SAINT LOUIS BILLIKEN SOFTBALL 20 10 B il l ike n S of t b a l l Athletics Mission Statement
The mission of the department of athletics is to provide a program of intercollegiate athletics that fosters and supports a positive educational and athletic experience, not only for student-athletes, but also for the entire Saint Louis University community. The athletics program is guided by the highest standards and ideals of integrity, sportspersonship, ethical conduct, equitable opportunities for all students and staff, including women and minorities, academic excellence and athletics achievement. The intercollegiate athletics program strives to develop the whole person (body, mind and spirit) in accord with the Jesuit, Catholic mission of Saint Louis University.
Credits
The 2010 Saint Louis University Softball Media Guide was compiled, written and edited by Heather Freehill, Media Relations Associate in the Billiken Media Relations office. Contributors include Brian Kunderman, Mickey Smith, Chuck Yahng and University Marketing and Publications staff. Photography by Bill Barrett and Dave Preston. Any material may be reproduced with the permission of the editor. For more information, contact the Billiken Media Relations office at 314/977-7063, write to 3330 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103 or email softball contact Heather Freehill at hfreehil@slu.edu.
2010 Seniors (from left): Brittney Schmidt, Nicki Jost, Emma DeKalb and Rachel O’Connell Table of Contents
The Billiken Sports Center__________________________ 2 2010 Schedule / Quick Facts________________________ 3 2010 Season Outlook___________________________ 4-6 2010 Roster Breakdown___________________________ 7
2010 Billikens
Emma DeKalb___________________________________ 8 Nicki Jost_______________________________________ 9 Rachel O’Connell________________________________ 10 Brittney Schmidt_ _______________________________ 11 Kristin Nicoletti__________________________________ 12 Caitlin Trevillyan_ _______________________________ 13 Kristain Burger__________________________________ 14 Erin Cejka_____________________________________ 15 Kerri Dockins___________________________________ 16 Rachel Faletto__________________________________ 17 Kelly Flanagan__________________________________ 18 Tori Holland____________________________________ 19 Liz Jones______________________________________ 20 Kelcie Matesa__________________________________ 21 Laura Bohning__________________________________ 22 Alyson Brand___________________________________ 22 Jessica Buschjost_______________________________ 22 Hannah Huebbe_ _______________________________ 22
Coaching Staff
Head Coach John Conway________________________ 23 Assistant/Pitching Coach Glenn Knaebel_____________ 24 Assistant Coach Angie Danis_ _____________________ 24 Volunteer Assistant Casie Gaskin___________________ 24 Graduate Manager Christy Ernst____________________ 24 2010 Photo Roster_______________________________ 25
2009 In Review
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Visit www.slubillikens.com for the latest scores, stats, highlights, coach and player blogs and video of contests on Billiken Softball and Saint Louis’ 17 other sports.
2009 Season Recap_____________________________ 33 2009 Overall Statistics____________________________ 34 2009 Game Results______________________________ 35 Atlantic 10 Conference_ __________________________ 36 2009 Final A-10 Standings_ _______________________ 36 2009 A-10 Stats_________________________________ 37 2009 A-10 Honors_______________________________ 38 2009 A-10 Championship_ ________________________ 38 2009 A-10 Individual Stats Leaders__________________ 39
History & Records
Letterwinners___________________________________ 40 Billiken Honor Roll_______________________________ 41 Individual Offensive Records____________________ 42-45 Miscellaneous Records___________________________ 45 Individual Pitching Records_____________________ 46-47 Individual Defensive Records______________________ 48 Team Season & Game Records____________________ 49 Year-By-Year Results_ ________________________ 50-55 Series History_ _________________________________ 56 Billiken Coaching Ledger__________________________ 57
The University
Saint Louis University_________________________ 58-59 University President Father Biondi_ _________________ 60 Director of Athletics Chris May_ ____________________ 61 Athletics Staff Directory___________________________ 62 Academic Services______________________________ 63 Strength & Conditioning___________________________ 64 Sports Medicine_________________________________ 65 City of St. Louis______________________________ 66-67 NCAA Guidelines________________________________ 68
Opponents
2010 Opponents_____________________________ 26-32
2010 SLU SOFTBALL
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Saint LOUIS BILLIKEN SOFTBALL T he B i ll ike n S por t s C e nte r
The Billikens head into their 11th season of play at The Billiken Sports Center. The first game at the new facility was March 13, 2000, when Southeast Missouri State defeated the Billikens 10-3. The softball field is located directly behind the baseball field and across from the parking garage at the intersection of Olive and Compton avenues. Chaifetz Arena is located south of the right-field fence. The multi-purpose arena, which opened in spring 2008, includes a 10,600-seat multi-purpose arena, two regulation-sized basketball courts and athletics department offices. In addition, state-of-the-art athletic training facilities and a top-notch strength and conditioning center are located in the facility for use by all Saint Louis student-athletes. The Billiken Sports Center originally opened in 1990 and was used for soccer, field hockey and intramurals. During the summer of 1991, a baseball diamond was added. The soccer stadium was expanded in 1999 and rededicated as Robert R. Hermann Stadium. The softball diamond is the latest addition to the BSC. The field is equipped with bleachers to seat 500 fans. The diamond is the finest facility the Billikens have ever called home. Before the start of the 2001 season, a new scoreboard was installed just behind the fence in right field. Prior to the 2000 season, the Billikens played their home games in numerous parks in the St. Louis area, including St. Louis’ Forest Park, ABC Fields and the Affton Athletic Association. Near the softball diamond is a nature area with two ponds stocked with fish and other wildlife indigenous to the St. Louis area and Missouri. The Billiken Sports Center is located just minutes from downtown St. Louis. The St. Louis Gateway Arch is visible from the softball bleachers. Parking for softball games is available adjacent to the field in the Olive/Compton garage and on nearby streets.
