2011-2012 Season Outlook

Softball

OVERVIEW:  The 2012 Lady Conq Softball team can be summed up in one word "young".  17 freshman will be on the opening day roster, while only 3 sophomores return from last year.  Head Coach Howie Smith believes that this team can overcome inexperience and still compete at a very high level.  "Even though we may be young, this team has talent and depth, which is something that we haven't had in the past few seasons."  The softball team will again compete at the NJCAA Division II level, and have a very challenging Jayhawk East schedule.

PITCHERS:  The Lady Conqs will have something that they have been missing in the past, quality pitching with plenty of depth.  4 freshman pitchers are vying for innings on the mound.  Shelby Dill (Mustang, OK), Alexis Walters (Grand Junction, CO), Jaycie Morris (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), and Sara Neiman (Henderson, NV) are all newcomers who will gain valuable experience this year.  "Each one of these pitchers, have pitched against some of the best teams in the country during their stints with their summer programs, we have not had this much depth for quite a while."

INFIELD: The infield will be completely new, with 4 freshman starting.  Kaytee Clark (transfer from NWOSU) will start at 1st base with Heather Duncan (Emporia, KS) backing her up.  Up the middle Sarah Penry (Leedey, OK) and Canadian Makensy Payne (Winnipeg) will lead this group of young infielders with sophomore Cassie Volanti (Riley, KS) and Reo Beck (Henderson, NV) providing depth. Danielle Klassen (Winnipeg) will be at 3rd base, with Beck pushing her for playing time.

OUTFIELD:  Kayli Keate will roam CF for the Lady Conqs, while the 2 other spots are still up in the air.  Sophomore Lillian Ward (Houston, TX), Kylie Newton (Dodge City HS grad), Haley Kollenz (Vancouver, Canada) and Gabrielle Buensalido (Sierra Vista, AZ) are all battling for time in the corner OF.  Austin Davis (Sublette, KS) will provide depth at each position.

CATCHING: Amanda Best (Parker, CO) will start behind the plate for the Lady Conqs.  Beck and Danielle Kenton (Dodge City HS grad) will provide depth while Jessica Shipps (Dodge City HS grad) will take a medical red-shirt because of an injury.

DESIGNATED PLAYER:  A handful of girls will be battling for the DP role this year.  Sophomore Alisa Seaman (Big Bear City, CA) has experience and is the leading candidate for the DP position.