University of Connecticut Athletics
Experienced Huskies Eager to Begin 2005 Season
2/24/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Pitching
While youth reigned a year ago, experience and confidence are now in place as the Huskies return all three pitchers in senior co-captain Jessica Gurney (Williamstown, Mass.), junior Michelle Caouette (Wyantskill, N.Y.) and sophomore Krista Michalczyk (Salem, N.H.). They are joined by freshman walkon Ashley Thody (Middletown, Conn.), adding more depth to the UConn pitching staff. Gurney led the Huskies with 15 wins in 2004 and also tossed a team-best 19 complete games and four shutouts. Caouette posted a squad-high 70 strikeouts and Michalczyk was the team’s ERA leader with a 2.24 ERA.
"Pitching is where it all starts and we have worked diligently in the off-season to improve our control and movement," Mullins says, "I feel strongly that this pitching staff is ready to step up and lead the charge toward a BIG EAST Championship."
Catchers
The catching position is in capable hands with seniors Suzy de Bary (Roxbury, Conn.) and Ashleigh Campen (Rougemont, N.C.) returning for their final season in a Husky uniform. de Bary brings a great competitive demeanor, strong leadership and plenty of heart to the field, according to Mullins, while the versatile Campen sports a capable arm and tremendous flexibility as an offensive performer. Campen, one of UConn’s top offensive returnees, belted six doubles, one triple and four home runs for 14 RBI in 2004 along wih 20 runs scored. Out of all the returning players, de Bary has the highest slugging percentage at .408. She also posted seven doubles, three home runs and 16 RBI in 2004. Junior Kim Castner (Forked River, N.J.) and freshman Allie Gendron (Noblesville, Ind.) are expected to see action as well behind the plate. Castner, who is returning from a year off, was a BIG EAST all-rookie team selection as a freshman and brings additional experience and offensive firepower. Mullins anticipates that Gendron will impact the team immediately as a hitter and believes she has the power to be a competitive force behind the plate.
Infield
A key strength of the 2005 squad is the return of three starting infielders in sophomore Jessica Quan (Stockton, Calif.) (2B), senior Mandy Schettini (Coxsackie, N.Y.) (SS) and sophomore Holly Calcagno (Cedar Grove, N.J.) (3B). Mullins feels the biggest question mark for UConn’s infield will be the replacement of All-BIG EAST performer Maggie Arbogast at first base. Players vying for this position include Campen, Castner, sophomore Kristina Tolles (Southington, Conn.) and freshman Christine Keeton (Spokane, Wash.). Mullins expects a battle for this position, which may ultimately be decided by offensive production.
UConn’s infield boasts a group of strong defensive players with depth at every position. "Schettini continues to be one of the best shortstops around—making the toughest plays look easy," says Mullins.
This All-Conference performer also brings power and consistency to the plate as she boasted a team-best 30 runs scored last year and ranked second with 41 hits while adding seven doubles, one triple and three home runs for 13 RBI. Schettini also proved to be a threat on the base paths as she stole a squad-leading seven bases last season in seven attempts.
The Huskies other two returning infielders also contributed their share at the plate in 2004 as the two combined for 61 hits and 29 RBI, Mullins expects the pair will build on last year after a successful showing this fall. "Quan and Calcagno took their performances to another level this fall," Mullins says, "Both played in all 46 games as freshmen and this fall displayed the confidence and aggressiveness that was lacking a year ago. What a difference a year makes."
Adding depth and additional options for infield combinations are junior BIG EAST Academic All-Star Erica Pernell (Plainville, Conn.) and freshman Jessica Slauson (Wallingford, Conn.). "Pernell is a bundle of enthusiasm," says Mullins, "She brings offensive firepower to the plate. The energetic athletic Slauson gives us options at middle infield and outfield as she displayed both power and consistency at the plate this fall."
Outfield
The Huskies have numerous options in the outfield this spring as the top four outfielders from 2004 return along with Slauson added into the mix as a utility player. The talented group gives Mullins flexibility in the lineup while providing solid bats as well. Offensive production could be a determining factor in deciding the starters according to Mullins.
This season marks the final year for NFCA All-American Scholar Athletes Jen Ward (Gales, Conn.) and Jen D’Angelo (Wyomissing, Pa.). Ward will serve as a co-captain this season and will be relied on for leadership throughout the year. In 2004, she recorded 14 runs on 19 hits with 10 RBI. D’Angelo enters the season fresh after off-season shoulder surgery. Mullins considers her a feisty competitor and predicts she will be a tough out at the plate. Last season, she finished third on the squad with a .271 batting average.
Senior Stephanie DiBiase (Hamilton, N.J.) is UConn’s top returning hitter as she hit .282 with 14 runs scored, four home runs and 22 RBI. DiBiase also earned post-season honors in 2004 from both NEISCA and the BIG EAST. Mullins considers her one of the best all-around players in the Husky lineup.
Rounding out the outfield group is freshman Jessica Slavson. "Slauson wasted little time impacting us this fall and with improved discipline, has all the tools to create a spot for herself immediately."
Schedule
UConn opens the 2005 season on Friday, Feb. 25, in Miami, Fla. at the Golden Panther Invitational against Florida A&M and tournament host Florida International. The Huskies then travel to San Jose, Calif. to face San Jose State and Fresno State on March 8 and 9 before competing in the National Invitational Softball Tournament at San Jose State on March 11-13. Connecticut will play in its final regular season tournament on March 18-20, the Bethune-Cookman College Softball Spring Break Classic, before returning to Storrs for its 2005 home opener, a doubleheader against Central Connecticut on March 24.
The team will then take the road for important BIG EAST contests against Seton Hall, Syracuse and Boston College before a break from the conference schedule when the Huskies host Holy Cross on April 5, then travel to Boston University on April 7.
UConn settles in for a substantial homestand from April 9-17, with doubleheaders against Villanova, Rutgers, Massachusetts, Quinnipiac, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame. The Huskies follow up with single-game contests at Hofstra and Brown on April 19 and 21, before closing out the 2005 regular season with Providence and Rhode Island at home (April 23 and 29) and Massachusetts and St. John’s on the road, April 27 and 30.