SLU at the Billiken sports center
Season 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total
2
Record 4-14 9-15 7-10 13-8 7-11 5-14-1 6-11 11-6 6-12-1 10-6 78-107-2
Pct. .222 .375 .412 .619 .389 .275 .353 .647 .342 .625 .422
Attendance 1822 2515 2121 1679 1614 1392 1801 2350 1581 853 17,728
The billiken sports center Quick Facts Designer: Rich Moffitt Architect: Kennedy Architects Landscaping: Munie Corp. Seating Capacity: 500 Turf: Natural grass Dimensions: Left – 200 feet, Center – 225 feet, Right – 200 feet
Individual Records
Runs scored_ _____________ 3, four times, last by Caitlin Trevillyan vs. Charlotte, 4/12/08 Hits_ __________________4, three times, last by Rachel Heet vs. Saint Joseph’s, 4/17/09 RBI____________ 4, three times, last by Caitlin Trevillyan vs. George Washington, 3/22/08 Doubles________________________________________3, Jill Pursell vs. UMKC, 4/11/07 Triples_______________________________ 2, Logan Justice vs. Eastern Illinois, 3/20/04 Home runs______________________2, Caitlin Trevillyan vs. George Washington, 3/22/08 Stolen bases_______________3, six times, last by Caitlin Trevillyan vs. Charlotte, 4/12/08 Pitching strikeouts_____________________ 16, Nicole Bohnenstiehl vs. UT Martin, 4/9/03
Team Records
Longest game___________________________________12 innings vs. UT Martin, 4/6/04 At bats______________________________________ 44 vs. George Washington, 3/22/08 Runs scored_ ___________________________________ 10 vs. St. Bonaventure, 3/31/07 Hits_ ________________________________________________ 14 vs. UT Martin, 4/6/04 RBI___________________________________________________ 9 vs. UT Martin, 4/6/04 Doubles_________________________________________________6 vs. UMKC, 4/11/07 Triples___________________________________2, twice, last vs. Western Illinois, 4/1/09 Home runs____________________________________ 3 vs. George Washington, 3/22/08 Stolen bases______________________________________ 7 vs. Eastern Illinois, 4/16/08 Pitching strikeouts______________________________________ 16 vs. UT Martin, 4/9/03 Records are for Saint Louis only
Top 10 crowds at the Billiken sports center Rank 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 10.
Attendance 249 234 212 206 206 202 183 183 182 178
Opponent Missouri DePaul Saint Joseph’s Fordham DePaul Southern Illinois Houston Charlotte Rhode Island Missouri
Date April 9, 2008 March 31, 2001 April 29, 2007 April 15, 2007 April 1, 2001 March 30, 2005 April 29, 2001 April 9, 2000 April 21, 2006 April 2, 2002
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SAINT LOUIS BILLIKEN SOFTBALL 20 10 S ched ule / Q uick Fa c t s 2010 Saint Louis Softball Schedule
Day Date Opponent At First Pitch Classic Sat. Feb. 13 vs. Western Carolina Sat. Feb. 13 at Georgia State Sun. Feb. 14 vs. Army At Lion Classic Fri. Feb. 19 vs. Jackson State Fri. Feb. 19 vs. Grambling State Sat. Feb. 20 vs. UT Martin Sat. Feb. 20 at Southeastern Louisiana Sun. Feb. 21 vs. Mississippi Valley State At Cardinal Classic Fri. Feb. 26 at #22/21 Louisville Fri. Feb. 26 vs. Purdue Sat. Feb. 27 at #22/21 Louisville Sat. Feb. 27 vs. Northern Illinois At Missouri Breast Cancer Tournament Fri. March 5 at #9/9 Missouri Fri. March 5 vs. Southeast Missouri State Sat. March 6 vs. UMKC Sun. March 7 vs. Missouri State At Rebel Spring Games Tues. March 9 vs. Detroit Tues. March 9 vs. South Dakota Wed. March 10 vs. Robert Morris Wed. March 10 vs. Youngstown State Fri. March 12 vs. UW-Green Bay Fri. March 12 vs. Bryant Billiken Invitational Sat. March 20 Iowa State Sat. March 20 Western Michigan Sun. March 21 Iowa State Sun. March 21 Western Michigan Tues. March 23 Memphis (DH) Fri. March 26 at Temple* Sat. March 27 at Temple* Sun. March 28 at Saint Joseph’s* (DH) Wed. March 31 at #9/9 Missouri (DH) Sat. April 3 George Washington* (DH) Tues. April 6 Eastern Illinois (DH) Fri. April 9 at Fordham* Sat. April 10 at Fordham* Sun. April 11 at La Salle* (DH) Wed. April 14 at Indiana State (DH) Sat. April 17 at Dayton* (DH) Tues. April 20 at Loyola Chicago (DH) Fri. April 23 #20/25 Massachusetts* Sat. April 24 #20/25 Massachusetts* Sun. April 25 Rhode Island* (DH) Wed. April 28 SIU Edwardsville (DH) Sat. May 1 at St. Bonaventure* (DH) Wed. May 5 Southeast Missouri State (DH) Sat. May 8 Charlotte* (DH) Wed.-Sat. May 12-15 at Atlantic 10 Championship Fri.-Sun. May 21-23 at NCAA Regionals Fri.-Sat. May 28-29 at NCAA Super Regionals Thurs.-Wed. June 3-9 at Women’s College World Series
Location
Time
Atlanta, Ga. Atlanta, Ga. Atlanta, Ga.
