Softball 2009 Season Preview

2008 Season Recap
Achieving the best record in school history, the Sagehens proved that they were a force to be reckoned with during the 2008 season. The team not only beat their own school record in wins, going 21-19, surpassing the previous high of 17 wins, but they also were one of 4 teams selected to compete in the first ever post-season SCIAC tournament. The Sagehens proceeded to upset first-seeded and nationally ranked University of Redlands in the first round by a score of 5-1. Unfortunately, the Sagehens fell to La Verne University later that day and were forced into a rematch against Redlands, who managed to eke out a 6-5 decision in the last inning of the game, abruptly ending the season for the Sagehens. Pomona-Pitzer finished fourth in SCIAC during the regular season and third in the SCIAC tournament ahead of arch rival CMS.

Graduating Players
Although the Sagehens only graduated three seniors in 2008, all will be sorely missed. 2008 Starting pitcher Billie McGrane (PO, ’08) led Pomona-Pitzer on the mound last season pitching 120.2 innings in 20 games and finishing the season with an overall record of 10-7. She led the Sagehens and was fifth in SCIAC with a 1.91 ERA. A reliable hitter, she finished the year with a .272 batting average and 17 RBIs. McGrane was named to the first team All-SCIAC and will return to Pomona-Pitzer softball as an assistant coach this season.

In the infield, the Sagehens graduated starting second baseman Kindra Wilson (PO, ’08), a steady performer in all 40 games. Speedy outfielder Kate Kuntz (PO, ’08) was a member of Pomona-Pitzer softball for all four years and a valuable asset on the bases.

Returning Outfielders
Four outfielders will return this season to compete for the Sagehens. Team leader Mackenzie Smith (PO, ’09) will continue to be a force at the plate and in right field. Last season, as a team captain, Smith played in all 40 games, finishing the season with a .331 batting average, 23 RBIs, and 10 extra base hits, including two homeruns. Slick fielding Pomona senior Emily Aamodt returns to center field for the Sagehens this season and her speed should be both an offensive and defensive asset. Leftfielder Jamie Goldberg (PO, ’11) came on strong in the playoffs last year and will be counted on to supply some power this season. Susan Stahlman (PO, ’10) will also continue to be a versatile outfielder for Pomona-Pitzer.

Returning Infielders
Providing strength and leadership to the Sagehens, five infielders hit over .300 last season and will be returning to the team this year. Hard hitting corner infielder and pitcher Alexis Garcia (PI, ’11) led the team in batting average, hitting an impressive .381 on the season while recording 14 extra base hits. Ali Corley anchored the team from behind the plate as catcher and on offense. She finished her freshman year with a .379 batting average, 42 RBIs, and 27 extra base hits, which included 13 homeruns, an all-time team homerun record and one of the leaders nationally in DIII. Seasoned veterans Leanna Guillermo (PI, ’09) and Christine Calderon (PO, ’09) held up the corners for the Sagehens, playing solid first and third base respectively. Both return this year as team captains and will continue to show the way. Guillermo finished the season batting .340 and Calderon recorded a .336 batting average while playing lockdown defense. Speedy Allison Ritter (PI, ’11) had an impressive freshman season as well, manning the infield at shortstop and batting .310 on the season. Sadie Barr (PO, ’09) will also be returning for the Sagehens as both a versatile catcher and a second baseman.

Returning Pitchers
Three out of four Sagehen pitchers return to the team this season. Melanie Gularte (PI, ’10) will be more seasoned and counted on to lead the way on the mound this season. She finished her freshman season with a 3.01 ERA and a 6-7 record. In 88.1 innings she struck out 54 batters and led the pitching staff in game appearances with 22. Alexis Garcia and Mackenzie Smith will both return to the mound for the Sagehens this season. Last season Garcia went 3-4 with a 4.17 ERA while Smith went 2-1 for the Sagehens with a 2.58 ERA. Both will be expected to be key contributors.

Newcomers
Pomona-Pitzer added four freshmen to their roster this season. Emily Buika (PI, ’12) comes from Long Beach to join the Sagehens this year. With a strong arm and the ability to play any outfield position, Buika will be a key addition to the Sagehen outfield. However, Buika is not the only freshman that has shown versatility. Cat Ulrich (PO, ’12) joins the team as both a catcher and outfielder and will add depth at both positions. In the infield, the Sagehens gained two power-hitting freshmen this year, Arianna Roach (PI, ’12) in the middle infield and Brianna Marcantoni (PI, ’12) at third or first base. Pomona-Pitzer also welcomes the return of second baseman and Pitzer senior Alison Lipman who comes back to the team after a year’s hiatus.

Season Outlook
The Sagehens will face their toughest schedule in school history this season, competing against both the NCAA Division III national champions of 2008 and 2007. Despite having to overcome key injuries early in the season, the Sagehens have the talent to pick up where they left off last year. With an even more explosive offensive that last year’s team, who combined for a team batting average of .308, P-P is surely going to be feared at the plate throughout the lineup. Although last year’s starting pitcher Billie McGrane has graduated, the Sagehens are fortunate to return three strong pitchers with another year behind their belts. The defense should also show improvement from last year’s relatively young team. The team anticipates competing once again in the SCIAC tournament and aspires to compete in NCAA Division III Regionals and even beyond.

- Story provided by Jamie Goldberg (PO, '11)