Wittenberg will now add a new dimension to its tradition: this year the North Coast Athletic Conference, regarded as a pioneer for womenÕs athletics among NCAA Division III leagues, picks up softball on its list of sports. Wittenberg will play games against Kenyon, Allegheny, Denison, and Case Western Reserve during this historic and exciting opening season in the conference. The race for the top should be close and Wittenberg will be right in the hunt along with CWRU. With 181 runs Case was among the top 10 in Division III last year in scoring. Allegheny has made 12 NCAA appearances over the past 14 seasons.
In 1996 a young team struggled as it gained experience, compiling a 17-14 record. In 1997 the Tigers had their most successful season ever with a 19-13 finish. The season was highlighted by several outstanding individual achievements and team milestones, setting the stage for continued success in 1998. Although the team lost four of its top players to graduation, the squad will bring experience and strength into the 1998 season.
Last spring, four players were selected to the all-Central Region team by the National Softball Coaches Association. Julie Broderick was picked at first base for the third straight year and was joined by catcher Jen Tate as first team selections. Also named were second team selection Rachel Deehr (Milan, O./Edison) and third team pitcher Sara Waugh.
Deehr is expected to lead the team this season along with sophomore Holly Mehringer (Massillon, O./Perry) who had a great starting season with the Tigers, batting a .310 with .900 field percentage. Also at the top of the returning line-up are senior Amy Tuttle (Springfield, O./Kenton Ridge), who was batting a .500 last season before sitting out with a knee injury, and sophomore Shelly Bolser (Cincinnati, O./Anderson), who started her career with the Tigers batting a .378 with a .840 field percentage.
The momentum of the last two years has increased with good recruiting, solid playing and continued experience, positioning the team to rise to the next level.