9 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 9 a.m.
Hammond, La. Hammond, La. Hammond, La. Hammond, La. Hammond, La.
3 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 4 p.m. 10 a.m.
Louisville, Ky. Louisville, Ky. Louisville, Ky. Louisville, Ky.
11 a.m. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m.
Columbia, Mo. Columbia, Mo. Columbia, Mo. Columbia, Mo.
3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Orlando, Fla. Orlando, Fla. Orlando, Fla. Orlando, Fla. Orlando, Fla. Orlando, Fla.
2 p.m. 4 p.m. 10 a.m. Noon 4 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. Philadelphia, Pa. Philadelphia, Pa. Philadelphia, Pa. Columbia, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. Bronx, N.Y. Bronx, N.Y. Philadelphia, Pa. Terre Haute, Ind. Dayton, Ohio Chicago, Ill. St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. Olean, N.Y. St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. Amherst, Mass. TBA TBA Oklahoma City, Okla.
11 a.m. 3 p.m. Noon 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Noon 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. Noon Noon 3 p.m. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Noon TBA TBA TBA TBA
Quick Facts
Name of School___________________ Saint Louis University City/Zip_ _________________________ St. Louis, Mo. 63103 Founded_ ____________________________________ 1818 Enrollment___________________________________ 12,733 Nickname_ _________________________________ Billikens Colors____________________________ Royal Blue & White Facility_______________________The Billiken Sports Center Capacity_ _____________________________________ 500 Dimensions_______________________ L-200, C-225, R-200 Affiliation_____________________________NCAA Division I Conference_______________________________ Atlantic 10 President_____________________ Rev. Lawrence Biondi, SJ Director of Athletics_________________________ Chris May Senior Woman Administrator________________ Janet Oberle Athletic Dept. Phone____________________ (314) 977-3177 Ticket Office Phone_____________________(314) 977-4SLU
COACHING STAFF
Head Coach_ ___________________________John Conway Alma Mater, Year______________ Tarkio (Mo.) College, 1989 Record at School / Years_____________________74-99-1 / 3 Career Record / Years_____________________191-150-1 / 7 Softball Office Phone____________________ (314) 977-3266 Assistant Coaches___________Glenn Knaebel & Angie Danis Volunteer Assistant_______________________Casie Gaskin Graduate Manager_ ______________________ Christy Ernst
TEAM INFORMATION
2009 Overall Record____________________________ 22-33 Home_________________________________________ 10-6 Road_________________________________________ 8-18 Neutral_________________________________________ 4-9 Conference Record / Finish____________________12-6 / 3rd Final National Ranking_ _________________________ none Position Starters Returning / Lost___________________ 8 / 2 Pitchers Returning / Lost__________________________ 2 / 2 Letterwinners Returning / Lost_ ___________________ 14 / 5 Newcomers______________________________________ 4
HISTORY
First Year of Softball_ ___________________________ 1978 All-Time Record____________________________ 424-947-5 NCAA Tournament Appearances_____________________ NA
MEDIA RELATIONS
Softball SID___________________________Heather Freehill Office Phone__________________________ (314) 977-7063 Cell Phone____________________________ (309) 361-1887 E-Mail_ _____________________________ hfreehil@slu.edu SID Fax______________________________ (314) 977-3178 SID Mailing Address_______________ 3330 Laclede Avenue _ _______________________________St. Louis, MO 63103
All times are Central and subject to change Home games (Bold) played at The Billiken Sports Center * Atlantic 10 Conference game Italics denote tournament games Rankings: NFCA/USA Softball
2010 SLU SOFTBALL
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Saint LOUIS BILLIKEN SOFTBALL 20 10 S ea s on O utlook Experience and depth are qualities the Billikens have lacked in large part since John Conway took over the program prior to the 2007 season. That won’t be the case this season as he has his deepest and most experienced squad in place to make a run at its first Atlantic 10 Conference title. The lineup will likely vary from day to day and week to week depending on which players provide SLU with the best combination of offense and defense to put the strongest possible team on the field. Six position starters, two pitchers and Saint Louis’ top three hitters from a year ago return to the 2010 squad. Another big difference between this year’s team and those from the past is the Billikens’ fitness level. According to Conway, the strength and conditioning staff has put the squad through its paces in the off-season, and the team is much better athletically than it was at this time last year. A stronger and faster squad will lend itself to Conway’s philosophy of playing an aggressive game and putting pressure on the defense with his team’s speed. With the staff and players buying in to Conway’s high-energy style of play, everyone is excited to get on the field for the season opener.
