Softball sets home run goals
After their first visit to the College World Series this past May, the UIndy softball team earned fifth place in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II Preseason Poll released Jan. 27. The ranking is the highest in school history.
Ranked No. 10 in the nation with a record of 37-21 this past season, the ‘Hounds plan to sweep the conference this upcoming season.
Senior pitcher, Megan Russell, named All-American to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) for her outstanding achievements throughout the 2009 season.
In addition to Russell’s skill on the mound, other members of the team contribute their talents on the field. Last season, sophomore catcher Ashley Boxley, led the defense from behind the plate catching 90 percent of the games.
Not only is the ‘Hounds defense prepared for this season, but their offense is as well.
“We led the conference last year in home runs and stolen bases,” said head coach Melissa Frost-Fisher.
Similar outcomes are anticipated this season.
“I look forward to devolving my skills as well as learning and observing from my fellow teammates,” said freshman outfielder Hanna Atkinson.
While the team anxiously awaits its first away game in early February, they are hesitant about their home games due to their lack of a field on UIndy’s campus. Even though home games will be played at Indiana Central Little League, the team maintains the liability of commuting.
“We have the disadvantage of practicing in the Ruth Lilly Athletic Facility as opposed to outside on a field,” Frost-Fisher said.
Because of conflicts with sharing a field, the team prefers to play away games rather than home games.
“We enjoy away games because it allows the team to get national exposure early on in the season, as well as witnessing top ranking schools,” Frost-Fisher said.
This season, the team will be participating in many out-of-state tournaments to accommodate their opponents, in addition to invitationals based on last year’s season.
The team will be traveling to Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Wisconsin to play games.
“The team considers many away games an advantage because it provides them a chance to bond,” said Athletic Director Sue Willey.
In preparation for the upcoming season, the ‘Hounds have set a number of goals for the season. They plan to win the conference and the regional tournament. Their biggest objective is to return to the College World Series.
“The team knows the World Series is within their reach and they plan to play their best to achieve this goal,” Willey said.
The ‘Hounds open their season Feb. 5 in Arkansas against Arkansas-Monticello at noon.
