Oct. 23, 2008

FALL BALL PHOTO GALLERY

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Wednesday, October 23, 2008) - The Redhawks softball team completed their fall exhibition season with a double-header sweep of Meramac College and ended the short eight-game season with a 4-4 record. Returning just seven letterwinners from last season, of which only five of those players were available for the fall season, the nine newcomers to the program saw crucial playing time against Division I opponents.

The Redhawks started the season with a doubleheader against cross-river rival Southern Illinois University at Carbondale on September 26 at the Charlotte West Softball Stadium. The Redhawks fell 2-0 in a pitching dual against the Salukis in the first game. The Salukis scored runs in the first and third innings against Whitney Dupuis who finished with a complete game. Dupuis allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits.

Veterans Jennifer Vasquez and Alex Ramirez collected hits while newcomers Nicole Troncoso and Renee Kertz collected the final two hits for the Redhawks. Kertz had the Redhawks lone extra base hit with a double.

In the second game freshman pitcher Giana Zimmerman shutdown the potent Salukis offense attack through four innings before they exploded for five runs in the sixth inning to secure a 6-0 victory. Ramirez recorded the lone Redhawks hit as she went 1-3 with a double. Zimmerman struckout six Salukis in her first action against collegiate batters.

The Redhawks then travelled up Interstate 55 on September 28 to face in-state rival Saint Louis University at the Billikens Sports Center for an afternoon doubleheader. After falling to the Billikens in the opening game the Redhawks showed power at the plate and in the circle as they won the second game for the split. Zimmerman recorded her first win of the fall season as she went the distance and helped her own cause with a solo homerun in the opening inning.

On October 4 the Redhawks travelled to Dupo, Illinois to face in-state rivals Missouri State and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) at the Diamond Sports Fall Tournament. In their opening game the Redhawks fell to the Bears 3-0. Dupuis pitched the complete game allowing three runs on six hits while striking out two. Five Redhawks collected hits highlighted by Stephanie Barnes pinch-hit double. In the final game of the day the Redhawks routed UMKC as Zimmerman again pitched a gem and the Redhawks offense provided plenty of run support.

In their final action of the fall season the Redhawks swept their home doubleheader against Meramac College. Dupuis and Zimmerman each recorded shutouts in the circle as they ended the season on a three-game winning streak.

"With 10 newcomers and losing three infield starting positions due to graduation and injuries it was important to use the fall to solidify our infield," commented Head Coach Lana Richmond. "This has emerged as one of our strengths coming out of the fall campaign."

Kertz batted .312 against Division I opponents as she secured her spot as the team's starting third baseman after playing every inning in the fall at the hot corner. That position was previously played by current Redhawks assistant coach Michelle Summers who started the last four years at third where she was a four-time All-OVC selection and school record holder in numerous single season and career offensive records.

Troncoso, a transfer from Boston College, played excellent defense in the fall as she saw action at shortstop and second base. She will contend for a starting spot at both positions as the Redhawks look to replace last years starting shortstop Megan McDonald who graduated and second baseman Allie Borowiak who will sit out the upcoming season with a medical red-shirt.

Hollie Clark provided a lot of pop with her bat as she batted .363 against D-I foes while serving as Ramirez's back-up behind the plate and as the teams designated player.

Barnes led the team with a .500 batting average against D-I opponents and also provided the team with another option in the circle as she made several relief appearances.

Zimmerman led the pitching staff with a 3-1 record in the circle and finished with a .272 batting average against D-I foes.

Among the returnees Ramirez led them with a .250 average against D-I opponents and showed her usual "gold-glove" play behind the plate as she threw out over 60-percent of those attempting to steal on her and did not commit a single error. Dupuis was a workhorse as the team's No. 1 pitcher in the spring as she started four games and threw well.

"It was important to see freshman pitchers transition to D1 and Giana (Zimmerman) has made a strong entrance, coupled with returner Whitney (Dupuis) supplying strong outings on the mound this fall." Said Coach Richmond. "Our pitching staff is definitely going to be stronger and has depth. Our defense is solid and we have numbers to back up key positions."

The Redhawks start the 2009 season on February 12 in Jackson, Mississippi with a doubleheader against Jackson State.

"Overall I felt we needed more games to play, but with the new 8 game rule it was important to use a majority of those games against D1 opponents to get a measure of our team," said Coach Richmond. "Our coaching staff has a better picture of positions, back-ups, strengths and the emphasis going into the off season workouts."