Women's Softball


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2007 Season Preview

 

The Cornerstone University softball team will come into the 2007 season with great excitement and solid expectations. 2006 was another very successful season for the Golden Eagles, as they won the NAIA Region VIII championship for the third time in 7 seasons, earning a third trip to the NAIA National Championships. Although they were knocked out of the tournament in pool play, they performed at a much higher level than in previous years, almost carrying out a tremendous upset of #2 ranked California Baptist, as the Golden Eagles carried a one run lead into the 7th, only to give up two runs and lose the game 3-2. This team, not rated in the top of the region rankings throughout the season, demonstrated what teamwork, belief in each other, and trust for their coaches can accomplish, as they dominated their opponents in the Region 8 Tournament.


The 2007 Golden Eagles will return 10 letter winners and welcome 5 newcomers to the program. Senior co-captain Abby Benthem will be in center field, leading the outfielders with her great speed and leadership. She will be joined by senior Andria Buist in left field, and Sophomore Christy Chapman in right field. The infield will once again be led by senior Stefanie Polomcak at second base, Emily Brown at shortstop, and junior co-captain Jessica Dood handling the catching duties. Senior Tiffany Kreh will be at first base, while the third base duties will be split between Lisa VanDerVeen and Carly Fritz. Junior Leah Gruppen will again lead the CU pitching staff, coming off of a 27 win season as a sophomore. She will be supported by sophomore, Lisa VanDerVeen, and freshman, Lisa Heasley. Rounding out the roster are three additional freshmen: Emily Faletti, an outfielder from Allen Park, Mandee Michielsen, a utility player from Zeeland, and Emily VanDusen, a first baseman from Northview High School in Grand Rapids.

 
The keys to the success in the 2007 season will be: 1) leadership, 2) communication, and 3) hitting. Co-captains Abby Benthem and Jessica Dood will continue to provide that leadership as they reinforce the belief of the coaching staff that this team has the potential to accomplish great things this year on the field. Building relationships within the team and coaching staff and improving the communication lines on and off the field will also help play a role in that success. Lastly, after losing two very good hitters in Emily Knudson and Barb Korpi from last year’s squad, someone is going to have to step up and be the one to deliver some big hits in pressure situations. If that can be done on a regular basis, given the solid pitching and defense, this will be a very positive year for the Golden Eagles.