PROVO -- With a trio of strong seniors anchoring BYU's roster, the women's softball team is poised to repeat another season of success.
"I expect this season to be just as successful, if not more, than we have experienced in the past," BYU head coach Gordon Eakin said. "We lost four very strong seniors and are inexperienced in some key positions, but as we gain game experience we should be able to have another successful season."
In 2007 the Cougars made their third consecutive NCAA Regional appearance, falling in the championship game to Arizona State, the furthest BYU had advanced in program history. The Cougs ended the season with a 43-20 record.
BYU faces major losses with the graduation of a slew of significantly contributing seniors. The promise of the underclassmen displayed in 2007, the leadership found in the incoming senior class and a very strong freshmen class, will help the team overcome any questions about the program's continuing success.
Emi Snow Willing returns to the Cougars for her final season, filling in behind the plate as catcher. Offensively she will lead the team at the plate. In 2007 Snow Willing had a stand out season, tallying 16 home runs and 14 doubles.
Fellow senior Daniela Snow returns to BYU at first base to anchor a young and less experienced infield.
"Daniela has stepped up not only as a leader this season, but as a player who will come through in clutch situations," Eakin said.
Returning at third base is sophomore Angeline Quiocho. During her freshman season Quiocho stood out offensively and defensively. The Coug belted 12 home runs and 10 doubles, and led the team in stolen bases claming 15. Quiocho's defensive skills came in handy for the Cougars when she started 60 games at third base.
BYU lost starters at both second base and shortstop. Both losses leave big shoes to fill. Talented freshmen Jessica Purcell and Kristin Delahoussaye will step in at shortstop and second base, respectively. Eakin expects with the athleticism the freshmen have mixed with time, they will be able to make a big impact in the infield and from the plate.
Monica Gonzales and Stephanie Platt Hopkins anchor a fast and athletic outfield, in center and right field. The two juniors will bring leadership and poise to the field and offensively add to the Cougars as well.
Senior right-hander Christina Gwyn Trice will bring leadership and poise to BYU as the only upperclassmen pitcher. Gwyn Trice is accompanied by last season's freshman standout Christie Zinanti, who is only the second Cougar hurler to record a 20-win season, going 20-8.
Incoming freshman Paige Affleck joins the already strong pitching staff. Eakin expects the competitive and talented freshman to make an impact during her rookie season.
"I anticipate our pitching to be very strong this year," Eakin said. "With both Gwyn Trice and Zinanti returning and Affleck coming in, we expect big things from the circle."
Affleck is just one of eight new names on the roster. Eakin expects the group of six freshmen and two transfers to integrate in the BYU system and immediately make contributions.
As BYU comes off their furthest post-season appearance, they face one of the hardest schedules the program has seen. Early in the season the Cougars face several College World Series teams and eight top-25 teams, five of which are top-ten teams.
The Cougars will be well acquainted with the road early on in the season. They open the season by co-hosting the Red Desert Classic in St. George, Utah, on Feb. 7. BYU will remain on the road until March 17, when they open their home season against South Dakota State.
"We are really excited about our competitive schedule this season," Eakin said. "It is going to be a test for our young team early. We should be able to gain a lot of valuable experience."