right-hander’s 35 appearances rank sixth on the Billikens’ single-season chart, while her 122 strikeouts are tied for 10th. “Kelcie has gotten stronger and is throwing probably three or four miles per hour harder than she was last year,” Conway said. “She’s been developing a few more pitches to add to her repertoire, as all of our pitchers have.” Matesa won’t be forced to go it alone in the circle as Conway signed sophomore right-hander Hannah Huebbe during the off-season. Last season, Huebbe led Heartland Community College in Normal, Ill., to its first National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II national title. She was recognized as the Most Outstanding Pitcher of the tournament after tossing three complete games and allowing just two runs en route to capturing three of the Hawks’ five wins at the tournament. Huebbe compiled an 18-3 record last season with a 1.62 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 134.1 innings. “Kelcie and Hannah will be splitting starts in the circle,” Conway said. “Hannah has been on our radar since she was a junior in high school. She’s a solid player who does a great job of rotating the ball and making the ball move. Hannah has the right demeanor in the circle, and she knows what it takes to win.” THE BATTERY The core of any good softball team lies in its pitchers Merely the fact that senior Emma DeKalb is a leftand catchers. That nucleus looks to be substantial as the handed pitcher allows Conway to throw an interesting twist Billikens have three capable options in the circle and behind at opposing batters. Last season, DeKalb walked on to the the plate. With each pitcher offering something different, squad and flourished as a reliever late in the season. She Conway will have opportunities to alternate pitchers often held the potent Massachusetts lineup to just two hits in to keep opposing hitters off-kilter. Second-year assistant 3-2/3 innings of relief and went on to capture wins against coach Glenn Knaebel is in his first season working with Charlotte, Eastern Illinois and Saint Joseph’s. the pitchers full-time, while first-year volunteer assistant “We’re probably going to use Emma much the same Casie Gaskin has helped develop the catchers and the way we did last year,” Conway said. “Now that she’s been working with us for a year, she’s probably throwing six to 10 outfielders. “Glenn has done a good job with our pitchers this season,” miles per hour faster than last year. Conway said. “We’ve already seen a lot of improvement “Whenever I see a left-handed pitcher come up to face us from the fall with what he’s done. If our pitchers can keep us I think, ‘uh oh here we go’. It’s usually a couple innings before in every game, we’ve got a good chance to win every time our hitters adjust. When we throw Emma, our opponents we step on the field. We need our pitchers to set the tone for will have to deal with that same situation and that’s a great this team. They did a good job of that in the fall and hopefully position for us to be in. “All three of our pitchers have different looks this season,” that continues this spring. “Casie played a couple different positions for a Conway said. “If one of them gets in trouble, I won’t hesitate successful program at the University of Texas,” Conway to bring in someone else. And if that doesn’t work, we’ll bring in a third pitcher. We said. “We’re happy that have more options this year she’s a part of our staff than we’ve had in the past and can now relay some and having that flexibility is of her experiences to our beneficial.” players. Our catchers and Strong arms, powerful outfielders continue to bats and solid defense get better the more Casie abound in the three players works with them.” vying for playing time behind Kelcie Matesa returns the plate. Senior Nicki Jost to the circle after a stellar remains the frontrunner freshman campaign and for the job after starting at will be one of the Billikens’ the position the past three top weapons this season. seasons. In 2009, she The 2009 A-10 All-Rookie enjoyed her best offensive pick saw the bulk of the season yet, becoming the innings down the stretch program’s career (89) and in 2009, and that year single-season (41) RBI leader of experience will prove in addition to tying the school invaluable as she serves record for RBIs in a game as the veteran of this (five). Jost, an A-10 secondseason’s staff. Matesa led team selection last season, the team in appearances, should continue her assault starts, complete games, on the Billiken record book in innings pitched and kelcie matesa her final season while seeing strikeouts. The sophomore 4
nicki jost action either behind the plate, in the outfield or as the team’s designated player. Last season, she led the squad in batting average, slugging percentage and RBIs and ranked second in steals. “Nicki does everything for us. She hits for power, runs well, provides us with solid defense behind the plate, and she can throw out would-be base-stealers,” Conway said. “After dealing with a knee injury for the past couple seasons, Nicki is in great shape. She feels good about herself, and I think she’s going to have her best year yet. We’re looking for Nicki to put up some big numbers again in terms of RBIs and slugging percentage now that she’s healthier than she’s been in a while.” When Conway wants to give Jost a break behind the plate, sophomore Liz Jones will be waiting in line to assume the post. Jones gained precious reps at catcher during the past two fall campaigns while Jost rested her knee. She started 17 games behind the plate last season and saw action at third base. Jones struggled at the plate as a rookie, as many freshmen do when making the jump to Division I. She worked hard on her hitting during the summer and returned to the lineup as the Billikens’ top offensive weapon during the fall, boasting a .545 batting average, 12 hits, three home runs and 15 RBIs in eight games. “Liz had a phenomenal fall season,” Conway said. “If she continues to hit the way she did in the fall, we’ve got to find a place for Liz in the lineup. Last season, she caught, played third and saw limited action in the outfield. She will provide us with depth at each of those spots again this year. Liz also has above-average speed and is a base-stealing threat now that we’ve corrected some timing issues she had last season.” The other player contending for catching duties is freshman Alyson Brand. Though her playing time in the fall was hindered due to gall bladder surgery, Brand is already making strides to put herself back in contention for playing time either behind the plate or at third base. She began competing at the high-school level as a sixth-grader at Southern High School and went on to become an All-Stater at DuPont Manual in Louisville, Ky., as a senior. Brand, a prototypical catcher with a strong arm and power-hitter potential, may also see action at third base. “Some health issues slowed Aly down in the fall, but
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SAINT LOUIS BILLIKEN SOFTBALL 20 10 S ea s on O utlook she’s been working hard in practice and she’s going to be good,” Conway said. “Aly has one of the strongest arms on the team, she has a quick release and she dives all over the place. When she’s not catching or playing third, we may insert her in the lineup as the designated player to give us a boost offensively.”
