Wittenberg University Athletics - Softball 2003 Season Outlook

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2003 Wittenberg Softball Season Outlook

Kristen Hillebrand chases down a runner.

After a disappointing sixth place finish in the North Coast Athletic Conference in 2002, the 2003 Tiger softball team believes it is on the way back up. With the return of 11 letterwinners, including eight starters, from last year's 12-21-1 squad, Head Coach Becky Hall believes the Tigers have what it takes to be in the top spot this season and bring a conference Tournament back to Springfield.

Among several key returning players for the Tigers is the team's lone senior and one of the best offensive players in the NCAC, centerfielder Beth Walters (Westerville, Ohio/DeSales). Last season, Walters led the team in several offensive categories and was named first-team All-NCAC and All-Great Lakes Region. With another quality season, Walters will finish her career as one of the finest hitting outfielders in Wittenberg history.

Also back after an outstanding 2002 is sophomore Norah Gillam (Canfield, Ohio/Canfield), the NCAC’s Newcomer of the Year and third-team All-Great Lakes Region selection a year ago. Gillam, who played several different positions in 2002, will continue to add depth to the pitching rotation, which can boast seven pitchers on staff this season, and will bat in the middle of the lineup after hitting .304 last year.

The key element, and strong suit, for the 2003 squad is depth. After injuries plagued the already small roster in 2002, this season’s squad is loaded with talent and bodies. A great recruiting year led to the addition of 10 new players who will quickly learn the "Wittenberg Way," and all will battle for starting positions. Among some of the talented rookies are freshmen Katelyn Beddow (Lexington, Ohio/Ashland), who will see time at third base and middle infielder Kelly Sasavicz (Massillon, Ohio/Washington). Also playing in their first season at Wittenberg are junior transfer Katie Gildow (Bellefontaine, Ohio/Bellefontaine) and sophomore Ashley Lands (Dover, Ohio/Dover).

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