2009 Softball Season Outlook
The 2009 softball season begins this spring with a new kind of energy under fourth-year head coach Adrienne Davis. The Yeowomen welcome back their top position player and pitcher from a season ago and will get contributions from a talented group of first-year players, several of whom will undoubtedly see significant playing time right away. While Coach Davis is thrilled to have a nucleus of players that combines experience, leadership, talent and youthful exuberance, the Yeowomen ride into the 2009 year with the kind of momentum that comes from a season-ending two-game winning streak, and the confidence that comes from winning three of their last four non-conference games.
Senior pitcher Michelle Zanni, who was named All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2008, will be back to anchor the Yeowomen pitching staff. On the mound a year ago, Zanni started 18 games and went the distance in 17 of those games. She posted two-thirds of the victories for Oberlin and led the staff in innings pitched, appearances, strikeouts, and earned run average. Zanni also led the team in offensive production boasting a team high .326 batting average on 31 hits - also a team-high. She showed some pop as a junior, connecting on 10 extra base hits and a team high .526 slugging percentage. On the offensive end Zanni will again join with doit- all infielder Julia Chauvin who hit .300 for the Yeowomen in 2008. The junior from Hillsborough, North Carolina, led Oberlin in runs batted in, extra-base hits, and stolen bases, while finishing second on the team in nearly every other offensive category. Chauvin was named All-Conference Honorable Mention two seasons ago playing first and third, before being asked to play shortstop in her sophomore campaign. There she was the pillar of the defense with 107 assists and a fielding percentage of .939. This year she will likely be moved to the hot corner to help bolster the defense down the lines.
Senior Ruth Allanbrook returns as the team’s main backstop after starting all 33 games behind the dish in 2008. She also tied for third on the team in hitting and RBIs.
Junior Sophie Schacht was another key contributor last season - finishing fourth on the squad in hits and total bases. Jen Sees was a mainstay on the mound and at third base for OC making 20 appearances and 15 starts inside the circle. Sees, who went the distance 15 times and pitched 72 innings a season ago, will be heavily counted on again in 2009. Fellow juniors Lauren Luther and Kate Phillips also return to provide depth to the club.
Surrounding the two upper-class stalwarts will be a talented group of young players that will provide a strong core for the future of Oberlin softball to build around. Katie Baldonieri leads the outfielders with a strong arm, good instincts, and speed on the bases. Baldonieri will also be joined in the outfield by newcomers Megan Widmer and Erin Berg, all three of whom should compete for playing time this year. Joining the battery is first-year catcher Sam Dudzinski who is known for being a tremendous leader with the ability to handle a diverse staff. Another addition with tremendous game savvy and understanding is Sara Gaines, who will see some action at first base and behind the plate. Gaines is likely to find her way into the middle of the lineup as one of the Yeowomen’s top hitting threats. Adding depth and speed in the middle infield will be first-year players Kristen Dix and Kristine Kuchta.
The Yeowomen begin the 2009 campaign with an early visit to the Centre College Tournament on February 28 and March 1. Once again Oberlin will trek south for a spring break tournament at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. The home opener will be one week later against conference foe Allegheny on April 1.
