November 8, 2005

When you have to replace one of the top offensive threats in the 10-year history of the program, and deal with an injury to one of your top pitchers, the fall non-traditional season for the Virginia Tech softball team suddenly became a very important session. Toss in the fact that up to seven freshmen or sophomores could crack the starting lineup at the same time, and it intensifies the work that had to be done.

Welcome to Scot Thomas' world. Coming off a 44-25 record, a runner-up finish at the ACC Tournament and the program's first-ever NCAA bid, one would think the summer and fall would be relaxed and easy-going. Yet instead, the fall was filled with seven weeks of intensive practices, conditioning, scrimmages and workouts in preparation for the 2006 season. The pieces are in place, but the fall season was important in fitting them together for another successful run.

The Hokies opened up at home against Longwood in a 12-inning scrimmage. In order to get a lot of experience for everyone, the lineups and pitchers were changed every 3-4 innings. After a few more weeks of practice, the Hokies headed to Salem for five games against local teams. Tech took on ETSU, JMU, Liberty, Radford and Tusculum at the Moyer Complex over a two-day span. Tech used five different lineups for each of the five games.

For the pitchers, senior Katie Maynard missed all of the competition portion of the schedule with an injury. She is expected back full for the spring. She was able to pitch in practice, but wasn't cleared for game situations. That opened the door for some younger players to get some more experience.

Sophomore Angela Tincher is fully healed and back to her dominating ways. At times during the fall, the coaches took away some of her "go-to" pitches and forced her to work on new pitchers, but turned her loose in other situations. Junior college transfer Ashley Thatcher pitched well at times, but is still adjusting to playing at this level. The coaches are excited about her potential and how she will fit in with the rotation of Maynard and Tincher. Junior Karie Morrison had a hurt back most of the fall and didn't see much action and senior Megan Stone saw good innings in the Salem tournament.

Defensively, several players stepped up and took control of starting jobs. Freshman Charisse Mariconda, who hit a grand slam against Radford, had an excellent fall and heads into the spring as the No. 1 at third base. She can also play shortstop if starter Alisia Narodowski needs a break. At first base, Stephanie Savre is back and came up with several home runs in the fall. The battle at second base will be one to watch as senior Caitlin Murphy and freshman Erin Ota will go head to head. Murphy is one of the best contact hitters on the team while Ota is a quick player who can slap or hit away. Both provide good defensive skills. Behind the plate is another battle. Sophomore Kelsey Hoffman does a nice job of receiving the pitches and handling the staff, plus provides a good bat. Freshman Kelsy Rokey has a cannon for an arm and threw out just about every base runner who tried to steal on her. She has been diagnosed with compartment syndrome in her leg and is likely to have surgery in the upcoming weeks, but should be fully healed and ready to battle for the spot come preseason.

In the outfield, Kelly Brown is back in her right field position and ready for her senior year. In left field, Caroline Stolle continues to improve after moving from the infield. She had eight home runs last year and should again provide a spark from the bottom of the order. In center field, freshman Jessica Everhart heads into the spring as the starter. She brings excellent defensive skills to the table as she made several nice diving catches in the scrimmages. Callie Rhodes is back after missing all of last year with a knee injury. She looks to take over the designated player and leadoff spots this year. She was on the bases a lot in scrimmages and is a threat to steal every time she gets on.

Thomas said he was also pleased with the way Allyson Campbell, Jenna Rhodes, Dori Nunley, Beth Walker and Crystal Beach continued to work hard and improve while freshmen walk-ons Morgan Harris and Kendal Martin are a big help as bullpen catchers.

Offensively, the Hokies will have to replace Megan Evans' 50 career home runs and clutch hitting, but look for a speedier and more aggressive team on the base paths this year. Singles will be stretched into doubles and stealing bases will be a regular feature.

"We got out of the fall what we wanted to," Thomas said. "I would have liked to have one more week of practice because we are so young, but we'll go into the preseason ready to roll. We made improvements in some areas and I'm pleased with where we are. I've been impressed in how hard the girls are working, both in the weight room and in conditioning, so that's a good sign."

Tech's field is also getting a new look this fall. Once the Hokies' fall season ended, construction crews began tearing up the field surface to put in a new drainage system. Currently, crews are putting down the warning track and sides and will begin putting in the infield dirt early next week. The outfield sod is supposed to be down by the end of next week. The biggest visual difference will be the grass apron that will surround the entire field, giving the field a more pleasing look.

Tech will return to practice as a team in January in preparation for the 2006 season, which begins on Feb. 11 with a doubleheader at Campbell, followed by a doubleheader at Furman the next day.