As the Columbia softball team prepares to start the 2010 season, it will focus on improving last year’s 16-34 record and on giving first-year players valuable experience.
A quick glance over the roster immediately brings up a potential issue concerning the team’s depth. The Lions are carrying 13 players on the roster, a much smaller number than in recent seasons. Although there are enough players to field a team and four bench spots, this could quickly become an issue if even one or two players sustain serious injuries.
On offense, the Lions will miss graduated shortstop Keli Leong setting the table at the top of the lineup. She hit well over .300 throughout her college career, and recorded 50 hits or more in each of her four seasons. She is the only player in Columbia history to achieve this feat. The Light Blue will rely on junior infielder Karen Tulig, who hit .303 and led the team with a .387 on-base percentage in 2009, to help spark the offense.
As for the returning hitters, senior infielder Dani Pineda hit four home runs and tied the team lead with 27 RBI. Her bat will lead an offense that scored 168 runs last season, finishing No. 6 in the Ivy League. Junior infielder Stephanie Yagi hit .219 in a starting role last season, with one home run and 19 RBI, while junior outfielder Anne Marie Skylis had 13 RBI in 120 at-bats. Sophomore Kayla Lechler scored 16 runs and plated 9 RBI.
Maggie Johnson was another of the team’s most productive hitters, belting six home runs and 27 RBI last year. She will also be asked to lead the pitching staff after posting a 3.67 ERA in 133 2/3 innings last season.
Sophomore Jessica Rakonza will try to improve on her 4.05 ERA in 93 1/3 innings last year, and senior Aimee Kemp could be the X-factor for the pitching staff. In her first season, she won 16 games in 34 appearances, along with a 2.78 ERA through 189 innings. However, she has struggled with injuries and has had difficulty in matching those numbers ever since. If Kemp can finish her final season anywhere near the form she had in the 2007 season, the team’s pitching will receive a huge boost.
Following a trend seen in recent seasons, the Lions will again rely on immediate contributions from first-year players. With such a small roster, freshmen Jennifer Bergeron, Alexis Kurmis, Alison Lam, Maureen O’Kane, and Christie Taylor should all see extensive playing time this season.
The Lions begin the 2010 season on March 6 against Delaware State in the Cavalier Classic at the University of Virginia. They will spend spring break in Kissimmee, Fla., at the Rebel Spring Games tournament before opening the season against Iona at Baker Athletics Complex on March 27.
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