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Bowling Green State University Athletics
BGSU Softball Outlook
February 24, 2004 | Softball
Feb. 24, 2004
BOWLING GREEN - The Falcons open the 2004 season this weekend (Feb. 27-29), with five games in the Comfort Inn Mercer Classic in Macon, Ga. The following is the 2004 season outlook...
To the casual observer, it would appear that the Bowling Green State University softball team had a successful 2003 season. The Falcons finished 15-9 in Mid-American Conference play to qualify for the league tournament for the fifth time in six seasons.
But, Leigh Ross-Shaw is certainly not a casual observer, and the way the season ended left the BGSU head coach and her team unsatisfied.
The Falcons won the opening game at the 2003 MAC Tournament, but then dropped two low-scoring games to bow out. BG finished last season with a 26-26-1 overall record.
Obviously, only one team can win the league tourney. But, Ross-Shaw feels there is no reason that the Falcons can't be that team.
"Making the tournament is no longer the goal," said Ross-Shaw, the winningest coach in school history. "The way we ended last year was certainly not the way I wanted it to end.
"But, every year we learn from our mistakes. Sometimes it comes down to team chemistry. We did not play as a team in the final game, and our underclassmen saw that. I feel that they have the right attitudes, and they want to win just as much as I do."
Ross-Shaw and her coaching staff lost four talented seniors from last year's squad, including two-thirds of the starting outfield in Kandice Machain and Crystal Wilson. The Falcons also must replace Libby Voshell, a four-year starter at shortstop, along with pitcher McKenna Houle, whose name can be found throughout the Falcon record books.
But, the cupboard is far from bare, as Ross-Shaw welcomes back 11 letterwinners, including seven starters. No fewer than four first-year players started over half of the games last season, and those youngsters gained some valuable experience while quickly putting their stamp on the Falcon program.
Third baseman Gina Rango started all 53 games in her first spring at BGSU, on her way to All-MAC and All-Great Lakes Region First-Team honors. Lindsay Heimrich and Abby Habicht moved into the lineup at first and second base, respectively, giving BGSU three freshmen in the infield during the season's stretch run. Additionally, Stephanie Finkel started 28 games in rightfield in her first Falcon playing season.
Those four players do not include Liz Vrabel, who led BGSU pitchers in every positive category last season en route to all-conference second-team honors as a freshman.
"We had a lot of first-year players breaking in last year," said Ross-Shaw. "We made some key mistakes at times, but that's what freshmen are going to do.
"They are good natural ballplayers, though, and now they are more confident. We are working on the little things, and that goes for the entire team."
While Ross-Shaw figures to have a number of youngsters sprinkled throughout the lineup, the coach also will rely upon the leadership of a five-member senior class. Candace Fenton, Jenifer Kernahan, Jody Johnson, Marla Murphy and Valerie Tipton enter their final spring at the BGSU Softball Field, looking to leave their legacy.
Junior Kristen Anderson rounds out the 11 returning letterwinners, who will be joined by 10 frosh on the 2004 squad. Ross-Shaw sees some impact players in that freshman class.
"We have some newcomers that will make a difference right from the start," she said. "Last year, sometimes, if kids like Rango or Libby were off, we didn't score runs. This year, we have so many players that are able to contribute.
"They are not waiting around, either, for others to make something happen. They are doing it themselves. They don't think anything of it; they just go out and play.
"We also have more balance this year. Last season's team had some power, but we also have increased our team speed. That speed and baserunning ability -- combined with the number of players that can contribute -- should help us manufacture runs.
"And, sometimes, a run or two is all you need to win a game."
The following is a positional analysis of the 2004 Falcons...
CATCHER
While the infield could potentially feature a freshman and three sophomores, a seasoned veteran will be behind the plate. Kernahan has made 112 career starts, the most among BGSU returnees, and solidified her status as one of the top catchers in the MAC last spring. Her .300 batting average in 2003 increased to .313 in league action, and she had a fielding percentage of .980.
Kernahan spent her fall semester applying those defensive skills on another field, joining the Falcon women's soccer team as a goalkeeper.
Habicht and freshman Ashley Zirkle also could see some time at catcher, while redshirt freshman Natalie Armintrout and true frosh Lauren Hoffman also will be in the mix.
Habicht made the bulk of her 2003 starts at second base, but her one start at catcher came against nationally-ranked Michigan. Armintrout played in only two games a year ago, before suffering an injury and taking a redshirt season.
"'Kerny' is one of the top catchers in the league," said Ross-Shaw. "She is unbelievably strong, and has a cannon for an arm. Abby and Ashley Zirkle will be back there, too. "With Kernahan's versatility and the number of talented players at the catcher spot, we may move Kernahan around a little bit, just to gear up for the 2005 season."
