Posted: Feb 03, 2009
The Roanoke College softball program is a short, but rich tradition. In its 12th season of existence, the Maroons have claimed seven ODAC Championships, nine 30-win seasons including two NCAA Softball World Series Appearances. Softball has quickly become one of the most successful programs since 2000.
There will be a new look for the Maroons coaching staff this season, staring with head coach Mike Mitchell. Mitchell, a former assistant during Roanoke's last two ODAC Championships, returns to Salem with a new staff, but with old ties to the program. Russell Gaddy, Barry Wood, and volunteer coach Rick Anderson all have coached for the Maroon Softball program with Mitchell during the mid-2000's. Loren Messick, a three-time first team All-ODAC performer for the Maroons and a 2008 graduate, will make the transition from player-to-coach in her first season on the staff.
The Maroons will sorely miss the duties of seniors Hillary Hudgins, Loren Messick, Tamara Poles, Whitney Purvis and Erin Ruitenberg. All have been four-year starters and have a four-year record of 128-36, 55-14 in the ODAC. Each has over 100 hits and has started in at least 120 games during their careers. They helped the program win two ODAC titles, two NCAA Tournament appearances and four-straight seasons with at least 28 wins.
With the entire infield departed to graduation, the Maroons must fill the void of three All-ODAC selections and five starters from last year's squad. With only one senior returning, the roster will have no post-season experience and will look to break the mold in seasons to come. Roanoke will be young, with the entire infield as first or second-year players with little or no college playing experience. Freshman Sara Caudle (SS), Katherine Kouri (3B), Felice Lowery (C), and Janie Holmes (P/1B) will be playing major roles in the infield this season. Sophomores Gabby Moss and Lisa Scruggs will be the most experienced and will also be looked to have an impact in the infield. Abbey Greenberg (1B/C) and Beth Nicoll (C) will look to earn more playing time this season.
The outfield will have more experience with Jessica Zeman, Jaci Clark and Taylor Zahn in the lineup. All have started in most of the games played and will be counted on to carry the load at all three positions. Zeman, a team captain, will be the only senior for the 2009 Softball team. Last year, she appeared in 28 games with 13 starts... second on team with nine stolen bases... batted .286 with 10 hits, 12 runs and two RBI with three walks.
Jaci Clark, from Roanoke Va., will help anchor the outfield this season. Last season, Clark appeared in 29 games, making 23 starts in the outfield... hit .300 with 15 hits and six RBI... scored 11 runs and walked twice with two stolen bases.
In addition to Zahn, Kristin McCormick, Cristina Ramos and Lindly Theroux will be in the mix as well. Zahn started 20 of 31 games played and finished the year with 11 hits and two doubles with seven runs scored. McCormick started 17 of 27 games and has the game experience to contend for a starting spot. Ramos batted .300 in 22 games played and made seven starts in addition to two doubles last spring.
The pitching staff will be the most experienced group this season. Starting with Second-Team All-ODAC and 2007 ODAC Rookie of the Year Kelsey Ruitenberg, the Maroons are expected to perform well against ODAC Competition this spring. Ruitenberg, a junior from Geneva, IL, played both pitcher and first base for the Maroons last season, leading the team at the plate in home runs (5), RBI (48), total bases (69) and slugging percentage (.595). She was second in batting (.397), at bats (116) and hits with 46. In addition, she was named VaSID All-State First-Team.
Sophomore Gretchen Wolfe, from New Harbor, NY, had an outstanding first year for the Maroons. She was named ODAC Pitcher of the Week twice last spring and led the team in wins (11), strikeouts (69), complete games (10), innings pitched (110.2) and ERA (1.45). She was also a Second-Team All-ODAC selection last season.
Fellow Sophomore Clarissa Norwich will also make an impact on the mound this spring. Norwich, a native of Hegans, PA, started in all 36 games as a freshman... batted .302 with 32 hits, 12 runs and 18 RBI. She also appeared in 13 games on the mound, starting in seven as a pitcher... pitched 49.2 innings with a 6-3 record and 38 strikeouts with five complete games and three shutouts.
