UMKC Set To Open Three-Game Series With Jacks On Saturday
3/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
This Week
The UMKC softball team (13-9, 3-3) will continue its 2011 Summit League slate when it hosts South Dakota State (5-16, 3-0) for a three games series in Lawrence, Kan. The 'Roos and the Jackrabbits will get the series underway with a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1 p.m before closing out the series on Sunday at 12 p.m.
» UMKC vs. South Dakota State » Mar. 26-27, 2011 » 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 12 p.m.
South Dakota State enters the series with a 5-16 record overall, but holds a perfect 3-0 record in Summit League play after sweeping Centenary last weekend. Sophomore Devon Reick leads the Jackrabbit offense with a .413 batting average, while sophomore Krista Honken leads the squad in RBIs with 11 and senior Ashley Durazo and sophomore Marlee Petersen in runs with eight. On the mound, junior Pam Nicholson leads the squad with three wins and a 4.37 ERA.
LAST TIME OUT
Last weekend, the 'Roos dropped a three-game series at Summit League co-Preseason Favorite IPFW. In Friday's opening game, UMKC fell 3-1 before dropping game two later in the day, 2-0. In Saturday's finale, the 'Roos were defeated 7-2.
HOT START
The 'Roos reached the 10 win mark this season in their 16th game, the fastest in school history. The 16 games tops the 21 games it took both the 1999 and 2001 squads.
TOP-25 NATIONAL RANKS
The 'Roos rank among the nation's best in several statistical categories, including 11th in stolen bases per game (2.27), while also sitting 15th in fielding percentage (.975). UMKC also ranks in the top-100 in double plays per game (27th), batting average (65th), doubles per game (73rd), ERA (84th) and triples per game (85th).
INDIVIDUAL NATIONAL RANKS
Individually, the 'Roos have littered their names throughout the NCAA statistical ranking, as seven players rank in the top-250 in at least one category. Deanna Friese heads the list, as her 10 wins and 102 strikeouts each rank 44th, while the sophomore sits 95th in strikeouts per seven innings (7.2) and 140th in ERA (2.47). Emily Ott, meanwhile, is 60th in triples (2), 73 in doubles per game (.32), 150th in batting average (.394) and 237th in on-base percentage (.452), while Katie Franks is 97th in shutouts (2), Kaelene Curry is 37th toughest to strikeout (23.3), 88th in runs per game (.91), 168th in on-base percentage (.469) and 179th in batting average (.386), Anna Sokolik is 192nd in triples (1) and 245th in batting average (.368), Kelly Fischer is 23rd in sacrifices per game (.3), Megan Ussary is 73rd in doubles per game (.32) and 167th in RBIs per game (.82) and Katie Henning is 192 in triples (1).
TOPS IN THE LEAGUE
Through the first six weeks of the season, UMKC's .290 team batting average is second among Summit League teams, while their 2.68 ERA and .218 opponent batting average are tops in the league. The 'Roos also hold the highest fielding percentage in the league (.975) and lead the league in triples (4), stolen bases (50) and wins (13).
Individually, Kaelene Curry leads the league with 20 runs scored, while Emily Ott is tops in triples (2) and Deanna Friese in opponent batting average (.197), innings pitched (99.1), strikeouts (102) and wins (10).
EARLY LEAGUE SCHEDULE
The first four series on the 'Roos' Summit League schedule are against the teams picked to finish first through fourth according to the preseason poll. Last weekend, UMKC swept preseason co-favorite North Dakota State and will travel to the other co-favorite, IPFW this weekend. The following weekend, the 'Roos will host South Dakota State, picked to finish in a tie for fourth with the 'Roos, before visiting the third place team in the poll, Western Illinois.
UMKC TOP WIN TOTALS
31 wins (once) - 2002
26 wins (once) - 2000
22 wins (twice) - 1999, 2010
20 wins (once) - 2009
18 wins (twice) - 1988, 2001
17 wins (once) - 2003
13 wins (once) - 2011
ONE-RUN GAMES
Thus far this season, the 'Roos have played in eight one-run games, posting a 4-4 record in those contests, but winning their last four. In the eight games, UMKC is out-hitting its opponents .302 to .221 and out-pitching them with an ERA of 2.51 to 2.85.
