The Amherst softball team began its 2008 season with a 10-game campaign in Arizona over spring break. Though the week began with three straight losses, the Jeffs rebounded and went on a five-game winning streak and ended their Southwest stint with a record of 5-5.
In 2007, the Lord Jeffs went 14-18 overall (4-8 in NESCAC play) and failed to qualify for the NESCAC Tournament. This season, the team will strive for consistency throughout each game in hopes of becoming a serious contender in the conference tournament.
“I think the team really just wants to play the best softball we can,” said junior centerfielder Alexa Princi. “We have high hopes of improving our record and making it to the NESCAC Tournament like we did two years ago. Our hard work, mental toughness and great team unity will get us there.”
The team graduated two key players in 2007. Annalise Rodli ’07 proved to be a clutch hitter last season, batting .478 with runners on base and .515 with runners in scoring position. Third-baseman Caroline Polales ’07 also chipped in at the plate, slamming home five home runs last season. Despite the losses, the upperclassmen are confident in the team’s ability to fill in the gaps.
“Holly Trace and Emily Bularzik, two upperclassmen who have occupied various roles in their years on the team, are helping to cover the gaps in the infield,” said senior tri-captain Elizabeth Neckes. “Madeline Tamagni ’09 and Alex Chang-Graham ’10, both pitchers, are also helping out with their bats.”
The Jeffs will look to pitchers Chang-Graham and Tamagni, who finished second and fourth, respectively, in strikeouts per game in the NESCAC, to lead from the mound. On the other side of the plate, sophomore outfielder Jackie Tyler must continue to produce if Amherst wants to have a successful season. Tyler was the only Lord Jeff named to the All-NESCAC First Team in 2007 and led the conference in batting average (.513), slugging percentage (.744), on-base percentage (.562), stolen bases (19) and hits per game (1.6).
As the team prepared for preseason play, upperclassmen and rookies alike knew how important it would be to set the tone for the season while in Arizona.
Said Princi, “Before Arizona, the team really never touches a field since all of our preseason is played in the cage. In Arizona, we play 10 games and finally get the chance to play on a real field. Arizona is huge for us to sharpen all our skills and give us the confidence we need before going into NESCAC games.”
The Jeffs opened their season with three straight losses. However, the players would not let the early setbacks affect them, and they charged through the next five games, picking up their first five wins of the season. Their streak was cut short, however, by two losses to end their play in Arizona.
One of the highlights of the week was the team’s first win of the season against Buena Vista University. “Our best game was our first win of the tournament on Tuesday afternoon, a come-from-behind victory in the seventh inning with a walk-off home-run by Elizabeth Neckes ’08,” said senior tri-captain Kelly King. “After losing our first three games to very good teams, everyone was determined to win and did their part to reach that goal.”
The seniors are very hopeful that their team will continue to work hard, stay focused and win. They remain confident about the skills of their teammates and their ability to step it up at the plate and in the field, despite the team’s small roster.
“Our roster has turned out to be much deeper than expected, with a number of utility players ready and willing to be moved around all over the field,” said senior tri-captain Samantha Miller. “Also, with two new lefty slappers in the mix, our offense will look more varied with lots of short ball play. Overall, I’m extremely hopeful for this season—we may not be big in numbers, but we are certainly big in passion and desire for the game.”