In the program’s short lifetime, BYU softball has emerged as one of the top teams in the nation. The Cougars enter the 2009 season with a new look of speed and athleticism to combine with the returning power players from 2008.
In 2007 and 2008 BYU head coach Gordon Eakin was taken by surprise by the dominating power that emerged from all over the lineup.
After belting out a record-breaking 87 homers in 2007 followed by 82 in 2008, Eakin expects the team’s most competitive advantage to transition to speed for the 2009 season.
“The makeup of our team is different this season,” Eakin said. “We don’t have the ability to win with the long ball like we have in the past, so we are going to manufacture runs with our speed.”
The team’s competitive schedule provided a number of top-tier teams to measure itself against before Mountain West Conference play begins. The Conference competition was fierce as the Cougars landed in second-place to San Diego State to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
2009 Goals
Reclaiming the MWC title is one of the team’s main goals heading into 2009. After winning the Conference outright in 2007 San Diego State took the title in 2008. As the competition in the Conference continues to increase, the team will have to work hard to recapture the Championship.
After four-straight years appearing in an NCAA Regional, the Cougars are looking to 2009 to improve in their post-season play. In the past two seasons the Cougars were unable to advance beyond the Regional Championship, and in 2009 the team hopes to advance in the NCAA Tournament.
From the Circle
As shown in the previous season, quality pitching provides the best chance of competing and winning within the conference, and against the competitive teams.
The team graduated strikeout queen Christina Gwyn-Trice who broke every BYU strikeout record during her senior campaign. The loss of Gwyn-Trice will be felt in terms of leadership, but the team returns two solid pitchers.
Junior Christie Zinanti reached 20 wins during her freshman season in 2007. The power pitcher struggled in 2008, but developed an off-speed pitch to add to the right-hander’s ammunition.
In striking contrast, sophomore Paige Affleck uses off-speed finesse mixed with a deceptive rise and drop ball to lead BYU pitchers with a 1.42 ERA spanning 32 appearances.
Maintaining the health of the pitching will be critical to the 2009 success, but both pitchers provide a depth of experience, talent and mental toughness that will propel the team forward.
Returning Talent
As Eakin prepared for the fall season, he looked toward his top performers to mold the team into the top competitor it is capable of becoming.
BYU carries only two seniors, both of which provide speed in the lineup and leadership in the outfield. Left-hander Monica Gonzales has been a three-year starter in the outfield and a big contributor, leading the slappers. Stephanie Hopkins returns after starting the 2008 season in right field. She had a break out season all-around including career bests of 24 RBI and 8 roundtrippers.
Andi Ramirez will make her return to the field after redshirting the 2008 season following knee surgery. Not only will Ramirez’ return be felt in the infield, but the slugger will provide power to the lineup. In both seasons prior to her injury she batted at least .300 and was tabbed All-MWC in 2006.
Juniors Angeline Quiocho and Amanda Vance will keep power into the lineup as both batted over .330 and hit 18 and 8 home runs and 43 and 42 RBI, respectively. Vance will play a bigger role defensively in the season, after spending the majority of 2008 as designated player.
As a two-year starter at third base, Eakin will rely on Quiocho to anchor the young infield and to provide knowledge along the base paths. The speedy Quiocho was 13-for-14 in stolen bases last season.
MWC Freshman of the Year Kristin Delahoussaye will return to the infield. The switch hitter provided both power and speed at the plate during her rookie season, but Delahoussaye’s greatest asset is her knowledge of the sport.
Fellow sophomore Caschjen Davis will return with an expanded role in 2009. During her freshman season she spent the majority of her time in right field, but has versatility as a player and can fit almost any role for BYU.
Incoming Talent
Perhaps the Cougars’ greatest strength for the 2009 season will come from the athleticism of their freshman class. With one of the most talented freshman classes to join the program, the newcomers have already made a big impact in fall play.
Eakin expects Messerschmidt and Jessica Dugas to provide game-changing speed on the base paths and from the outfield. Delaney Willard’s bat will make a big difference from the left side of the plate while Coreen Lopez will strengthen the defense.
Looking Forward
After losing the talent of Gwyn-Trice, Daniela Snow and Emi Snow-Willing, the Cougars have big shoes to fill. The three graduating seniors made significant impacts from all over the field and from the plate.
Yet, Eakin remains incredibly assured of the talent on the roster.
With a competitive 2009 schedule, facing 11 NCAA Tournament qualifying teams and hosting only 14 home games, the Cougars have their work cut out for them, a challenge they welcome.
“We always try to play a tough and challenging schedule,” Eakin said. “I don’t think our team is at all intimidated and our expectation is to take one game at a time and win every game.”