Softball ready to build on success of ’08 season
Defensively, GCSU allowed an average of 1.9 runs per game with 15 shutouts. The team had an impressive 2008 season, finishing 40-14.
“We had a really good season last year,” said Ginger Chaffinch, head coach. “But we lost a lot of close games.”
While the team had a strong defense, the majority of last year’s losses were the result of not scoring enough runs on offense. This year, the Lady Bobcats have a stronger lineup and greater scoring potential.
The Lady Bobcats lost three seniors from last season, a catcher and two outfielders, but with seven seniors this season, the team still has a lot of experience. They also have six new players who can play several positions, including two freshman pitchers, who will be able to reduce the load for upperclassmen.
“We also have one of the best pitchers and one of the best hitters in the league,” said Al Weston, sports information director.
Senior pitcher Mandy Chandler already owns GCSU’s career records for strikeouts, wins, complete games, shutouts and innings pitched.
Senior outfielder Sherquita Bostick is a strong hitter and quick runner, often stretching base hits into doubles or triples. Both of these players were named All-Americans in 2008.
Bostick was named the Peach Belt Conference’s Player of the Year and Chandler was named to the Peach Belt All-Conference team.
“It was a lot of fun for us to win the conference tournament, but I think we all wanted a little more out of the Regional tournament than what we finished with,” Chandler said. “This year we are a senior-heavy team and we – the seniors especially – are looking to take it to another level.”
Chandler and the other seniors hope to lead their team to another Peach Belt title and potentially a national championship.
“This year, nationals are being held in Salem, Va., which we think is sort of an omen for us because that’s where they were held the last time we made it to nationals,” Chandler said.
“This year, I think that we should be able to win the conference as well as the conference tournament, and make it further at regionals so that we will have a shot at going to nationals and winning it as well,” Bostick said.
The Lady Bobcats will play in a tournament in Aiken, S.C. beginning Saturday, Feb. 7, and their first home game will be a region game on Feb. 14 against Wingate University.
“Our goal for the beginning of the season is just to find the right combinations,” Chaffinch said. “We have multiple players who can play multiple positions.”
It may take a few games to find out what the right combination is, but once they do, the Lady Bobcats will be scoring in no time.
“I think that our team chemistry is very good this year,” Bostick said, “and that will be the main thing that will help us succeed at our goals for this season.”
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Feb 6 2009. Filed under Sports.
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