2010 Season Preview the bases. The duo may be even more of a factor this season. “We’ve got a little more team speed, and I think that we will try to utilize that to make our offense more dynamic,” Acheson said. Junior Anna Zdroik may make the move back into the outfield after playing first base last season to provide some extra depth and experience, while freshman Chanelle Spalding and junior transfer Abbey Hayes will both see time in the outfield.
INfield Acheson has loads of talent and versatility in his group of infielders in 2010 led by returning first team All-OVC selection Lacie Coquerille. The junior was a bright spot for Tech a season ago at shortstop and will be a team leader again this season, likely at second base. Coquerille paced the squad with a .320 batting average, 54 hits and 31 runs scored while earning the team’s Best Defensive Infielder award. Also coming back from last year’s team will be sophomores Whitney Cummings and Jessica Steele, both of whom started the majority of games in their first campaign. Redshirt freshman Samantha Everett will have the opportunity to play in her first full season after an ankle injury prematurely ended her season last year, while true freshmen Stacey Butts, Melody Christian, Brittney Spalding and Lindsey Umberger will all have opportunities to contribute right away.
Whitney Cummings
consistent infielders to probably having seven or eight infielders fighting for four spots.” Acheson expects that the competition amongst his players for playing time will ultimately prove to be beneficial for his team. “I think that the competition is good for our players because it pushes them to excel more,” Acheson said. “We have a few true utility players who can play all four positions on the infield, which is good from a depth standpoint.”
Pitching The Golden Eagle rotation got a boost a season ago thanks to Holly Thomas, and Acheson hopes that freshman Claudia Harke can provide that again in 2010. “In the circle, Claudia Harke pitched very well during the fall season,” Acheson said. “I was very impressed by her.” Thomas, a sophomore, was the team’s Pitcher of the Year award recipient last season and led the team with 14 wins and a 2.90 ERA. She also proved to have a keen eye at the plate where she took a team-high 24 walks. “Holly pitched very well for us at times last season,” Acheson said. “Her and Claudia will be competing for who gets the ball in the big games this season.” Junior Maddie Schmissrauter pitched through injuries for much of last season and still managed 11 wins for the second consecutive season, while Whitney Cummings, who also plays first base, may also see an expanded role in the circle after appearing in six games a season ago. “Both Whitney and Maddie are very capable of winning games for us,” Acheson said. “I feel like we’re strong three to four deep in the rotation and especially stronger at the top with our players pushing each other to get better.” Freshman Beth Miller will also join the Golden Eagle rotation after playing four years at Watertown (Wis.) High School.
Catching Behind the plate, the Golden Eagles have junior Callie Schmidt returning for her junior campaign. She finished second on the team in home runs last season with six and has been focusing on improving her defensive play going into this season. Backing up Schmidt will be Kaleigh Gates, who also plays right field. “Callie and Kaleigh are both working hard to help make the catching position much more of a strength for us,” Acheson said. “I like the competition that we have in the infield,” Acheson said. “We’ve gone from a year where we struggled to find four
In addition to the two returnees, junior transfer Sasha Howell will provide a third catching option for TTU after playing last season at Volunteer State Community College.
Tennessee Tech Softball
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