2008 Blazer softball outlook

The 2008 Blazer softball team is coming off a year in which the team finished 18-16 overall and 13-9 in the MIAC. Saint Benedict graduated five senior starters from last season’s team and will be seeking contributions from fresh faces in 2008.

Nicki Holmes, the sole senior on the team, will be Blazers’ leader in the infield this spring taking over duties at second base.

Joining Holmes in the middle infield will be sophomore shortstop Shannon Eveland. Eveland started all 34 games at shortstop as a first-year in 2007 and led the team in RBI’s with 17.

Sophomore Beth Hanson will be making the transition from the outfield to first base. Hanson proved to be a big contributor to the Blazers last spring and will be in search of another strong effort this spring.
First-years Kristen Herges, Gretchen Leyendecker and Alyssa Kubesh will also see time in the Saint Benedict infield.

The Blazer outfield crew will be led by junior Jillian Rigg, who batted .274 and had five outfield assists last season while playing left field. Rigg will make the move to center field this spring and will welcome a young group of first-years including Abby Richardson and Tanya Croger who will see a lot of time at the corner infield spots.

The biggest unknown coming into spring will be the pitching staff. The Blazers lost All-MIAC pitchers Monica
Eiden and Christina Gardner from last season’s roster.

Saint Benedict will look to junior Andrea Fahey to step up and take the No. 1 spot in the Blazer rotation. First-years Laura Althoff and Elle Borba will also see time on the mound this spring for the Blazers.

Junior Molly Bodeker will be taking over the starting catching duties and is comming off a season in which she split time at the backstop with Nikki Zappa.

Backing up Bodeker will be sophomore Sarah Haugen and first-year Carissa Hancock.

Saint Benedict started its 2008 season at the Spring Rebel Games Mar. 16-22 in Orlando, Fla. the team went 4-7 overall in 11 games played.

After returning from Florida the focus now is centered on preparing for the MIAC schedule which begins Mar. 29 with a doubleheader against Augsburg.

Saint Benedict is ranked fourth in the MIAC coaches’ pre-season poll and are primed for a return to the MIAC playoff tournament.

Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098