THE INFIELD
Though numerous players will be competing for playing time at the four infield positions, experience will still be lacking as just one upperclassman can be counted among the infield candidates. SLU lost valuable leadership and experience when All-Conference performers Rachel Heet and Katie Johns departed following the 2009 campaign. The Billiken sophomores and freshmen will be called upon to step up and fulfill important leadership roles in order to match the experience SLU has in the battery and the outfield this season. Angie Danis, who was a member of Michigan’s national championship squad in 2005, joins the staff as an assistant coach working with the infielders and the hitters, while Christy Ernst returns as graduate manager and Heet as student assistant. “Angie is intense and knows what takes to win a national championship,” Conway said. “She works hard with our hitters and infielders, as do Christy and Rachel, who also add excellent insight as former players in the program. Even though they may be only a few years older than our seniors, our players seem to respect them and their views on certain offensive or defensive situations.” With 48 starts at second base last season, sophomore Kerri Dockins should emerge as a leader on the infield. She is a solid defender (.957 fielding percentage) who began to find her offense near the end of last season, driving in 16 runs and blasting two home runs. Dockins is the type of player who leads by example. She lets her play do all the talking for her. Conway will also look for Dockins to steal more bases this year. “I see Kerri having an even better sophomore season hitting and defensively,” Conway said. “She had a relatively good freshman year, but she was plagued by some bad luck offensively. She was hitting the ball hard, but it always seemed to be right at the defense. Defensively, Kerri committed few errors. Now we just need to get her offense up to the level of her defense.” The veteran among the infielders is senior Brittney Schmidt, who will have the unenviable task of replacing Heet at shortstop. Schmidt will return to the starting lineup after serving primarily as an infield reserve the past couple seasons, playing in 32 contests in 2009. The consummate utility player, she has the ability and willingness to play nearly any position on the field. And with improved hitting, Schmidt offers Conway some flexibility at a variety of positions. “Brittney did a solid job for us at shortstop the last 20 games or so her freshman year,” Conway said. “We will look for her to step back into that role to supply us with some solid defense, and hopefully she will be able to contribute with her bat. Brittney has gotten stronger, faster and more experienced over the past few years. She’s now more comfortable with herself, and that will help us this season.” Last season, as many as four different players started at third base. In 2010, sophomore Rachel Faletto appears poised to take over the position after leading all players with 26 starts at the hot corner last season. Like many of SLU’s freshmen, she struggled at the dish but played solid defense, committing just four errors last season. Faletto spent some time working on her hitting over the summer and returned to Saint Louis as one of its top hitters in the fall. She hit .474 with 12 RBIs in eight fall tilts. When Faletto isn’t playing third
2010 SLU SOFTBALL
base, she may see time as Schmidt’s backup at shortstop. “Rachel is probably going to be our opening-day starter at third base,” Conway said. “About midway through last season, she came in and made few errors at the position. She has gotten stronger and a little bit faster since last season. We need her to be more confident with her hitting so she can provide us with some pop in her bat. We’re looking forward to Rachel having a strong sophomore season.” Johns took her game to another level last season, and she will undoubtedly be difficult to replace both offensively and defensively at first base. However, the Billikens have more depth at first base than at any other position on the field. A trio of sophomores and a freshman will seek playing time at the position, which traditionally is looked upon as a spot that features players who can produce power numbers at the plate. “This year we have four players who field the position extremely well,” Conway said. “This is a spot where you look for someone who can supply some consistent pop in their bat and drive in some runs. Those will certainly be the determining factors in who plays first base for us this season.” Sophomore Erin Cejka is the frontrunner to capture starting nods after a breakout season as a freshman last year. She spelled Johns at first base in 2009 and saw time in left field and as the team’s designated player. The 2009 A-10 All-Rookie designee hit .301 last year with 46 hits and 30 RBIs and committed just one error. Cejka’s RBI total shattered Jost’s previous freshman standard of 28 and ranks fifth overall on the Bills’ single-season list. “Erin had an awesome freshman year, hitting over .300 and driving in more than 30 runs,” Conway said. “She saw the ball well last season and played good defense, which isn’t always the easiest thing for a freshman to come in and do. We consistently batted Erin in the middle of the lineup and she produced quality at-bats for us. We’ll look for her to help us out in that capacity again this season.” The player with perhaps the most experience at the position is sophomore Kristain Burger, who returns to the squad after being granted a medical redshirt last season. Burger, who has been hampered by injuries since her collegiate career began in 2008, started 38 games near the end of her rookie campaign. As a freshman, she supplied
kerri dockins