CAREER RECORD BOOK
With her .394 batting average through the first 22 games of the 2011 season, sophomore Emily Ott has moved into third place in the UMKC record book with a .362 career average. Junior Kaelene Curry has moved into second place on the career runs list with 83 total runs, two shy of the school record and on the career stolen base list with 32, 10 shy of the record.
OTT NAMED SUMMIT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sophomore Emily Ott recorded four multiple hit games, including opening the weekend with back-to-back 3-for-3 games against Belmont and Austin Peay on Feb. 19. In the Kangaroos' 7-6 win over Cleveland State, the right fielder went 2-for-4 with a double, one RBI and one run scored. To end the weekend, she went 2-for-3 at the plate with her third double of the tournament. For the weekend, Ott hit at a .769 clip (10-for-13) and 1.154 slugging percentage with three doubles, a triple, four RBI, two stolen bases and one run scored. Her career batting average of .380 is the best all-time in UMKC history.
USSARY NAMED SUMMIT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Agency, Mo., native, Megan Ussary was named The Summit League Player of the Week on Feb. 14 after finishing the 2011 Lion Classic with multiple-hit performances in four out of five games, while hitting safely in all five. The third baseman was productive in clutch situations driving home the winning run for UMKC against Southern and Southeastern Louisiana and scoring the tying run against Nicholls State in a game that went into extra innings. On the weekend, Ussary hit a .526 clip (10-19) and a .842 slugging percentage with four extra-base hits, including three doubles and a home run, eight RBI, six runs scored and was a perfect two-for-two in stolen bases.
FRIESE NAMED SUMMIT LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Kennesaw, Ga., native, Deanna Friese was named The Summit League Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 14 after posting a 3-1 record with three complete games in the 2011 Lion Classic. The right-handed hurler opened the season tying a career-high with 16 strikeouts in the Kangaroos' 10-4 victory over Jackson State. Friese picked up an extra-inning victory in relief holding Nicholls State hitless and fanning three batters in 1.2 innings of work. She ended the weekend with a 5-3 win over Southeastern Louisiana. For the weekend, Friese tallied 35 strikeouts averaging 10.5 per seven innings and gave up 14 hits, while holding her opponents to a combined .173 average. She recorded a 2.70 ERA in 23.1 innings pitched.
TOURNAMENT CHAMPS
On Feb. 13, the 'Roos defeated Southeastern Louisiana 5-3, to capture the 2011 Lion Classic Tournament Title. The title marks the first time in school history that they have won a tournament, while the 4-1 record in the event matches the 2000 squad's record in the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Tournament.
VS. THE NPF ALL-STARS
On Sept. 30, the 'Roos dropped a 2-0 decision to the NPF All-Stars at Community America Ballpark 'Roo pitchers led the squad in the game as Deanna Friese, Megan Smith and Katie Franks combined for seven innings pitched, allowing five hits, while striking out four. At the plate, Kaelene Curry, Emily Ott and Brooke Whiteside each recorded a hit for the 'Roos.On the mound, Cat Osterman picked up the win for Team NPF, allowing two hits with 12 strikeout. For UMKC, Friese took the loss, pitching four innings, allowing two runs on four hits.
The All-Star squad, which included Olympic Gold medalist Cat Osterman, made 15 stops on college campuses around the United States on the 2010 NPF “Back To School” Tour. Team NPF was a decorated group of professionals with well seasoned 9d impressive resumes including Olympic Gold Medalists and NPF champions and award winners. UMKC though, played the squad toughed than any other opponent, including former national champion Arizona and Big 12 foe Nebraska, who were each no-hit.
A TRIO OF SENIORS
This year's squad will feature three seniors, including catcher Lauren Rodrigues, outfielder Amanda Kinn and outfielder Rashonda Stanley. Last year, the trio combined for 18 runs and 11 stolen bases.
UNDEFEATED FALL
UMKC wrapped up its 2010 fall season undefeated against collegiate competition, including wins over William Jewell, Rockhurst, Seminole State and Labette CC.
ACES RETURN
The UMKC pitching staff will feature the return of three of its four members, including its two aces, sophomore Deanna Friese (12-12, .396 ERA, 208 K) and junior Anna Sokolik (10-8, 3.40 ERA, 74 K). Last season, Friese set the UMKC record for strikeout per game at 9.93. Sophomore Emily Ott and freshman Katie Franks, meanwhile, round out the pitching staff.
