ADRIAN – The Adrian College softball program is coming off one of the best seasons in the school’s history. The Bulldogs won a school-record 34 games and therefore made a trip to the NCAA Regionals.

Adrian will look to compete at a high level during the highly anticipated 2010 season, but they know a repeat performance will not be easy. “We are looking to compete within the MIAA,” said head coach Kristina Schweikert. “Last year was a big improvement for our program, but we still have a lot to prove.”

Trine and Alma will pose as big opponents in the conference this season, and with the coaching changes that took place, multiple teams could be heading for improved seasons.
“Our team needs to focus on what we can control, and not worry or rely on what the other teams are doing,” Schweikert said.

If the Bulldogs stay focused they should be set for a good 2010 season as many important players return to the team’s lineup.

Pitching
The Bulldogs will return the one-two punch of Kelly Tomasek and Kelly Eberhardt on the mound for the 2010 season. Tomasek returns for her junior season after a breakout sophomore campaign. Tomasek put together one of the best seasons in the circle by a Bulldog in school history. She was recognized as the Most Valuable Pitcher in the MIAA, a First Team All-Central Region selection, and finally a Third Team All-American by the NFCA. Tomasek broke multiple school records including lowest ERA in a single season (0.83), shutouts (7) and strikeouts (159).

Even though Eberhardt isn’t technically an upperclassman she brings a wealth of experience into this season after seeing a lot of playing time as a freshman. “Kelly has been throwing very well in the off-season,” Schweikert said. “She has the opportunity to be a huge contributor to this team this season.” Sarah Almack will also return for her sophomore season. “Sarah is a great compliment to Tomasek and Eberhardt,” said Schweikert. “She does a good job of keeping batters off balance.”

Jami Shafley and Jessie Plague will also look to impact the team during their freshman season. “Both of these pitchers have a good work ethic and could see some time for us this year,” Schweikert said.

Behind The Plate
Adrian will have a reliable catcher in 2010 as Kristin Toney returns for her junior season. Toney started in all 42 games a season ago. The Bulldogs rely on her defense, yet she still hit .314 to help spark a high powered offense. “Kristin is very solid on defense,”Schweikert said. “She has a good presence behind the plate, and she works well with the pitcher.”

Newcomer Sarah McIlrath is a utility player that possesses the skills necessary to play catcher. McIlrath will gain valuable experience behind the leadership of Toney. Her powerful bat will be a valuable asset to the offense this year.

Infield
Seniors Meghan Stevens and Jenna Kloster will return to the corners of the AC infield. Stevens was a First Team All-MIAA selection in 2009. She hit.391, and led the team in home runs (9), RBI’s (42) and total bases (89). Kloster will hold down the hot corner as the third baseman for Adrian. Kloster started in every game a year ago. “Jenna is a vocal leader for our infield,” Schweikert explained. “She is very solid defensively, and we look for her to get into the mix offensively.”

Rachel Batman and Sarah Hall will split time at second base for the Bulldogs. Both players impacted the team last year at that position. Batman is a senior that brings a good work ethic to the team, and Hall is a sophomore that helped the AC offense last year with a .318 batting average.

Stepping into the shortstop position will be newcomer Maggie Hein. Hein will look to impact the program immediately with her positive attitude. “Maggie shows up and does everything she is asked to do,” said Schweikert. “She has the talent to be successful for us.”

Other Bulldogs that will try to break into the lineup include Tara Camper, Ashley Gniewek, Jenna Borck, Mariah Sika, Emily Pilon, and Jennifer Wend. Camper and Sika are penciled in as third basemen, but Camper has the ability to play other positions and could be used as a utility player in the future. Pilon can also play different positions ranging from second base to pitcher. Gniewek will join the team after hockey season. She will compete for time when she gets on the team as she is a very consistent slap hitter.

Borck and Wend will work in a reserved role at the first base position.

Outfield
The Bulldogs will have two familiar faces in the outfield during the 2010 season. Katie Adams and Katrina Wotten return to the team, but with different roles than they had a year ago. Wotten will get a chance to play centerfield for AC. Schweikert knows that Wotten has some big shoes to fill with the departure of Krissy Sheets, but she is confident that she can get the job done. “Katrina is a great kid, who has a great work ethic,” Schweikert said. “She can cover a lot of ground in the outfield due to her great speed. We are confident that she can step up defensively and be a good player for this team.”

Adams returns for her junior season penciled in as the starting right fielder. Adams was used in the nine hole last year in the batting rotation, but could get a chance to move to the top of the order after having a successful sophomore campaign. “Katie was very consistent at the plate for us last year,” Schweikert said. “She can come up big in the lineup when she needs to, and she also has the ability to lead by example on the field.”

A group of newcomers will have a chance to get playing time in leftfield. Jenna Corbin is making a comeback after missing last season with mononucleosis. A group of freshmen will also be in the mix for the position. Amara Karapas, Shannon McWherter, Amy Knourek, and Megan Hall will all try to impact the team early in their careers. Ashley Kalinski would be able to fill a void in the outfield as she attempted to return to the team after studying abroad last season, however surgery will sideline her for a majority of this season.

Laura Heinz and Alicia Bickford will have a chance to help the team in a variety of ways. Heinz could see some time at first base, but with Meghan Stevens being such a strong player in the lineup the sophomore might find herself as the team’s designated player.

“Laura swings the bat very well,” Schweikert said. “I think she can take on the designated player role and do a great job with it.” Bickford can also be used in different positions.

The freshman has the ability to play catcher, or go in the other extreme to play the outfield. “Alicia provides the team with a good bat in the lineup, “Schweikert said. “I see good things down the road for her.”

Schedule
The Bulldogs will return to Orlando, Florida in 2010 to start their regular season. The team will compete in the Rebel Spring Games through March 13. Adrian will be tested during this stretch as they face three ranked opponents.

AC will face fifth-ranked Coe College on March 12.
The schedule is very challenging the next day as the Bulldogs will play a doubleheader against No. 11 Coast Guard at 3 p.m. followed by a contest against No. 15 William Paterson at 5 p.m.

After the spring break trip Adrian will return to play Bluffton University in its home opener. The team will be tested during the middle of April with games against Alma, Trine and Defiance.

The Yellow Jackets pose yet another threat as they received votes to be a ranked team during the NFCA preseason poll. The Bulldogs will begin MIAA play on the road with a doubleheader against Albion on March 26.

Their first home MIAA contest will be against Kalamazoo on April 10th. Make sure to come out and support your Bulldogs on April 17 as they host conference foe Alma at 1 p.m. AC is also fortunate to have back-to-back home doubleheaders against Hope and Calvin before entering the MIAA Tournament on May 6.