the Billikens with sound defense but never truly found her rhythm at the plate. “Kristain is probably our best player at first base defensively,” Conway said. “She has gotten back into shape after sitting out last year, and she’s looking strong. We recruited Kristain as a power hitter, and we’ll look to her to help us generate some offense. We haven’t seen Kristain’s full potential yet, but hopefully she will show us what she can do this season.” Sophomore Kelly Flanagan is another player with the skill to achieve power numbers at the plate while fielding the first-base position. Last year, she split her time between third base and serving as the team’s designated player. Flanagan found her place in the heart of the order midway through the season and furnished the Bills with some clutch at-bats down the stretch. She also completed the season ranked second in the nation with six sacrifice flies. “Kelly had a decent freshman year, knocking in nearly 20 runs for us,” Conway said. “It’s tough for freshmen to come in and play at a high level right away, so she struggled a bit like all freshman do. But I anticipate her producing more this season. Kelly has a nice swing and she’s someone who can hit for power and drive in runs, which is what we need at first base. She worked hard in the off-season, and I look for her to make an even bigger impact on this year’s team.” Freshman Laura Bohning was one of SLU’s last signees, but she has already been an impressive addition to the Billiken lineup during the fall campaign. She was a threeyear starter at second base at Corona del Sol High School, helping the Aztecs to a pair of state runner-up finishes. Bohning gained valuable experience playing with the Desert Thunder Gold club squad, and she is an exceptional student. She could see action at both first and second base this season as well as in the outfield. “Laura has been a pleasant surprise,” Conway said. “She was one of our top hitters in the fall, and a lot of that comes from her experience facing tough pitching during her high school and club career in Arizona. Laura has good mechanics and is a tough out. She has good speed, and I expect she will steal some bases for us.”
THE OUTFIELD
The outfield is where Saint Louis will feature the most depth. SLU has five to eight players who can step in and fulfill a role on the grass. Experience will also be the status quo as the majority of the players seeking roles in the outfield are upperclassmen. Conway will look for his outfielders to consistently be offensive threats as well as skilled defenders. “We’ve got so many high-caliber players competing for outfield positions that it’s going to be a difficult task to choose which three players to go with every game,” Conway said. “But having so much talent and experience in the outfield is a luxury that we’re excited about. All of our outfielders hit pretty well in the fall, so even if one player isn’t seeing action in the field, I may use her as our designated player.” The Bills return one of their top offensive threats the past two years in junior Kristin Nicoletti. The 2009 A-10 second-team selection’s speed on the base paths creates problems for opposing defenses whether she’s slapping, hitting for power or attempting to steal a base. Nicoletti tied the program’s career standard for stolen bases (71) in the 2009 season finale and in the process established an A-10 single-season record (37). She started all 55 games last season at the top of the batting order and in right field. “Kristin will be a key player for us this season,” Conway said. “She’s a tough out and a serious threat whenever she steps to the plate, and her defense is improving. Her speed 5
Saint LOUIS BILLIKEN SOFTBALL 20 10 S ea s on O utlook truly picks up the pace of the game whether she’s in the City, Mo., she earned All-State honors and was named box hitting or trying to steal a base. Kristin had an amazing co-Conference Player of the Year in addition to excelling sophomore year, but she’s already improved on what she as a sprinter on the track team. Though she may not be did last season. I see her being an even bigger contributor in the lineup defensively every game, Buschjost may still for us this year.” find a place in the order as the team’s designated player as Also returning in the outfield is junior Caitlin Trevillyan. Conway seeks to utilize her speed. As a freshman, she earned a spot on the team as a walk-on “Jess is a player similar to Kristin Nicoletti,” Conway said. and has been a mainstay in the lineup ever since. Trevillyan “She has great speed as a lefty slapper keeping opposing played five different positions as a rookie but finally found defenses on their toes. During the fall we batted her behind her home in center field last season. Her offensive numbers Kristin, and those two were a pretty good combo at the top dropped off a little bit last season after a successful freshman of the order. Jess is a threat at the plate and on the bases year in 2008. But Conway will look for Trevillyan to return to with her above-average speed. She also has great range in freshman form in terms of her offense. the outfield with a strong, accurate arm.” “Caitlin suffered a bit of a sophomore slump at the plate last season,” Conway said. “But she worked on her THE SCHEDULE strength and speed in the off-season, and the experience As has been the case the past three seasons, Conway she gained last year in center is invaluable. Caitlin is a great has put together another strong non-conference schedule all-around athlete who has good range in the outfield. She that should make the Billikens battle-tested by the time the has deceptive speed, stealing the third-most bases on the A-10 slate begins at the end of March. Saint Louis will play squad last season and dropping a sneaky bunt for a hit from five tournaments on the road before hosting Iowa State and time to time.” Western Michigan in the Billiken Invitational March 20. Rachel O’Connell, who started 31 games in the outfield “We’ve put together a solid schedule that we feel will get last season, returns for her senior season after transitioning us ready for conference,” Conway said. “Our goal