ALL-LEAGUE PERFORMERS
UMKC placed three players on the all-Summit League team, including junior second baseman Kelly Fischer (.394 BA, 17 R, 53 H, 15 SB), junior outfielder and pitcher Anna Sokolik (5 3B, 9 2B, .344 BA) and sophomore designated player Emily Ott (.346 BA, 35 RBI, .420 OBP) all garnered first team recognition.
DEPTH BEHIND THE PLATE
The UMKC roster includes six total catchers, including four that have all started a Division I game behind the plate. A trio of players, Lauren Rodrigues, Danielle Bennefeld and Lindsey Davis, all saw time last season at the position for the 'Roos, while Kansas transfer Kendall Patterson, sophomore Brooke Whiteside and freshman Katie Henning, will all compete for time behind the dish.
EXPERIENCE IN THE INFIELD
The UMKC infield will be highlighted by a wealth of experience this season, as the four positions return a total of 372 games played and 359 games started in their careers. The four positions will be led by the double play combination of shortstop Kaelene Curry and second baseman Kelly Fischer, while getting support from Megan Ussary, Danielle Bennefeld, Chelsea Hartwig and Kendall Patterson.
PRODUCTION FROM THE OUTFIELD
10 players are listed as possible outfielders for the 'Roos this seasons, giving coach Smith an abundance of choices. Six 'Roos return who saw action in the outfield last season, including all-League performers Anna Sokolik and Emily Ott. Megan Vicino, Ashley Whiteside, Amanda Kinn and Rashonda Stanley also saw action in the outfield, while sophomore Lindsey Davis will also see time there. Joining the squad this season are sophomore Brooke Whiteside and freshman Katie Franks and Katie Henning.
WHITESIDE EXCELS IN THE CLASSROOM
Ashley Whiteside was named the Outstanding Clinical Student of the Year for the sophomore class by the UMKC School of Nursing at its annual Clinical Recognition Ceremony.
In her academic career, the St. Peter's, Mo., native has been named to The Summit League Winter/Spring Academic all-League team the past three seasons, while earning a spot on the Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, Whiteside was also honored as a UMKC Scholar Athlete, while being named a Distinguished Scholar this past year.
FRESH FACES
The 'Roos added four players to the program for the upcoming season. Joining the program will be sophomores Kendall Patterson (C/IF- McLouth, Kan. (Kansas)) and Brooke Whiteside (C/OF-St. Peters, Mo.), as well as freshmen Katie Franks (P/OF-Cypress, Texas) and Katie Henning (C/OF-Olathe, Kan.).
'ROOS PICKED FOURTH IN PRESEASON POLL
The UMKC softball team was picked to finish fourth in The Summit League Preseason Poll according to a vote of league head coaches. Last season, the 'Roos finished tied for fourth place in the league standings with South Dakota State, but missed out on an appearance in the league tournament by .005 win percentage points.
UMKC tied the Jackrabbits with 39 points each, to fill the fourth spot in the poll. The Kangaroos welcome back eight defensive starters and three starting pitchers, including three first team All-League selections in juniors Kelly Fischer and Anna Sokolik and sophomore Emily Ott. Fischer (.363, 53 H), Sokolik (.344, .516 SLG%) and Ott (.346, 35 RBI) make up three of the four top hitters returning for UMKC, last year's second-best hitting team with a .281 batting average and .353 on-base percentage.
RETURNEES GALORE
This season, the 'Roos return eight of their nine defensive starts and 14 letterwinners from last year's squad. In addition, three of the squad's four pitchers return, including the top two.
LAST SEASON
UMKC finished the regular season, with a 22-26 overall record and a 12-10 mark in Summit League play, placing them in a tie for fourth place in the standings with South Dakota State, but losing out to the Jacks for the final spot in The Summit League Tournament by .005 percentage points.
As a team, the 'Roos hit .281, while belting 16 home runs. Juniors Kaelene Curry (.390), Kelly Fischer (.363) and Anna Sokolik (.344), along with sophomore Emily Ott (.346) all hit over .340 for UMKC, while Ott (35 RBIs) and Curry (42 R) each set individual single season records for the squad.
HEAD COACH MEREDITH SMITH
Meredith Smith is entering her fifth season as the head coach of the UMKC softball program. Smith was hired to lead the Kangaroos in July 2006.
