2008 Woodie Awards
Mavericks ready to defend NCC crown
Experienced pitching and balanced lineup are MSU's strengths
by Josh Berhow
Issue date: 3/20/08
Section: Womens Sports
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This season, the Mavericks return almost all of their starters, own arguably the best pitching staff in the North Central Conference and are in a prime position for another run.
"It was upsetting we lost the last few games to not make the nationals, but we had a really good season," said senior centerfielder Lynndi Decker. "We got to host a regional tournament and it felt like it was a successful season."
Gone are All-NCC First-Teamers Kari Hudson and Ashley Jay, who accounted for 20 total homeruns and 98 RBI's, but taking their place on the left side of the infield are third baseman Natalie Spicer and shortstop Libbie Reichling, who will both be defensive upgrades.
The offense will rely heavily on outfielders Jess Anderson and Decker, who will hit No. 1 and No. 2 in the batting order. Decker, an All-NCC First Teamer from last year, hit .405 last season and is already hitting .433 this season. The speed of Anderson and Decker will help set the table for a new set of No. 3 and No. 4 hitters, second baseman Katie Reed and Reichling.
"Jess and I feel the pressure to get on in the first couple innings to get things going," Decker said. "And as a team, we're faster and quicker on the bases. We are kind of stacked all the way throughout the lineup."
"When those two get on they make the offense go and things click," said Lori Meyer, entering her 24th year as the Mavericks head coach. "If you set the table right away it's easier for the three, four, five hitters to drive them in. Those two can make things happen on the basepaths."
Senior leftfielder Kimberly Merrick rounds out the outfield for MSU.
The right side of the infield returns from last season, with Reed at second base and senior Abby Wagner at first.
"We need her (Wagner) to have an offensive year like she had last year," Meyer said.
Sophomores Abby Morris and Ashley Hoffmann and transfer Sylvia Leon will also see time in the infield. MSU will likely use a committee for the designated hitter role.
Even with a solid offensive lineup, pitching will be the strength for MSU this season.
Last season's NCC Most Outstanding Player Samantha Rohr will anchor the pitching staff, along with Meagan Teal and Brooke McKelvogue. Rohr led the NCC last season with a 1.85 earned run average and 27 wins.
"I definitely think it (the pitching staff) will turn into the teams' strength," Rohr said. "Plus, there are a lot less injuries this year so everyone is back working together."
Teal has already made a big impact this season, winning two NCC Pitcher of the Week awards, posting a 1.24 ERA and winning five games so far. She also has 82 strikeouts in 56.2 innings pitched.
"Right now, we have three quality pitchers and a lot of teams have only one or two quality ones," Meyer said.
On the other side of the pitchers will be experienced catcher Mallory Michel. Michel, entering her senior season, has had at least 100 plate appearances every season since her freshman year.
Next up for the No. 15 Mavericks will be the Missouri Western Invitational this weekend. Play will start Friday against ESU, the team that ended MSU's season last year.
"I think we all know it's a big game and I think everybody is kind of pumped for it," Decker said. "It will be important for us to come out and prove who we are."
Josh Berhow is the Reporter assistant sports editor
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