2008 Woodie Awards
Softball team prepares to kick off season
Kathleen Groves
Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: Sports
After months of preparation, the Pittsburg State softball team is ready to start off the season under the leadership of head coach Brad Horkey. The team will begin its regular season play at 10 a.m. this Saturday with the Pitt State Classic I at the PSU Sports Complex.
The Gorillas will face three consecutive teams in their opener, including Kansas Wesleyan, Northwest Missouri and Lincoln.
Assistant coach Ashley Loncarich, who played with Pitt State for four years and is now in her second season as an assistant coach, says she believes the team is ready for a winning season. The team welcomed four new players, including Division I pitcher Tiffany Swanson from Central Arkansas University.
"They have a great deal of talent, and we are looking for them to step up in their first year here," said Loncarich.
Loncarich is also expecting impressive seasons from the returning players, especially the seniors.
"As a senior, you have that drive to do the best possible," said Loncarich. "Our seniors are due for a great year."
Maria Bernal, junior in physical education, transferred from Northeastern Illinois to play her first season at third base for Pitt State.
"I'm expecting the team to shock a lot of people this year," said Bernal. "We have those players that really stand out, but I think the team overall will be pretty good."
Despite the unpredictable winter weather, the team has gotten in all the practice it could, including many indoor sessions.
"Right now, we are doing as much as we can," said Bernal. "We've only had a few days actually on the field at this point. We're just really having to work around the weather."
"We try to never take a day off," added Loncarich.
Although the team may not have had the luxury of consistent outdoor practices, Loncarich says their talent will be able to take them far.
"They have been working hard through the fall and into the winter," said Loncarich. "They are set to have a great season."
However, a winning season will not come easily, and the Gorillas will have to step up and prove their strength.
"We play a really tough schedule, especially compared to our rival schools," said Loncarich.
Some games that promise to be exciting include those against rival school Emporia State as well as Central Missouri.
"Emporia has a lot of great talent," said Loncarich. "They have a great program, so more students want to play for them."
The Emporia game is set to be played as the Senior Recognition Night.
"That will be an exciting game for our seniors," said Loncarich.
The Pitt State Classic I will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, with games following at 11:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the PSU Sports Complex.
The Gorillas will face three consecutive teams in their opener, including Kansas Wesleyan, Northwest Missouri and Lincoln.
Assistant coach Ashley Loncarich, who played with Pitt State for four years and is now in her second season as an assistant coach, says she believes the team is ready for a winning season. The team welcomed four new players, including Division I pitcher Tiffany Swanson from Central Arkansas University.
"They have a great deal of talent, and we are looking for them to step up in their first year here," said Loncarich.
Loncarich is also expecting impressive seasons from the returning players, especially the seniors.
"As a senior, you have that drive to do the best possible," said Loncarich. "Our seniors are due for a great year."
Maria Bernal, junior in physical education, transferred from Northeastern Illinois to play her first season at third base for Pitt State.
"I'm expecting the team to shock a lot of people this year," said Bernal. "We have those players that really stand out, but I think the team overall will be pretty good."
Despite the unpredictable winter weather, the team has gotten in all the practice it could, including many indoor sessions.
"Right now, we are doing as much as we can," said Bernal. "We've only had a few days actually on the field at this point. We're just really having to work around the weather."
"We try to never take a day off," added Loncarich.
Although the team may not have had the luxury of consistent outdoor practices, Loncarich says their talent will be able to take them far.
"They have been working hard through the fall and into the winter," said Loncarich. "They are set to have a great season."
However, a winning season will not come easily, and the Gorillas will have to step up and prove their strength.
"We play a really tough schedule, especially compared to our rival schools," said Loncarich.
Some games that promise to be exciting include those against rival school Emporia State as well as Central Missouri.
"Emporia has a lot of great talent," said Loncarich. "They have a great program, so more students want to play for them."
The Emporia game is set to be played as the Senior Recognition Night.
"That will be an exciting game for our seniors," said Loncarich.
The Pitt State Classic I will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, with games following at 11:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the PSU Sports Complex.
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