During the 2010 season, Smith improved UMKC's win total for the third consecutive season, leading the squad to a 22-26 overall record and a 12-10 mark in Summit League play. The 'Roos finished in a tie for fourth place in the regular season standings and narrowly missed out on advancing to The Summit League Tournament by percentage points. The team's 22 victories were tied for the third most in a single season in the program's 23 seasons of competition on the diamond.
Smith's squad picked up its play late in the 2010 campaign, as the squad posted a 14-4 record over the final 18 games. One of the victories was a 6-5 triumph at UNLV, which is one of the signature wins during Smith's tenure in Blue and Gold.
Under her direction, a trio of Kangaroos - Kelly Fischer, Anna Sokolik and Emily Ott - garnered First Team all-Summit League honors. The 'Roos also had a total of three student-athletes earn Summit League Player/Pitcher of the Week honors during the regular season.
'ROOS IN THE CLASSROOM
Last season, 11 'Roos were named to The Summit League Academic all-Conference team, including current 'Roos Danielle Bennefeld, Kaelene Curry, Lindsey Davis, Chelsea Hartwig, Emily Ott, Lauren Rodrigues and Anna Sokolik. In order to be named to academic all-League team, each student-athlete must post a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the semester in which they compete. Additionally, Curry, Davis, Hartwig, Rodrigues and Sokolik were named a Distinguished Scholars for posting a GPA above 3.6.
Meanwhile, five current player and eight total were named to the Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence, including Curry, Hartwig, Rodrigues, Sokolik and Whiteside, for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
The UMKC softball team (13-9, 3-3) will continue its 2011 Summit League slate when it hosts South Dakota State (5-16, 3-0) for a three games series in Lawrence, Kan. The 'Roos and the Jackrabbits will get the series underway with a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1 p.m before closing out the series on Sunday at 12 p.m.
» UMKC vs. South Dakota State » Mar. 26-27, 2011 » 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 12 p.m.
South Dakota State enters the series with a 5-16 record overall, but holds a perfect 3-0 record in Summit League play after sweeping Centenary last weekend. Sophomore Devon Reick leads the Jackrabbit offense with a .413 batting average, while sophomore Krista Honken leads the squad in RBIs with 11 and senior Ashley Durazo and sophomore Marlee Petersen in runs with eight. On the mound, junior Pam Nicholson leads the squad with three wins and a 4.37 ERA.
LAST TIME OUT
Last weekend, the 'Roos dropped a three-game series at Summit League co-Preseason Favorite IPFW. In Friday's opening game, UMKC fell 3-1 before dropping game two later in the day, 2-0. In Saturday's finale, the 'Roos were defeated 7-2.
HOT START
The 'Roos reached the 10 win mark this season in their 16th game, the fastest in school history. The 16 games tops the 21 games it took both the 1999 and 2001 squads.
TOP-25 NATIONAL RANKS
The 'Roos rank among the nation's best in several statistical categories, including 11th in stolen bases per game (2.27), while also sitting 15th in fielding percentage (.975). UMKC also ranks in the top-100 in double plays per game (27th), batting average (65th), doubles per game (73rd), ERA (84th) and triples per game (85th).
INDIVIDUAL NATIONAL RANKS
Individually, the 'Roos have littered their names throughout the NCAA statistical ranking, as seven players rank in the top-250 in at least one category. Deanna Friese heads the list, as her 10 wins and 102 strikeouts each rank 44th, while the sophomore sits 95th in strikeouts per seven innings (7.2) and 140th in ERA (2.47). Emily Ott, meanwhile, is 60th in triples (2), 73 in doubles per game (.32), 150th in batting average (.394) and 237th in on-base percentage (.452), while Katie Franks is 97th in shutouts (2), Kaelene Curry is 37th toughest to strikeout (23.3), 88th in runs per game (.91), 168th in on-base percentage (.469) and 179th in batting average (.386), Anna Sokolik is 192nd in triples (1) and 245th in batting average (.368), Kelly Fischer is 23rd in sacrifices per game (.3), Megan Ussary is 73rd in doubles per game (.32) and 167th in RBIs per game (.82) and Katie Henning is 192 in triples (1).
TOPS IN THE LEAGUE
Through the first six weeks of the season, UMKC's .290 team batting average is second among Summit League teams, while their 2.68 ERA and .218 opponent batting average are tops in the league. The 'Roos also hold the highest fielding percentage in the league (.975) and lead the league in triples (4), stolen bases (50) and wins (13).
