The Pacer

Issue date: 2/6/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Matt Maxey

When looking at the roster of the Skyhawk softball team, which contains 14 freshman and sophomore players of the 19 total players, some would think they are too young to compete.

Head coach Donley Canary has a different opinion, saying, "This year's team is very young and also very talented."

The young team is looking at starting four freshmen this season as well as having many other freshmen competing to come off the bench in the catching, pitching, and hitting situations.

The Skyhawks have a strong pitching rotation starting with sophomore Ashley Myatt, who finished last season with a record of 14-11 and a 2.05 ERA in 32 appearances. She also earned a spot on the "OVC All Newcomer Team" last season.

"It's really something to see when Ashley goes out and dominates bigger and stronger teams," said Canary.

Another strong arm comes from junior Ashton Strode, formerly of Western Kentucky, who also made the "OVC All Newcomer Team" with the Skyhawks last season behind her 12-10 record. She is one of the top strikeout pitchers in the Ohio Valley Conference, and looks to really improve even more this season.

Kara Harper, a sophomore from Long Beach, Calif., ended last season with a 5-2 record and a 1.97 ERA. Harper, when not pitching, will assume the position at first base.

"Kara is the best fielding first baseman that I have ever had and defensively we have no one that can compare to her," said Canary.

Paij Lintz, a freshman pitcher from Lewisburg, came out of high school as a very decorated player who throws extremely hard. She is a very smart player, has a great rise ball, and approaches 62 miles per hour with her pitches.

The infield this season is very athletic and should prove to be very competitive throughout the entire season.

Sophomore Lauren Manna will start as catcher this season for the Skyhawks. Manna is recovering from mononucleosis, which has caused her to lose some weight and strength, but she is working to build up her stamina.

Laurie Lindow, Savannah Roberts, and Riley Pace are others that will be sharing some of the catching time this season. Lindow and Roberts will also see playing time at the corner positions as well as batting.

Second base will prove to be a battle between the three-year starter Fallon Lowery and freshman Laura Roberts. Lowery ended last season with only seven errors and a fielding percentage of .967. Freshman Laura Roberts, an all-state shortstop out of Johnson City, Ill., will be the challenger for the second base position this season.

Continued...

Page 1 of 3 next >

Article Tools