is to win to the outfield. She has played a number of positions since more than 30 games this year, be above .500, win the A-10 her freshman year, including second and third base in and get to an NCAA Regional for the first time in program addition to seeing time behind the plate. O’Connell is a lefty history. Last year we competed well with some tough teams, slapper who hit well from the No. 9 spot last season, offering and we feel like we can play with anybody now. Everyone is some protection for Nicoletti at the top of the order. buying into the program and what we’re doing. Now we just “Rachel has worked hard to become a better outfielder,” need to get it done on the field.” Conway said. “Since last year, she’s gotten stronger and SLU kicks off the 2010 campaign at Georgia State’s First faster, and she should be more of a factor in the outfield Pitch Classic Feb. 13 in Atlanta. The Bills face Western and in the batting order this season. Rachel had to learn Carolina in the season opener before taking on the host the position on the fly last year when other players suffered Panthers, who went 30-20 a year ago, and Army. The some injuries. But she was up to the task, had a good following weekend, Saint Louis heads to Hammond, La., attitude about it and took to the position. I’m looking forward for the five-game Lion Classic hosted by Southeastern to seeing what Rachel can do this spring.” Louisiana. Each of the Billikens’ five opponents won at After experiencing a multitude of injuries since her least 20 games last season, including NCAA Tournament collegiate career began, sophomore Tori Holland is participants and conference champions Mississippi Valley prepared to compete for a job in the outfield. As a freshman, State and UT Martin. she played in 14 games with 10 starts and did not commit There won’t be any breaks in the action Feb. 26-27, as an error before her injury troubles began. Holland, who SLU battles Northern Illinois and 2009 NCAA Tournament underwent surgery over the summer, will seek to unleash squads Louisville and Purdue in the Cardinal Classic in her untapped potential that hasn’t been clearly visible due to Louisville, Ky. The Billikens and the U of L Cardinals, who her nagging injuries. were ranked No. 22 in the “Tori is healthy and National Fastpitch Coaches she’s swinging the bat Association Preseason Top well,” Conway said. 25, will meet twice, while the “Not only is she a solid Boilermakers, who received outfielder, but she was votes in that same poll, play recruited as a power hitter the Bills on Feb. 26. and we need her bat in Saint Louis will play closer our lineup. Tori just needs to home the next weekend, but to see some live pitching the competition doesn’t let up so that people can see when it travels to Columbia, what she can do. She Mo., for the Missouri Breast has been working hard Cancer Tournament March in practice on her hitting 5-7. The Bills open tournament and her defense. We’re action against in-state rival excited to get a healthy Missouri, which advanced Tori back on the field this to the Women’s College season.” World Series in 2009 and is Another serious ranked No. 9 in the NFCA contender in the outfield and ESPN.com/USA Softball is freshman Jessica preseason polls. After taking Buschjost, a lefty slapper on competitive regional foes with excellent speed. As Southeast Missouri State, a senior at Blair Oaks UMKC and Missouri State rachel O’Connell High School in Jefferson to round out the tournament, 6
kristin nicoletti SLU treks southward for six contests as part of the Rebel Spring Games and valuable practice time on the dirt in Orlando, Fla., March 9-12. After a five-week road trip to begin the season, the Billikens host two programs on the rise in Iowa State and Western Michigan in the Billiken Invitational March 20-21. SLU’s four tournament tilts and a doubleheader against Memphis, a 20-game winner in 2009, two days later will serve as SLU’s last chance to put everything in place for an exceptional A-10 season. In the A-10 Preseason Coaches Poll, the Bills have been picked to finish fourth in the league after coming in third with a program-best 12-6 mark in 2009. Massachusetts, Charlotte and Fordham are predicted to finish first, second and third, respectively. “The A-10 has gotten so much tougher even since my first year at SLU,” Conway said. “There is a lot more depth and so many good coaches that it’s going to be a taxing season. Charlotte will be tough with pitcher Emily Jefferies returning, UMass is always at the top of the league, and Fordham is going to be good too. They are a solid hitting team. “But we feel with our youth, the experience we gained last year and with the addition of Hannah Huebbe, we should finish among the top three in the league,” Conway said. “Our seniors and juniors have provided good leadership thus far, and our team chemistry is a lot better than it was last season. Everyone gets along and has fun together. That should make a big difference for our team on the field this season.”
www.slubillikens.com
SAINT LOUIS BILLIKEN SOFTBALL 20 10 R os te r B rea k d own 2010 Saint Louis Billiken Softball team
Front Row (from left): Liz Jones, Kristin Nicoletti, Rachel O’Connell, Kerri Dockins, Nicki Jost and Jessica Buschjost. Middle Row (from left): Hannah Huebbe, Rachel Faletto, Emma DeKalb, Brittney Schmidt and Kristain Burger. Back Row (from left): Alyson Brand, Kelly Flanagan, Erin Cejka, Caitlin Trevillyan, Kelcie Matesa and Laura Bohning.
PRONUNCIATIONS
Numerical Roster No. 3 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 21 22 29 50
Name Kerri Dockins Rachel O’Connell Kristin Nicoletti Brittney Schmidt Hannah Huebbe Kristain Burger Caitlin Trevillyan Kelly Flanagan Nicki Jost Liz Jones Alyson Brand Emma DeKalb Jessica Buschjost Rachel Faletto Erin Cejka Tori Holland Laura Bohning Kelcie Matesa
Class So. Sr. Jr. Sr. So.-TR RS-So. Jr. So. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. So. RS-So. Fr. So.
