Softball Reloaded with Talent; Ready to Begin 2007 Season
2/15/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
The 2007 season begins for Seton Hall at the Louisville Slugger Classic in Las Vegas, Nev. this weekend against some stiff competition. The four day round-robin tournament features some top-20 caliber teams, and will be an immediate test for the Pirates. The schedule doesn't get easier next week either, as Seton Hall will compete at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, one of the most prestigious pre-season tournaments in the country.
“We chose to play this schedule to give our program exposure, to boost our RPI, and to improve our team by competing against the best,” said head coach Ray Vander May. “This year’s schedule will test our mental toughness, and if we pass the test we will have a successful season.”
Last sesason proved to be a year of transition as many of the key players from the back-to-back BIG EAST championship teams graduated and a new group stepped to the forefront. Despite the departure of some of the best players in program history, the Pirates still rolled up 29 victories on their way to another winning record. But a 7-15 mark in conference play left them one spot short of a chance for a three-peat at the BIG EAST Tournament.
In his tenth season, Vander May will field a team loaded with talent and potential but short on experience. “We have a good nucleus of juniors, an extremely talented sophomore class that could be the strongest we have ever brought in, and some key freshmen that will help,” said Vander May. “The success of our team will come down to pitching. We have a young staff, but it has the potential to be very strong.”
Sophomore Kim Schweitzer is coming off an impressive first season on the mound in which she tied the Seton Hall freshman record with 12 wins. In 129.0 innings pitched, she struck out 37 while posting a 3.96 ERA.
“Kim is a hard worker who continues to improve,” stated Vander May. “She is farther along in the learning process at this point in her career than anyone I have had, and she very well could end up as the best pitcher to ever come out of Seton Hall.
Junior Maura Lund finished with a 3-2 record a year ago with a 3.99 ERA. She struck out 32 in 47.1 innings while limiting the opposition to a .263 batting average. Rounding out the staff in 2007 is freshman Danielle Zanzalari.
“Maura has limited experience but she continues to make improvements in her mechanics and speed and has the potential to be a big-time pitcher,” said Vander May. “Danielle will spell Kim and Maura.”
The Seton Hall position players are a mostly youthful group led by a few battle-tested veterans. Junior left fielder Jenna Best is coming off a sensational sophomore season in which she hit .340 and tied for the team-lead with nine homeruns, earning her All-Northeast Region First Team and All-BIG EAST Third Team honors. Best is a 2007 Pirate co-captain.
“Jenna is one of the most outstanding leaders we have ever had at Seton Hall,” said Vander May. “I expect big things from her and she expects them from herself. If she just matches last season’s numbers I would consider that a great year.”
Junior Maggie Simkiss looks to have nailed down the starting job in right field. The power-hitting lefty blasted three homeruns and drove in 21 runs a year ago while making 41 starts.
“Maggie has two valuable years of experience to her credit and has played in some big games,” Vander May said. “She is in tremendous condition and has proven to be an extremely good hitter.”
A heated battle has taken place for the right to patrol center field this year for Seton Hall. Freshman Laura Baranek has shown enough in the fall to be a strong contender for the starting role, with junior Ashley Constantini making a push as well.
“Laura is strong, hits for power, and has an exceptional glove,” said Vander May. “Ashley is much improved and has good speed, a strong arm, and some pop in her bat. Both players are capable of doing a good job in center field.”
Freshman Annie Fedick will see time in the outfield in reserve, while her classmate, Christina Sammarco, can play infield as well as outfield for the Pirates.
“Annie is a lefty slapper who has shown a great deal of promise so far,” Vander May said. “Christina’s versatility is a plus and she will be valuable as a late-game defensive replacement and on the base paths.”
Captain Danielle Steinseifzer, the team’s lone senior, will handle the majority of the catching duties in 2007. She was batting .281 with a homerun and seven RBI last year before having her season cut short due to mononucleosis.
“Danielle was having a phenomenal season last year before getting sick,” said Vander May. “She is a great veteran leader and I expect big things from her.”
Junior Christa Leighton appeared in 25 games behind the plate in 2006, posting one homerun and five RBI. She will likely split time with Steinseifzer during doubleheaders. Freshman Rachel Miller is also an option at catcher.
“Christa has a strong arm and is a good leader, and Rachel has shown nice signs of improvement since joining the team,” said Vander May.
The Pirate infield is stocked with versatile players capable of playing multiple positions. Sophomore Shannon Pease will get the nod at first base after driving in three runs in limited action a year ago.
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A trio of players will compete for the starting job at second base. Sophomore Daria Glynos is the most experienced candidate, but she will be pushed by freshmen Madon Maile and Allison Gengler.
“I expect to rotate Daria, Madon, and Allison at second,” Vander May said. “They are all talented and will do a good job.”
Sophomore Kealan Waldron has claimed the starting job at third base. She made 31 starts in her rookie campaign and began to come on offensively towards the end of the season with a pair of round-trippers.
“Kealan has shown a lot of power this fall and could lead the team in hitting,” said Vander May. “She is a fine athlete who will make things happen for us.”
Sophomore Leah Menichetti will start at her natural position of shortstop after serving as the Pirate second baseman a year ago. She scored 25 runs and drove in eight while usually hitting in the leadoff spot.
“I look for Leah’s numbers to improve this year,” Vander May said. “She is our most experienced middle infielder and will be moving to the position we recruited her for.”
Sophomore Amanda Winn will serve as the Seton Hall starting designated player. She blasted three homeruns and drove in 11 runs in 80 at-bats as a freshman.
“Amanda is a strong power hitter who will also see time at first base and third base,” said Vander May.
SHU will also participate in the
Despite the lowered expectations of outsiders, Vander May believes his squad is capable of being a contender. “Others may think we are a year away, but I don’t buy that,” he said. “I don’t care about the preseason poll, because it’s not where you start, but where you finish that matters. We have talent, but we need to gain experience and confidence. With confidence will come success.”