PITCHER
Ross-Shaw and first-year assistant Kyle Jamieson, who handles the pitching staff, have an interesting dilemma as the 2004 campaign approaches. Vrabel burst onto the collegiate scene with a vengeance last spring, but Johnson has improved to the point that there is a battle for the top spot.
Heimrich and Anderson also will be vying for time in the circle, although each may be in the lineup at other spots.
Vrabel finished with a 17-11 record and an earned-run average of 1.12. She was named MAC Pitcher of the Week in three consecutive weeks, and was named to the all-league second team. More importantly to her coaches, Vrabel gave the Falcons a chance to win every time she took the field.
Johnson moved into the number-two starter's spot as the year progressed, and also made 12 relief appearances. Her 5-5 record included a 4-1 slate in the MAC, with an ERA of just 1.34 in conference play.
"Vrabel and Jody are both throwing so well," said Ross-Shaw. "Each have worked on a dominating 'out' pitch. We have retooled a couple of things with each of them, and have experimented with different pitches and techniques.
"The important thing is that they each have three pitches that are very good, rather than six different pitches that are OK or just 'pretty good.'"
Anderson was 2-2 with a save in her first season after transferring from Eastern Michigan, while Heimrich saw spot duty, appearing in six games in the circle.
"Lindsay has improved so much since last year," said the head coach. "She and Kristen will get some work. Heimrich, though, is playing an awesome first base, and it may be hard to move her from that spot.
"And, we are working Kristen at a number of positions, because her bat is so hot. She will see time as the designated player, at first base, and perhaps even in rightfield. We have a lot of options."
FIRST BASE
The Falcons' dilemma at first base is similar to the 'problem' at the pitching spot: several talented players, but only one job opening.
Fenton saw the bulk of the time in the early going in 2003, starting 24 of the first 28 contests at first. She suffered a season-ending injury in early April, however, and Heimrich moved into the starting role. Heimrich hit .273 last spring, and earned MAC Player-of-the-Week honors by going 11-for-19 in one stretch.
"The problem -- and it is a good problem to have -- is that Heimrich is playing so well, but we also have Fenton back," said Ross-Shaw.
"Fenton is returning from the ankle injury. She was timid at first, but is now full-go and will be looking for time.
"We just need to get Fenton's bat going, but that is typical of a player who was out for an extended period of time. She could also see time at the D.P. spot.
"Heimrich's bat, though, is red-hot. She has really improved since a solid freshman season, and our pitchers have told me that it is almost impossible to get a ball past her. If it is in the strike zone, she will put it in play, or foul it off if she needs to.
"And, she is hitting with so much power. We need to have her in the lineup somewhere."
Anderson, as mentioned, also will be in the mix for some time at first base.
MIDDLE INFIELD
Habicht and Murphy shared time at second base last year, with Habicht in the lineup for the bulk of the late-season games. Murphy, an All-MAC selection in 2002, was plagued by injuries for much of last spring.
Habicht wound up making a total of 41 starts, including 38 at second base, but will likely move to shortstop this season with the departure of Voshell.
Murphy will look to shake her nagging injury, but could see some time at the D.P. spot as well. Megan McPherson, one of Ross-Shaw's impact freshmen, could wind up as the full-time starter in the event that Murphy is unable to play in the field.
Melissa Wagner, a transfer from Toledo, also could find herself at second for the Falcons.
"Marla is a great defensive player, and is such a great kid," said Ross-Shaw. "But, she has been bothered by injuries for nearly her entire career here. We may play her at D.P. to take advantage of her speed.
"Megan will be an impact player right from the start. She is just such a smooth infielder, and has a quick release and a great turn at the bag. She is a little bit cocky, too, which is a good thing. She has some of that spirit, similar to (2001 MAC Player of the Year) Nikki Rouhana, that perhaps we have been missing.
"Melissa Wagner knows the game very well, and has a good stick. So, she could get in there at second base or the D.P.
Habicht makes the move to shortstop, but McPherson could see some duty at short as well.
"I am kind of watching to see what develops," said Ross-Shaw. "I have a lot of options with my long infielders. I can move Abby back to second, put Megan at short, and play Marla and Melissa, depending upon who has their bats going."
THIRD BASE
While the battles for playing time are heated at a number of positions, the third-base job seems to be filled. The consensus is that Rango, the Falcons' lone All-MAC First-Team pick last year, just might return to the hot corner in 2004.
