Spring Break
Softball: Young Huskies Finish Strong
'The Whole Season Was Magical,' Says Sullivan
Jake Goldberg
Issue date: 6/9/08 Section: Sports
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The 4-3 loss to the Blue Demons on May 9 put an end a very positive and productive season.
"We were a young team this season but we matured, worked hard and I think we proved to be one of the elite teams in the Big East; all in all, it was definitely a success," said starting pitcher Trisha Sullivan.
The team only had two seniors, pitcher Kristina Tolles and hitter Allie Gendron. The two provided the leadership the team needed, and brought UConn from an 0-5 start to a strong finish.
All-American and two-time Big East Player of the Year Micah Truax will lead a strong line-up next year that will boast five players batting over .300. Sullivan and Rachael Crossin will take the mound in what they hope to be a very productive season.
"We want a Big East Championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament," Sullivan said.
"We have seven seniors who are experienced and eager to take us to the next level. We have the potential to do something great."
Sullivan is coming off of her best season to date, going 15-11 and carrying a 3.02 ERA. However Sullivan refuses to rest, hoping that she and Crossin can get even better in the offseason.
"I think I've done better this year than last year, but I just hope to keep improving and working hard all summer," Sullivan said. "I want to add a few pitches to my repertoire and really concentrate on spins. I'm ready for the challenge and I hope to make a big impact next season."
Crossin went 9-11 with a 2.14 ERA, and was able to consistently give the Huskies big games down the stretch of the season. An even better one-two punch for the team would mean big trouble for the other Big East squads looking to take wins away from the Huskies.
The team went 13-7 in Big East play, finished third in the conference and was one run away from going to the Big East finals. It was a team effort all season for the Huskies, with seniors and freshmen alike coming together for wins.
"This year our team was very unified and every day someone new would step it up," Sullivan said. "If there was a situation where someone had to come through with a clutch hit or a great catch someone would do it."
The team mentality could be seen wherever the team went and with whatever they did. Chanting from the dugout, high-fives and jokes were on constant display from the women. It was a season to remember for the Husky faithful and one that they hope to duplicate next year.
Sullivan put it best, saying "The whole season was magical."
Contact Jake Goldberg at Jacob.Goldberg@UConn.edu.
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