After a successful 1999 season where the Tigers posted a 23-20 winning record and set a school record for most victories in a season, the 2000 season will likely hold more of the same for a team that only lost one senior to graduation and returns a squad full of talent. Head coach Becky Hall, in her second year at Wittenberg is anxious to get on the field and see what the new season has in store for the Tigers.
The Tigers return a handful of major contributors from last season's successful team and are ready to vie for a top spot in the conference race. Heading the list of returners includes the 1999 NCAC Newcomer of the Year in sophomore shortstop Christy Schneider (Fairfield, Ohio/Fairfield) and all-conference first team picks junior Carissa Clagg (Springfield, Ohio/Northwestern) at first base and senior pitcher Carey Oakes (Pleasant Hill, Ohio/Newton). Schneider holds school records for most runs and most hits in a season and is ready to challenge those marks in only her second year at the collegiate level. Clagg has shown excellence at the first base position and last year set a school record for most putouts with 282. Oakes has continually shown improvement on the mound for the Tigers and will be looked to for her senior leadership on the field.
Also returning for Wittenberg is senior Shelly Bolser (Cincinnati, Ohio/Anderson) , a three-year starter at second base, junior Kristin Kallendorf (Cincinnati, Ohio/Oak Hills), a second team All-NCAC pick last season, and junior outfielder Caroline Mann (Fairfield, Ohio/Fairfield).
Head Coach Becky Hall is also expecting to see some contributions from several newcomers to the program. Topping the list is Stephanie Czekalinski (Columbia Station, Ohio/Columbia) a junior transfer from Division II Hillsdale College, an all-around player who will be looked to at the plate and in the outfield. Making their debut at the collegiate level will be freshmen Alea Bruggeman (Kettering, Ohio/Fairmont) and Kara Bixler (Springfield, Ohio/Kenton Ridge). Both are expected to play key roles in the success of the Tigers.
As the North Coast Athletic Conference accepted softball as a conference sport in 1998, the Tigers see competition against some top teams in Kenyon, Denison, Hiram, and Allegheny. Each year the competition is tough and this year should be no different as Wittenberg battles for that top spot in the NCAC.