Pos. 2B OF OF IF P 1B OF IF C/OF C/3B C/3B P OF 3B 1B OF UT P
Ht. 5-3 5-5 5-2 5-4 5-6 6-0 5-7 5-6 5-5 5-5 5-5 5-9 5-4 5-9 5-8 5-7 5-9 5-11
B/T R/R L/R L/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/L L/R R/R L/L R/R R/R R/R
Hometown / Last School Millstadt, Ill. / Belleville West Arlington Heights, Ill. / Hinsdale Central St. Louis, Mo. / Oakville Columbia, Ill. / Columbia Peru, Ill. / Heartland CC Chaffee, Mo. / Notre Dame Grayslake, Ill. / Carmel San Diego, Calif. / University City St. Louis, Mo. / Oakville Centreville, Va. / Westfield Louisville, Ky. / DuPont Manual Nashville, Tenn. / Father Ryan St. Thomas, Mo. / Blair Oaks Morton, Ill. / Morton Kirkwood, Mo. / Kirkwood Columbia, Mo. / Hallsville Tempe, Ariz. / Corona del Sol Benld, Ill. / Gillespie
Class Pos. Fr. UT Fr. C/3B RS-So. 1B Fr. OF So. 1B Sr. P So. 2B So. 3B So. IF RS-So. OF So.-TR P So. C/3B Sr. C/OF So. P Jr. OF Sr. OF Sr. IF Jr. OF
Ht. 5-9 5-5 6-0 5-4 5-8 5-9 5-3 5-9 5-6 5-7 5-6 5-5 5-5 5-11 5-2 5-5 5-4 5-7
B/T R/R R/R R/R L/R L/L L/L R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R L/R R/R R/R
Hometown / Last School Tempe, Ariz. / Corona del Sol Louisville, Ky. / DuPont Manual Chaffee, Mo. / Notre Dame St. Thomas, Mo. / Blair Oaks Kirkwood, Mo. / Kirkwood Nashville, Tenn. / Father Ryan Millstadt, Ill. / Belleville West Morton, Ill. / Morton San Diego, Calif. / University City Columbia, Mo. / Hallsville Peru, Ill. / Heartland CC Centreville, Va. / Westfield St. Louis, Mo. / Oakville Benld, Ill. / Gillespie St. Louis, Mo. / Oakville Arlington Heights, Ill. / Hinsdale Central Columbia, Ill. / Columbia Grayslake, Ill. / Carmel
alphabetical Roster No. 29 15 10 18 21 16 3 20 12 22 9 14 13 50 7 5 8 11
Name Laura Bohning Alyson Brand Kristain Burger Jessica Buschjost Erin Cejka Emma DeKalb Kerri Dockins Rachel Faletto Kelly Flanagan Tori Holland Hannah Huebbe Liz Jones Nicki Jost Kelcie Matesa Kristin Nicoletti Rachel O’Connell Brittney Schmidt Caitlin Trevillyan
Kristain Burger____________________________ KRIS-chen Jessica Buschjost_________________________ buce-JOST Erin Cejka________________________________ CHECKA Rachel Faletto____________________________ Fuh-LET-o Casie Gaskin_______________________________ KAY-see Hannah Huebbe_ ____________________________ hue-BE Nicki Jost____________________________________ JOST Glenn Knaebel___________________________ kuh-NAY-bel Kelcie Matesa___________________________ MUH-tee-sa Kristin Nicoletti__________________________ NIK-uh-let-ee Caitlin Trevillyan_ ________________________ tra-VEL-yen
Roster By Class
Seniors (4) - Emma DeKalb, Nicki Jost, Rachel O’Connell, Brittney Schmidt Juniors (2) - Kristin Nicoletti, Caitlin Trevillyan Sophomores (9) - Kristain Burger, Erin Cejka, Kerri Dockins, Rachel Faletto, Kelly Flanagan, Tori Holland, Hannah Huebbe, Liz Jones, Kelcie Matesa Freshmen (3) - Laura Bohning, Alyson Brand, Jessica Buschjost
Roster By Position
Pitcher - Emma DeKalb, Hannah Huebbe, Kelcie Matesa Catcher - Alyson Brand, Liz Jones, Nicki Jost First Base - Laura Bohning, Kristain Burger, Erin Cejka, Kelly Flanagan Second Base - Kerri Dockins, Brittney Schmidt Third Base - Alyson Brand, Rachel Faletto, Kelly Flanagan, Liz Jones, Brittney Schmidt Shortstop - Rachel Faletto, Brittney Schmidt Outfield - Laura Bohning, Jessica Buschjost, Tori Holland, Nicki Jost, Kristin Nicoletti, Rachel O’Connell, Caitlin Trevillyan
Roster By State
Arizona (1) - Laura Bohning California (1) - Kelly Flanagan Illinois (7) - Kerri Dockins, Rachel O’Connell, Brittney Schmidt, Hannah Huebbe, Caitlin Trevillyan, Rachel Faletto, Kelcie Matesa Kentucky (1) - Alyson Brand Missouri (6) - Kristin Nicoletti, Nicki Jost, Jessica Buschjost, Kristain Burger, Erin Cejka, Tori Holland Tennessee (1) - Emma DeKalb Virginia (1) - Liz Jones
Head Coach: John Conway (Fourth Season) Assistant/Pitching Coach: Glenn Knaebel (Second Season) Assistant Coach: Angie Danis (First Season) Volunteer Assistant: Casie Gaskin (First Season) Graduate Manager: Christy Ernst (Second Season)
2010 SLU SOFTBALL
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