Individually, Kaelene Curry leads the league with 20 runs scored, while Emily Ott is tops in triples (2) and Deanna Friese in opponent batting average (.197), innings pitched (99.1), strikeouts (102) and wins (10).
EARLY LEAGUE SCHEDULE
The first four series on the 'Roos' Summit League schedule are against the teams picked to finish first through fourth according to the preseason poll. Last weekend, UMKC swept preseason co-favorite North Dakota State and will travel to the other co-favorite, IPFW this weekend. The following weekend, the 'Roos will host South Dakota State, picked to finish in a tie for fourth with the 'Roos, before visiting the third place team in the poll, Western Illinois.
UMKC TOP WIN TOTALS
31 wins (once) - 2002
26 wins (once) - 2000
22 wins (twice) - 1999, 2010
20 wins (once) - 2009
18 wins (twice) - 1988, 2001
17 wins (once) - 2003
13 wins (once) - 2011
ONE-RUN GAMES
Thus far this season, the 'Roos have played in eight one-run games, posting a 4-4 record in those contests, but winning their last four. In the eight games, UMKC is out-hitting its opponents .302 to .221 and out-pitching them with an ERA of 2.51 to 2.85.
CAREER RECORD BOOK
With her .394 batting average through the first 22 games of the 2011 season, sophomore Emily Ott has moved into third place in the UMKC record book with a .362 career average. Junior Kaelene Curry has moved into second place on the career runs list with 83 total runs, two shy of the school record and on the career stolen base list with 32, 10 shy of the record.
OTT NAMED SUMMIT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sophomore Emily Ott recorded four multiple hit games, including opening the weekend with back-to-back 3-for-3 games against Belmont and Austin Peay on Feb. 19. In the Kangaroos' 7-6 win over Cleveland State, the right fielder went 2-for-4 with a double, one RBI and one run scored. To end the weekend, she went 2-for-3 at the plate with her third double of the tournament. For the weekend, Ott hit at a .769 clip (10-for-13) and 1.154 slugging percentage with three doubles, a triple, four RBI, two stolen bases and one run scored. Her career batting average of .380 is the best all-time in UMKC history.
USSARY NAMED SUMMIT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Agency, Mo., native, Megan Ussary was named The Summit League Player of the Week on Feb. 14 after finishing the 2011 Lion Classic with multiple-hit performances in four out of five games, while hitting safely in all five. The third baseman was productive in clutch situations driving home the winning run for UMKC against Southern and Southeastern Louisiana and scoring the tying run against Nicholls State in a game that went into extra innings. On the weekend, Ussary hit a .526 clip (10-19) and a .842 slugging percentage with four extra-base hits, including three doubles and a home run, eight RBI, six runs scored and was a perfect two-for-two in stolen bases.
FRIESE NAMED SUMMIT LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Kennesaw, Ga., native, Deanna Friese was named The Summit League Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 14 after posting a 3-1 record with three complete games in the 2011 Lion Classic. The right-handed hurler opened the season tying a career-high with 16 strikeouts in the Kangaroos' 10-4 victory over Jackson State. Friese picked up an extra-inning victory in relief holding Nicholls State hitless and fanning three batters in 1.2 innings of work. She ended the weekend with a 5-3 win over Southeastern Louisiana. For the weekend, Friese tallied 35 strikeouts averaging 10.5 per seven innings and gave up 14 hits, while holding her opponents to a combined .173 average. She recorded a 2.70 ERA in 23.1 innings pitched.
TOURNAMENT CHAMPS
On Feb. 13, the 'Roos defeated Southeastern Louisiana 5-3, to capture the 2011 Lion Classic Tournament Title. The title marks the first time in school history that they have won a tournament, while the 4-1 record in the event matches the 2000 squad's record in the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Tournament.
VS. THE NPF ALL-STARS
On Sept. 30, the 'Roos dropped a 2-0 decision to the NPF All-Stars at Community America Ballpark 'Roo pitchers led the squad in the game as Deanna Friese, Megan Smith and Katie Franks combined for seven innings pitched, allowing five hits, while striking out four. At the plate, Kaelene Curry, Emily Ott and Brooke Whiteside each recorded a hit for the 'Roos.On the mound, Cat Osterman picked up the win for Team NPF, allowing two hits with 12 strikeout. For UMKC, Friese took the loss, pitching four innings, allowing two runs on four hits.