Rango started all 53 games as a freshman, and led the Falcons with a .364 batting average. She paced the team in a myriad of other offensive categories en route to becoming just the third all-region first-teamer in school history. She met or exceeded everyone's expectations, except perhaps her own.
"What can I say about Gina Rango? She was our top hitter, and had a phenomenal year, yet she feels we did not see the real Gina Rango last year," said Ross-Shaw.
"She is the kind of kid you absolutely love to have on your team. She doesn't care what is going on around her; she just goes out there and does whatever we need her to do."
Rango, just a sophomore, was named a co-captain (along with Johnson) of the 2004 squad.
Freshman Sam Meyers, a walk-on, is pencilled in as the backup at third base.
OUTFIELD
Ross-Shaw is looking to replace a pair of outfield starters from a year ago, and has another impact freshman that could fill one of those slots. The speedy Jeanine Baca has the inside track on the centerfield job.
"Jeanine Baca is one of the best outfielders that I have ever seen in my life," said Ross-Shaw, herself an All-American outfielder at Toledo. "She has such a great jump on the ball. Jeanine will make a catch, and we have no idea how she even got to the ball, much less caught it.
"She knows when to dive and when not to dive, and she has speed, a great arm and a great stick. Jeanine has it all."
In addition to manning the centerfield spot, Baca also could be the Falcons' leadoff hitter when Ross-Shaw fills out her first lineup card of the season.
At the corner outfield spots, a number of players have declared their candidacy. Finkel has been working out at the leftfield spot, as has freshman Kari Steigerwald. Steigerwald, a lefty, was a high-school teammate of Vrabel's, helping North Allegheny (Pa.) to a 2002 state championship.
"Finkel is the type of kid that somehow gets on base, or gets that key play that you need," said the coach. "I'm not always sure how she does it, but she always comes around.
"I like Kari Steigerwald a lot. She has a great swing. She hits line drives, but also is very good at the short game. Kari can drag and slap, and she has good wheels. She could be a key contributor to our lineup."
In right, another returnee will be pushed by newcomers. Tipton has seen spot starting duty in each of her first three seasons, and made 21 starts a year ago. Freshman Emmy Ramsey has thrown her hat into the ring as well.
"Val has been a big part of this team over the last three years, and has seen more and more time on the field each year," said Ross-Shaw. "She will be battling for a starting position in right.
"Emmy Ramsey is a kid that has really impressed everyone. She's a little thing, but she really flies. Emmy also has a cannon, a Kernahan-type of arm.
"We could have a very fast outfield, and we have a number of players fighting for those corner (outfield) spots."
Additionally, freshmen Maggie Tudor and Jennifer Huber, along with Armintrout and Hoffman, could see time at the outfield spots, Tudor, in particular, could fill a utility-type of role and see action at a number of other positions on the diamond, according to her new coach.
"Maggie Tudor has been hitting the ball well, and has been working in both the infield and the outfield," said Ross-Shaw. "She is very coachable, and is getting better and better."
THE SCHEDULE
The Falcons' schedule is top-heavy with tournaments. BGSU will play in four tournaments prior to beginning the MAC slate. The season, as mentioned, starts on Friday (Feb. 27) in Macon, Ga.
In addition to that tournament, hosted by Mercer, the Brown and Orange will participate in tourneys at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (March 6-7), the College of Charleston (March 12-14) and Georgia Tech (March 19-21), before returning north. Ross-Shaw sees those weekends as important for several reasons.
"We have a lot of tournaments early in the season, and a lot of (starting) positions will be determined during that time," she said.
"We have talked about playing on a consistent level. We don't want to get up for some games and not for others. We have had times in the past where we didn't know what Bowling Green team would show up.
"This year, one of our main goals is to stay consistent, focus on our game, and play the same way, no matter the opponent. We want to win, and be in the (national) rankings. Therefore, every game is important."
Once the Falcons return northward, a doubleheader at nationally-ranked Michigan awaits, before the MAC slate begins with a three-game weekend set at Toledo (March 27-28). Then, the Falcons open the home portion of the schedule with a March 31 twinbill vs. defending East Division champion Marshall.
Last year, the Falcons finished fourth in the West Division, despite playing each of the division's other top-five finishers solely on the road (a total of 11 games). In 2004, the schedule is reversed.
BGSU's home schedule in league play includes a three-game series against defending MAC West and conference tourney champ Western Michigan (April 9-10). The Falcons also host 2003 MAC Tournament participants Northern Illinois (April 24-25) and Central Michigan (May 8-9), as well as Ball State (April 17-18), all for three-game weekend sets.
