Bearkat softball look for more accomplishments in 2008
1/27/2008 1:00:00 AM | Softball
With all but one starter returning from last year's team that earned Sam Houston its first NCAA regional playoff berth in 21 years at the Division I level, the Bearkats are poised for more success in 2008.
Sam Houston rolled up a 38-26 overall record in 2007, the team's most victories in one year since winning 39 games in 1993.
The Bearkats followed up a runner-up regular season finish by knocking off the number one, three, four, and five seeds to win the Southland Conference post-season event hosted by Sam Houston State.
The Kats then eliminated Louisiana-Lafayette to reach the semi-finals of the NCAA regional in College Station.
The 2008 team will be led by two seniors, shortstop Tanya Hooser and designated player Mandy Huckabee. Junior Brandi Crnkovic, last year's Southland tournament “Most Valuable Player” returns on the mound.
Hooser, Huckabee, and Crnkovic were All-Southland Conference selections last year along with sophomore outfielder Lauren Burns, catcher Casie Everitt, sophomore pitcher Morgan Mikulin, and infielder Sarah Parich. Burns, Hooser, and Crnkovic also were named All-Tournament at the Southland post-season event.
Bearkat head coach Bob Brock, who ranks 13th among NCAA Division I active softball coaches with a record of 880-469-1 in his 23 seasons, returns 14 letter winners this spring. Other top returnees include sophomore infielder Amy Brown, junior outfielder Krystal Gay, sophomore infielder Holli Hatcher, sophomore infielder Amanda Lindsey, sophomore catcher Ashley Nelson, sophomore infielder Janaye Richardson, junior outfielder Kendra Spivey, and sophomore outfielder Tiffani Woodrum.
The Bearkats welcome three outstanding freshmen to the team as well. Outfielder Alex Survant was an All-State player at Bryan High School. Infielder Hailey Wiginton was a four-time All-District shortstop at Friendswood. Infielder Whitney Wilson helped lead Garland High School to two state titles.
“We're excited about getting the 2008 season started,” Brock said. “With two seniors, five juniors, eight sophomores, and three freshman, this is still a fairly young group. They achieved a lot last year and are aiming high again this season.”
Sam Houston State begins the regular season Saturday, Feb. 9, with a doubleheader against Prairie View A&M at 2 p.m. at Bearkat softball complex. The Kats begin Southland Conference action Tuesday, February 26 at Stephen F. Austin.
