Bulldogs
Jan. 31, 2006
There's only one thing for certain when it comes to Butler softball in 2006: nothing is for certain. First-year head coach Angie Nicholson plans to plug in a variety of players at different positions and spots in the line-up early during the 2006 campaign with the goal of having all her pieces correctly in place by the time Horizon League action begins.
"The only position locked down is JoAnna Gonzalez at second base, but we're going to move her down the batting order to give her more RBI opportunities," said Nicholson. "Other than JoAnna, it's going to be trial by fire. If you've been in center field for the last three years, there is still a chance that you'll be playing shortstop for us."
Gonzalez earned "All-Horizon League" first-team honors following the 2005 season, hitting .307 with 13 doubles and 11 steals. The second baseman anchored the Butler infield with a .990 fielding percentage. Gonzalez is one of only five juniors and seniors on Butler's 16-player roster, one of the youngest in the program's history.
Butler graduated the left side of its infield (Melissa Lemrick and Maria Marchesano) and newcomers should see the majority of playing time at shortstop and the hot corner.
"We have an extremely strong freshman class," said Nicholson. "Not only are they talented, but they're versatile. Our defense should be solid no matter who we plug in."
Freshman Alex Boros has the inside track on shortstop after a standout prep career at Elyria High School in Ohio where she earned first-team all-state honors, batting .406 as a senior. Newcomer Annie Dolan should get the nod at third base, but could also see time behind the plate. Local product Lindsay Schluge (Roncalli High School) and Katie Bell will also see time on the left side of the infield, especially since Boros will get a long look in the circle this season.
Sophomore Amy Hyerczyk returns after starting all 52 games at first base last season, batting .280 with 21 RBIs, the second-highest total on the team. Classmate Kelly Cartwright will serve as Gonzalez's understudy at second base.
In the outfield, sophomore Jenny Jacobs returns after her Butler single-season record nine home runs led to league "All-Newcomer Team" honors. She led the team with a .320 batting average, 30 RBIs and a .558 slugging percentage. As with this year's theme, Jacobs could also see time behind the plate in 2006, a position she played as a prep at Lawrence North High School.
Like Boros, Bell earned all-state honors in Ohio, batting a staggering .550 to go along with 40 RBIs as a senior and will get a long look in the outfield for the Bulldogs. Senior Angie Johnson (.271, 13 RBIs), who Nicholson calls one of the team's best leaders, returns to the outfield along with junior Jill Meinhold, who was just medically cleared to play last week after missing the entire fall season due to injury. Freshmen Macy McMullen and Schluge will also be included in the outfield mix.
Sophomore Ashley Barry returns behind the plate this season after splitting time at catcher with graduated Andrea Walker one year ago. Barry hit .264 in 49 contests, also seeing time in the designated player position. Tara Long, who missed all but three games last season due to a shoulder injury and received a medical redshirt, will play at designated player until she's ready for action behind the plate.
"We're strong both offensively and defensively," said Nicholson. "If our pitching holds up, keeping the ball in the infield, we have the chance to be very successful."
Butler's top three hurlers return this season. Nikki Naffziger earned a spot on the league's "All-Newcomer Team" behind a school-record 198 strikeouts. She was the pitcher of record in 13 of the team's 19 wins a year ago. Jamie Wonderly (5-5 record) and Meghan Howard (17 appearances) join Naffziger in the rotation.
"We're working to get Nikki back to the force she was early on last season," said Nicholson. "Right now, Wonderly is our most consistent pitcher and Meghan seems much more comfortable throwing, knowing that we have confidence in her. Boros will also see some time in the circle."
Even with all the uncertainty heading into this season's campaign, Nicholson thinks there is no reason not to be optimistic.
"Just because things aren't going to be set from the first day doesn't mean we don't have the talent to have a good season," said Nicholson. "Everyone is going to have a chance to compete and be a part of what we're trying to do here. We have a lot of talent; I'm just still learning how to use it to its potential."
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Story provided by John Dedman, Butler Assistant Sports Information Director.
