Season Preview: Underclassmen ready to step-up
SALISBURY, Md. - The Salisbury University softball program has been a Division III national juggernaut since coach Margie Knight took the reigns in 1997. Since that inaugural season her team has captured 10 straight Capital Athletic Conference championships, 10 consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament and five NCAA Division III World Series appearances with one third place finish in 2004 and two national runnerup finishes in 2003 and 2005. The 2007 team will aim to add to Knight's legacy this season.

"We want to repeat as [CAC] champions and make it back to the national championship game. I would also like to see one or two players become All-Americans," said Knight. "With our work ethic I definitely think our goals are attainable."

Last season's early exit in the NCAA Regional tournament, a 2-1 defeat to fourth-seeded Moravian College, left an empty feeling for the second-seeded Sea Gulls. That loss for the Sea Gulls was the last for three of Salisbury's seniors, All-Americans Lacey Lister and Erin Ruest along with All-Region performer Kristy Shaffer. With the loss of the teams core players many underclassmen will be expected to step-up.

"We have quite a few young players and hope our mystery and unpredictability to our opponents will lead to a few victories," said Knight.

INFIELD
The infield is without a question led by senior second baseman Nichole Fuqua (Rockville, Md./ Richard Montgomery) who helped the Salisbury defense rank third in the nation last season in fielding percentage. Fuqua is a four-year starter for Knight in the infield.

"She [Nichole] has worked hard on her speed. She is one of the best in the nation defensively," said Knight.

Senior catcher Tee Dronenburg (Columbia, Md./ Howard) will hold down duties behind the plate. Dronenburg has been a starter since her freshman season and has committed a meager four errors in 138 games played in her career. Her ability to call a game and use her experience with this young team will be invaluable.

The hot corner for SU has yet to be decided but the two candidates for the job are juniors Kurisha Hoffman (Lutherville, Md./ Towson) and Meaghan Murphy (Laurel, Md./ Atholton) who both add a left-handed bat to the lineup. Each player saw 68 at-bats last season and both produced with double digit runs and hits.

OUTFIELD
The SU outfield is still a question with no clear answer. All spots remain open and are being battled for by junior Ashley Stern (Salisbury, Md./ Parkside), sophomore Brittany Sullivan (Hampstead, Md./ North Carroll), and incoming freshmen Lauran Witzke (Delmar, Md./ Delmar), Brittany Lounge (Pasadena, Md./ Archbishop Spalding), Jacquie Henry (Medford, N.J./ Shawnee) and Jessica Dileo (Annandale, N.J./ North Hunterdon).  

"All our outfielders have great arms and whoever is hitting the best will determine the lineup," said Knight.

Stern and Sullivan have played in 25 and 17 games respectively last season with 41 at-bats combined.

PITCHERS
The Sea Gull rotation already has its No. 1 starter in junior righthander Kirsten Wells (Fallston, Md./ Fallston). Wells led SU in earned run average (1.13) a season ago along with 66 strikeouts, eight complete games and a 14-3 record. To go along with her arm the Fallston native adds a potent bat to the lineup. Wells hit .302, 27 RBI and hit a team-high 12 doubles a season ago.

"Wells is a pitcher that gets more ground balls and pop ups than strikeouts which is great with our team's defense," said Knight.

A healthy battle for the number two spot is still up for grabs between right-handers junior Kortni Pedlow (Elkton, Md./ St. Mark's) and sophomore Stacy Davis (Westminster, Md./ Westminster) each saw limited action last year (combined for only seven appearances).

OFFENSE
The Sea Gull offense will rely heavily on its only two seniors Fuqua and Dronenburg. They combined for three home runs, 44 RBI, 40 runs and 17 extra base hits.

"Tee has already resolved her hitting problems early this year which is a great sign and shows her work ethic," said Knight.

Also expected to step up at the dish will be sophomores Stacey Malarkey (Taneytown, Md./ Francis Scott Key) and Meaghan O'Gara (East Northport, N.Y./ East Northport). Malarkey was second on the team with a .622 slugging percentage, recorded 15 extra base hits, tied for a team-high four stolen bases and had 22 RBI. O'Gara was one of two players on the team and the only veteran who hit over .400, slugged more than .600 and sported an on base percentage over .400.

SCHEDULE
Salisbury starts their season off on the road when they travel to Virginia Beach, Va., to participate in a five-team tournament at Virginia Wesleyan College which includes Averett, Emory and Henry, Rutgers Newark and Polytechnic. Immediately following the tournament the Sea Gulls stay in Virginia Beach to play a double dip against Lynchburg College.

"We do not want to dig a hole early with a bad start in our region," said Knight "We must come out of the gates in top form with no time to work through any issues we must be ready. Since our practices are so competitive, I think we will be ready." 

Salisbury will look to remain atop the CAC when they take on Catholic, Mary Washington, Gallaudet and York in an 11 day span in the middle of their season. Since 1998, Salisbury has dominated the conference and has never lost a regular-season game to Gallaudet or Catholic (18-0), lost once to York (17-1) and sport a 13-5 mark against Mary Washington.

"We do not allow any slack at practice. We go at game speed and always have productive movement. We try to throw the ball perfect each time, use two hands and stay sharp. Practice makes perfect," said Knight. "Our players want to win. The upperclassmen install the work ethic and attitude in our new comers and we have a lot of pride in the program."