Softball strives to build on 2001 success

by Ben Wickert
For The Post

The Ohio softball team qualified for the Mid-American Conference Tournament last season — its first appearance since 1996. After finishing 0-2 in the tournament, however, the players are hungry for a better performance in 2002.

“(Last year) provided us a springboard for this year,” third baseman Kelli Bankert said. “We have the experience now, and feeling the tourney hype helped. When we make it back this year, we’ll expect more.”

Sixth-year coach Roanna Brazier said the team must possess confidence and mental fortitude this year to succeed.

“We have the (physical tools) to succeed,” Brazier said. “It’s just a matter of playing a good mental game.”

Leading the contingent of key returnees is Bankert, a two-time All-MAC selection at third base. Bankert, also an Academic All-American, led the Bobcats with a .345 batting average last year.

Second baseman Tiffany Bolton joins Bankert in the infield. Bolton, an All-MAC selection in 2001, led the team in walks and was second in batting.

The pitching staff returns ace Val Wood, who led the team with 16 wins and a 1.43 ERA in 2001. With the graduation of pitcher Kasey Dowd, who along with Wood anchored the Bobcats’ pitching staff in 2001, Brazier said she also will rely on pitcher Heather Hagen to contribute.

Hagen, who was hampered by a shoulder injury in 2001 en route to a 7-7 record, said she is glad to be healthy again and is eager to contribute.

“I hope to fill the void (created by Dowd’s graduation) we have this year,” Hagen said.

 The Bobcats, whose last MAC title came in 1995, were picked to finish second in the MAC East Division in the preseason coaches’ poll. Kent State was chosen to win the East, and perennial power Central Michigan was tabbed to win the West.

Brazier said her team has what it takes to beat the Chippewas, winners of the last three MAC Tournaments and eight of the last ten, but must convince themselves.

“We’ve always been fairly equal (to CMU) physically,” Brazier said. “This year, we might have an edge on them. We just need to overcome the mental aspect.”

The Bobcats open the season at 11 a.m. today against Virginia in Raleigh, N.C.