University of the Cumberlands 2007 Softball Preview

The University of the Cumberlands Softball team is eager to start a new spring season and put all of their hard work to use on the field. The ladies bid farewell to several players and friends last season, but have welcomed new talent to the team this year. Last season ended with an overall record of 24-28 and a conference record of 10-7.

Four key players were lost due to graduation last season. These players were Melanie Downey ( Lexington, KY), Erin Clancy ( Powell, TN), Sabrina McCullough ( Georgetown, KY), and Ashley Rismiller ( Maryville, TN). All of these players left UC having made many accomplishments on and off the field. Although these great players were lost, the roster for this season appears strong and balanced with several returning players who are ready to set the example for many incoming freshmen.

Returning players who are expected to lead the team are senior center fielder Kim Catoe ( Chattanooga, TN), junior pitcher Whitney Piar ( Lancaster, OH), sophomore shortstop Lara Jackson ( Hawesville, KY), and sophomore left fielder Samantha Kooch ( Powell, TN). Catoe has been recognized academically several times and has received honorable mention. Piar has been recognized for having a 1.58 ERA, pitching the least amount of walks in a season, and recording six shutouts. Jackson really stepped up as a freshman and played in 49 of the games last season giving her a chance to build up 62 putouts between bases. Kooch also stepped up as a first time Patriot last season. She collected seven doubles, one homerun, and 11 RBI’s.

Incoming freshmen who are expected to see playing time are Janna Anderson from Richmond, KY, Mindy Breitholle from Hamilton, OH, Fahlin Pulliam from Hawesville, KY, and Laura Copley from Jamestown, TN. Anderson will prove to be a great asset on the defensive side as an outfielder, Breitholle and Copley are expected to get some real experience from the mound and some helpful tips from Piar on pitching, and Pulliam will be seen in action from third base.

The Patriots went far in the season last year and played so well as to clear themselves a spot at the NAIA Region XI Tournament finishing as the runner-up to Campbellsville University, who won the regular season championship. In the first round of the tournament, the Patriots were defeated by Trevecca Nazarene University, which was followed by a win over Campbellsville University. They ended the tournament falling to Martin Methodist. In the NAIA Region XI Tournament the Patriots battled against Campbellsville University for 16 innings. This game was the second longest softball game in NAIA history.

Head Coach, Angie Dean is enthusiastic about the season ahead. She had this to say, “My coaching staff and I have had a great time with this team already. We have a great group of returners and some talented new players that should see a lot of playing time. As a team and coaching staff we have set our sights on capturing the 2007 MSC Championship and returning to the Regional Tournament.”

The ladies are expected to do well this season and were voted by the Mid-South coaches to finish second in the MSC tournament. It is anticipated that their toughest competition will come from Georgetown and Campbellsville.

An action packed season for the Softball ladies will begin at home in a double header on February 20 th against Milligan College at 2 PM.

2006 Season Preview
2005 Season Preview