The Jeffs will be led by Head Coach Sue Everden and senior co-captains Becca Binder '02 and Lauren Peloquin '02, who earned NESCAC Pitcher of the Year honors with her dominating 0.43 ERA last season. Even though the Jeffs must cope with the loss of team batting leader Meg Nelson '01 to graduation, the Jeffs will return nine solid veterans to the team. The veterans will be joined by a group of promising freshmen, as well as by sophomore newcomer Jessica Allen, to the 2002 roster. Key returners in the mix include first basemen Gina Scribner '04, last season's NESCAC Co-Rookie of the Year and the team's second-leading hitter.
Everden is excited by the outlook of the team this year. "I'm looking forward to a spectacular season," said Everden. "We've got a good mix of veteran and young players and the best pitcher in the northeast is senior Lauren Peloquin. Her presence and work ethic is amazing and she has been both an inspiration and a leader from her freshman year."
On the defensive side, the squad's co-captains will run the show as the pitching and catching unit this season. While Peloquin will lead the way on the mound, she will be well supported by Emily Melia '03, who has composed a career 10-10 record, along with freshman Kathryn Honderd joining the pitching squad this year. Behind the plate as starting catcher will be Binder. Backing up Binder will be Kristin Bradley '05, who is seeking to be another force behind the plate.
The Jeff infield should remain solid this season, with Scribner holding the first base line, while junior Missy Mordy moves from third base to shortstop to replace the gap left by the graduation of Carline Kelly '01. The position at second base will be split between starting pitchers Peloquin and Melia, while Allen will man the line at third.
Everden has her pick between numerous talented outfielders this season, who provide much depth to the roster. Despite the graduation of Meg Nelson, juniors Tamara Baer, Erin Dittus and Jenna Obelsky, along with sophomore Della Huff all proved themselves in the outfield last year and will undoubtedly be the key players on the grass this year. But, they will have to compete with the addition of freshmen Greta Anderson and speedy Elizabeth Staunton, who may be viable options in the outfield lineup as well.
Offensively, the Jeffs look at a lineup of very consistent short and extra-base hitters, as opposed to a more power-hitting lineup they have relied on in the past. Besides the impressive offensive stats of Scribner last season, Peloquin, Obelsky and Mordy should also have their share of extra base hits this year. Honderd and Bradley will also add an offensive boost in the upcoming season.
Once again, the NESCAC opponents will be formidable this year. Bowdoin College, the team that knocked Amherst out of last year's tournament, will provide strong competition, as will defending NESCAC Champion Tufts University.
Everden said that she has high hopes for the success of her team in the upcoming season. "We're going to get a solid contribution from all 14 players and that couldn't make me happier," said Everden.