Experience to lead Eagles softball team
By Nicole Frkol
IV Leader Staff
Coming off of an impressive season, last year's record of 31-9, Lady Eagles softball coach Cory Tomasson hopes to accomplish a bit more this season. Winning the conference is in sight this year, and to do so the sophomores are going to have to step up and lead the team.
"Last year we were a little nervous and unsure of the competition that we faced," Tomasson said. "Once we got into the Regional finals rounds, we didn't play as aggressive as we could have."
With the help of returning ace pitcher Gabe Wood from Bloomington and five other sophomores, things are looking good for the Lady Eagles.
Other returning players are Melissa Cass, second base, from LaSalle-Peru; Marie Gubbels, catcher, third base and shortstop, from Streator; Shayh Moore, right field, from Streator; Lissa Olson, outfield, designated hitter and catcher, from Hall; and Marci Thorpe, center field and first base, from Normal West.
With an excellent class of freshman talent, Tomasson may not have to rely as much on the sophomores. The freshman recruits are: Kara Cioni, pitcher and shortstop, from Putnam County; Kelli Clayton, first base and outfield, from Bonaza; Sherry Clift, outfield and second base, from Woodland; Ashleigh Davis, third base and pitcher from Midland.
Also: Lauren Daniels, outfield and first base, from Streator; Christina Jesse, catcher, outfielder and designated hitter, from Midland; Megan Nation, pitcher and infield, from LaSalle-Peru; Natalie Ruppert, second base, from Hall; Nichole Ruppert, shortstop, from Hall; and Brenda Stewart, outfield and first base, from LaMoille.
Hoping to improve on the team's second place finish in the conference and fourth place finish in the region, Tomasson is going to depend on Wood. Last season she led the nation with an 0.54 earned run average and 250 strikeouts. With her impressive rise ball and coming off a great season last year, Wood is expected to have another enormous year.
Helping the pitching cause will be freshman Davis. On the opposite end of the pitching spectrum, Davis throws a great drop ball. Opponents are going to have a tough time touching this tandem.
"We are a lot more versatile and have players that can fill any position if needed," Tomasson said. "We also have better speed than last year."
As for the offensive aspect of the game, Tomasson thinks they will have one of the best lineups in the conference.
"We are expecting a lot of hits this season and have a lot more power than last year," he said. "One to nine (in the batting order) we are going to have a player that can make contact and give us some hits."
So far the team has been practicing outside when the weather permits. At press time, the women were in Orlando, Fla., playing three doubleheaders at the Walt Disney Wide World of Sports Complex. The teams taking up the challenge of the Lady Eagles were Glen Oaks, Brebard and Henry Ford Community Colleges.
The women start the season March 21 at Sauk Valley and have their season home-opener March 22 against Morraine Valley.
With a great returning class and talented freshman class, the Lady Eagles should have the regional title within grasp this season.