Spring Break
Softball begins season with five games in Louisiana
Mac Currullo
Issue date: 2/19/09 Section: Sports
The Huskies open their 2009 season this weekend at the Mardi Gras Classic down in Lafayette, La. There they will play five games in three days, including two double-headers, against San Diego State, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Kentucky, all of whom have strong teams. This will be the first of three tournaments the Huskies are entered in, all leading up to the home opener against DePaul on March 28.
Key Players:
Leading the way for the Huskies will be senior outfielder Micah Truax. A two-time Big East Player of the Year and an All-American, Truax is an offensive machine who has the ability to change the game with one swing of the bat. She already holds the UConn all-time home run record with 25 career shots and is also a threat on the basepaths, ranking 7th on UConn's all-time stolen bases list with 26. Her impact on the field, as well as in the clubhouse, will be key in the Huskies success this season.
The Huskies will also be relying on the skills and leadership of senior infielder Jillian Ortega. A three-time Big East all-star, Ortega is a team leader whose passion for the game is infectious. She is a defensive wall in the infield and has come up big in clutch at-bats for the Huskies throughout her collegiate career.
Pitching:
The Huskies pitching staff is expected to be a strength this spring as well, with the strong veteran duo senior Rachael Crossin and junior Tricia Sullivan as its anchor. Both pitchers are experienced and battle-tested, and provided they stay healthy, are poised for their finest seasons at UConn yet.
New to the staff is a pair of freshmen. The hard throwing Jessie Stavola, as well as Ali Adelman, who brings an efficient finesse style to the mound. Both pitchers are expected to be solid contributors to the Huskies this season, and will have the two senior catchers, Danielle Del Ponte and Erin Burtner, to help them develop their game every step of the way.
Infield:
Ortega will most likely start at third base this season, which means sophomore Jess Arremony should see plenty of action at shortstop. Arremony has elevated her game this fall and has become a far more aggressive fielder. Sophomore Julie Towers is the top option at second base, but she will likely be challenged early and often by freshman Jen Ward, who will provide depth to the position.
Key Players:
Leading the way for the Huskies will be senior outfielder Micah Truax. A two-time Big East Player of the Year and an All-American, Truax is an offensive machine who has the ability to change the game with one swing of the bat. She already holds the UConn all-time home run record with 25 career shots and is also a threat on the basepaths, ranking 7th on UConn's all-time stolen bases list with 26. Her impact on the field, as well as in the clubhouse, will be key in the Huskies success this season.
The Huskies will also be relying on the skills and leadership of senior infielder Jillian Ortega. A three-time Big East all-star, Ortega is a team leader whose passion for the game is infectious. She is a defensive wall in the infield and has come up big in clutch at-bats for the Huskies throughout her collegiate career.
Pitching:
The Huskies pitching staff is expected to be a strength this spring as well, with the strong veteran duo senior Rachael Crossin and junior Tricia Sullivan as its anchor. Both pitchers are experienced and battle-tested, and provided they stay healthy, are poised for their finest seasons at UConn yet.
New to the staff is a pair of freshmen. The hard throwing Jessie Stavola, as well as Ali Adelman, who brings an efficient finesse style to the mound. Both pitchers are expected to be solid contributors to the Huskies this season, and will have the two senior catchers, Danielle Del Ponte and Erin Burtner, to help them develop their game every step of the way.
Infield:
Ortega will most likely start at third base this season, which means sophomore Jess Arremony should see plenty of action at shortstop. Arremony has elevated her game this fall and has become a far more aggressive fielder. Sophomore Julie Towers is the top option at second base, but she will likely be challenged early and often by freshman Jen Ward, who will provide depth to the position.
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