Ross-Shaw's team will make short trips to play West Division foes UT and Eastern Michigan (May 1-2). The Falcons will face three East Division squads, hosting Marshall and heading to Buffalo (April 14) and Kent State (April 21) for doubleheaders.
In addition to Michigan, other non-league games include home twinbills vs. Oakland (April 12) and Cleveland State (April 27) and trips to IPFW (April 3), Indiana (April 4) and Detroit (April 29).
Ross-Shaw feels that consistency will play a key role in the Falcons' fortunes in 2004.
"It is hard, and tiring, to stay consistent, game-in and game-out," said the coach. "But, that is what we have to do.
"We are going to go hard at everyone. I am not going to worry about things like, 'this game would be a good opportunity to get so-and-so some playing time.' We have so many good players, that I don't need to think about those things. If a player is good enough, she will get into the game."
With that collection of talent and a positive attitude, Ross-Shaw feels that success begins in her own dugout, no matter the opponent.
"We have a lot of returnees who did not like the way we ended last season," she said. "I feel they have the right attitudes, and they know their roles.
"We all have roles to play, and we are all important to the team, even if we are not all on the field all the time.
"The championship teams are those where everyone accepts their role and does what is best for the team.
"A lot needs to happen for a team to win a championship, but if we can pull everything together, we could be a very good team in 2004."
FALCON NOTES/STORYLINES
Falcons Tabbed for Third in West
In early February, the Falcons were picked to finish third in the West Division ... the poll is a result of voting by the league's 13 head coaches ... Marshall and Central Michigan were picked to win their respective divisions, with MU predicted to win the MAC Tournament ... due to a change in polling procedures implemented at the Directors of Athletics' meeting in July of 2003, the MAC announces only the top three selections in each division.
2004 MAC PRESEASON POLL West Division East Division 1. Central Michigan 1. Marshall 2. Western Michigan 2. Miami 3. Bowling Green 3. Kent StateProjected tournament winner: Marshall
BGSU Looks to Head to MAC Tourney for Sixth Time in Seven Years
The 2003 Falcons advanced to the MAC Tournament, marking the team's fifth trip in the last six years ... the Falcons opened the tournament with a 7-2 victory over Northern Illinois, before losing to Marshall and Central Michigan.
Ross-Shaw becomes BGSU's Winningest Coach
With the Falcons' MAC Tournament-opening win over NIU (May 8, 2003), head coach Leigh Ross-Shaw became the winningest coach in school history ... Ross-Shaw enters the 2004 season with a record of 137-115-2 (.543) in five seasons ... she moved past Jacquie Joseph (136-123 from 1989-93), now the coach at Michigan State ... Ross-Shaw currently ranks second in winning percentage, trailing only Sandy Haines (.557; 57-45-3 from 1981-83).
Ross-Shaw Moving Up Wins List in MAC Games, Too
Leigh Ross-Shaw is within striking distance of the school record for MAC wins ... Ross-Shaw ended the 2003 season with a record of 73-45 (.619) in league contests ... she is only five wins behind Jacquie Joseph, who went 78-71 in her BG tenure ... Ross-Shaw is the school's all-time leader in winning pct. in MAC games.
Rango Named to All-Region First Team
In her freshman season, Gina Rango was named to the 2003 Great Lakes All-Region First Team ... Rango became just the eighth player in school history to earn all-region honors, and only the third Falcon ever to be named to the all-region first team ... additionally, Rango was the lone freshman named to the first team, and was one of only two MAC players awarded first-team accolades (Ohio's Erin Chapman was the other) ... Rango joins Amy Lienhardt (1988) and Rachelle Highfill (1993) as the only BGSU players to earn first-team all-region honors.
Rango, Vrabel Earn MVP Awards
A pair of Falcon freshmen won the team's Most Valuable Player awards for the 2003 season ... third baseman Gina Rango was named the Falcons' Most Valuable Offensive Player, while pitcher Liz Vrabel earned the Most Valuable Defensive Player award ... sophomore Stephanie Finkel was named the team's Most Improved Player award, while Sara Edwards and Marla Murphy earned the Coaches Award, which goes to the player or players who embody traits such as spirit and a positive attitude ... the awards, with the obvious exception of the Coaches Award, are the result of voting by team members.
Multi-Talented Falcons
Several members of the Falcon softball team have proven that their athletic prowess extends beyond the diamond ... Libby Voshell, upon the completion of her BG softball career last spring, joined the Falcon volleyball team for the 2003 season ... Jenifer Kernahan, a goalkeeper on her high-school soccer team, joined the Falcon women's soccer squad last fall ... Kernahan played in seven matches, making two starts and helping the Falcons reach the championship match of the MAC Tournament.
