2009 Season Preview
2009RamsSoftball 2009 Season Preview Head Coach Mary Yori begins her ninth season at Colorado State add to this powerful core on offense. Yori believes that freshUniversity with the mindset necessary to win another Mountain men Christine Thomsen and Ashley MacQueen are capable of proWest Conference championship. Yori believes that this year’s squad ducing some power as well as adding some speed to the lineup. has the power and speed to be a solid competitor in the MWC. “We plan to be an exciting offensive team with a blend of proven “This team is hungry and committed to improve upon a success- power hitters with the addition of more team speed,” Yori said. ful season in 2008,” Yori said. “This is a driven and tenacious group of athletes who are geared to build upon last year’s suc- In the circle for the Rams this season will be secess. They are a tremendous group of competitors and seem to nior Kim Klabough and junior Rebecca Penland, along understand what it is going to take to meet our goals of chal- with newcomers Kelli Eubanks and Danielle Chaplin. lenging for, and winning, a Mountain West Conference championship. We have a lot of ability on this team and within time they “Collectively, our pitching staff is prepared and poised, and inplan to put it together on the field while striving for greatness.” dividually each pitcher is capable of elevating her game to another level. I believe we could have the strongest pitchThe Rams will have to pass through some tough tournament com- ing staff we have had over the past four years,” Yori added. petition on their way to reaching their goals as they will face seven opponents that reached the NCAA regional last season, with four of Behind the plate for Colorado State are two seathose teams finishing in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association soned catchers with senior Shannon Causgrove and ju(NFCA) Top 25. The Rams will face No. 5 UCLA, No. 16 California, nior Ashley Munoz returning to help the Ram pitchers. No. 21 Nevada and No. 23 Long Beach State before conference play begins. Conference foe San Diego State finished last season “We are fortunate to return both Ashley and Shannon who have ranked 24th and will also add to the strength of the Rams’ schedule. each caught for at least one season, bringing outstanding expertise and experience to handle the catching duties,” said Yori. Colorado State’s offense will be led by juniors Allison Majam, Ashley Munoz and Rebecca Penland, who were each named to the The Rams look to continue solid defensive play from last season, all-MWC team last season, when they hit a combined .324 with returning the middle infield with Stem getting the start at short33 doubles and 20 home runs. Sophomore Caitlan Stem, who stop and junior Robyn Mask as the projected starter at second led the team in batting last season with a .373 average, will also base. As a squad, Colorado State recorded a fielding percentage of .960 in the 2008 season, ranking second in the conference. Senior Michelle Reynolds and MacQueen will compete for playing time at third base, replacing four-year starter and Easton All-America performer Lauren Cusick. Thomsen is slated to be the starting first baseman. Freshmen Lyssa Roberts had a very good fall and will also be competing for playing time at second base and Chelsea Freiberg rounds out the infield players as primarily a first baseman.
Sarah Sullivan (20) crosses home plate after a home run
who all have seen their share of playing time. Majam is the most veteran leader in the outfield, as she has been a two-year starter with time shared in all three outfield positions. Kayla Kreutzman also has a great deal of experience in both center and right field, where she has been a starter as well. Junior Sarah Sullivan and sophomore Ivory Allen have also combined for quite a few innings of playing time.In addition, newcomers Jenna Krogh and Amilia Stephens will undoubtedly compete for a starting role in the outfield. “With the combined experience of our outfielders, along with the addition of Krogh and Stephens, they should be smarter, faster and better equipped to handle what comes their way,” said Yori.
“We are talented in the infield with more quick- With the combination of power, speed and determination, this ness and depth than the previous couple years,” team will be a major force in the Mountain West Conference. Yori said. “I am excited about the possibilities of our infield as they grow and gel together.” Colorado State’s outfield will consist of four returnees Mary Yori (center) talking to Ashley MacQueen, Caitlan Stem and Lyssa Roberts
Colorado State University
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Sarah Sullivan (20) crosses home plate after a home run
who all have seen their share of playing time. Majam is the most veteran leader in the outfield, as she has been a two-year starter with time shared in all three outfield positions. Kayla Kreutzman also has a great deal of experience in both center and right field, where she has been a starter as well. Junior Sarah Sullivan and sophomore Ivory Allen have also combined for quite a few innings of playing time.In addition, newcomers Jenna Krogh and Amilia Stephens will undoubtedly compete for a starting role in the outfield. “With the combined experience of our outfielders, along with the addition of Krogh and Stephens, they should be smarter, faster and better equipped to handle what comes their way,” said Yori.
“We are talented in the infield with more quick- With the combination of power, speed and determination, this ness and depth than the previous couple years,” team will be a major force in the Mountain West Conference. Yori said. “I am excited about the possibilities of our infield as they grow and gel together.” Colorado State’s outfield will consist of four returnees Mary Yori (center) talking to Ashley MacQueen, Caitlan Stem and Lyssa Roberts
Colorado State University
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