2001 Wittenberg Softball Preview

After a record-breaking 2000 season, the 2001 Wittenberg softball team is ready to make another run toward new heights. The Tigers posted a 31-14 record in 2000, setting a new standard for the program, and third-year head coach Becky Hall hopes the new year will bring more of the same.

The Tigers lost two seniors to graduation from their North Coast Athletic Conference championship squad of 2000, but the squad remains stocked with talent and a league favorite again. Becky Hall, who carries a 54-34 record into her third season as Wittenberg's head coach, is anxious to get back on the field to see what the new season will bring.

Returning to the fold are a host of top players who helped lead the Tigers to their first-ever NCAC title. Heading that list are Christy Schneider (Fairfield, Ohio/Fairfield) and Carisa Clagg (Springfield, Ohio/Northwestern). Schneider was the 1999 NCAC Newcomer of the Year and has been a two-time first-team All-NCAC player, and she also shares the school record for most hits in a season. And Clagg is also a two-time All-NCAC choice who also is on track to break Wittenberg's career putouts record.

Also returning for Wittenberg are senior outfielders Kristin Kallendorf (Cincinnati, Ohio/Oak Hills), a second-team All-NCAC pick in 1999, and Caroline Mann (Fairfield, Ohio/Fairfield). Rounding out the senior class are Katie McClain (Westlake, Ohio/Westlake), a utility player, Stephanie Czekalinski (Columbia Station, Ohio/Columbia), who will be a part of the rotation on the pitching mound and in the outfield this season, and Amy Williams (Cincinnati, Ohio/Wyoming), who has the tough job of playing the "hot corner" at third base. Junior pitcher Amanda Peters (Springfield, Ohio/Kenton Ridge), will return to the mound in 2001 in hopes of improving upon her record from last season.

Hall is also expecting good things from several newcomers this year. Topping the list is freshman Carmen Montgomery (Springfield, Ohio/Southeastern), who will be part of the pitching rotation, and sophomore Stephanie Campbell (South Charleston, Ohio/Southeastern), a transfer from Taylor University who hits well and play solid defense in the middle of the infield. Other key newcomers are freshmen Kelly Riedel (Springfield, Ohio/Northwestern) and Kristen Hillebrand (Cincinnati, Ohio/McAuley), who should both see significant time in the infield this season.