The All-Star squad, which included Olympic Gold medalist Cat Osterman, made 15 stops on college campuses around the United States on the 2010 NPF “Back To School” Tour. Team NPF was a decorated group of professionals with well seasoned 9d impressive resumes including Olympic Gold Medalists and NPF champions and award winners. UMKC though, played the squad toughed than any other opponent, including former national champion Arizona and Big 12 foe Nebraska, who were each no-hit.
A TRIO OF SENIORS
This year's squad will feature three seniors, including catcher Lauren Rodrigues, outfielder Amanda Kinn and outfielder Rashonda Stanley. Last year, the trio combined for 18 runs and 11 stolen bases.
UNDEFEATED FALL
UMKC wrapped up its 2010 fall season undefeated against collegiate competition, including wins over William Jewell, Rockhurst, Seminole State and Labette CC.
ACES RETURN
The UMKC pitching staff will feature the return of three of its four members, including its two aces, sophomore Deanna Friese (12-12, .396 ERA, 208 K) and junior Anna Sokolik (10-8, 3.40 ERA, 74 K). Last season, Friese set the UMKC record for strikeout per game at 9.93. Sophomore Emily Ott and freshman Katie Franks, meanwhile, round out the pitching staff.
ALL-LEAGUE PERFORMERS
UMKC placed three players on the all-Summit League team, including junior second baseman Kelly Fischer (.394 BA, 17 R, 53 H, 15 SB), junior outfielder and pitcher Anna Sokolik (5 3B, 9 2B, .344 BA) and sophomore designated player Emily Ott (.346 BA, 35 RBI, .420 OBP) all garnered first team recognition.
DEPTH BEHIND THE PLATE
The UMKC roster includes six total catchers, including four that have all started a Division I game behind the plate. A trio of players, Lauren Rodrigues, Danielle Bennefeld and Lindsey Davis, all saw time last season at the position for the 'Roos, while Kansas transfer Kendall Patterson, sophomore Brooke Whiteside and freshman Katie Henning, will all compete for time behind the dish.
EXPERIENCE IN THE INFIELD
The UMKC infield will be highlighted by a wealth of experience this season, as the four positions return a total of 372 games played and 359 games started in their careers. The four positions will be led by the double play combination of shortstop Kaelene Curry and second baseman Kelly Fischer, while getting support from Megan Ussary, Danielle Bennefeld, Chelsea Hartwig and Kendall Patterson.
PRODUCTION FROM THE OUTFIELD
10 players are listed as possible outfielders for the 'Roos this seasons, giving coach Smith an abundance of choices. Six 'Roos return who saw action in the outfield last season, including all-League performers Anna Sokolik and Emily Ott. Megan Vicino, Ashley Whiteside, Amanda Kinn and Rashonda Stanley also saw action in the outfield, while sophomore Lindsey Davis will also see time there. Joining the squad this season are sophomore Brooke Whiteside and freshman Katie Franks and Katie Henning.
WHITESIDE EXCELS IN THE CLASSROOM
Ashley Whiteside was named the Outstanding Clinical Student of the Year for the sophomore class by the UMKC School of Nursing at its annual Clinical Recognition Ceremony.
In her academic career, the St. Peter's, Mo., native has been named to The Summit League Winter/Spring Academic all-League team the past three seasons, while earning a spot on the Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, Whiteside was also honored as a UMKC Scholar Athlete, while being named a Distinguished Scholar this past year.
FRESH FACES
The 'Roos added four players to the program for the upcoming season. Joining the program will be sophomores Kendall Patterson (C/IF- McLouth, Kan. (Kansas)) and Brooke Whiteside (C/OF-St. Peters, Mo.), as well as freshmen Katie Franks (P/OF-Cypress, Texas) and Katie Henning (C/OF-Olathe, Kan.).
'ROOS PICKED FOURTH IN PRESEASON POLL
The UMKC softball team was picked to finish fourth in The Summit League Preseason Poll according to a vote of league head coaches. Last season, the 'Roos finished tied for fourth place in the league standings with South Dakota State, but missed out on an appearance in the league tournament by .005 win percentage points.
UMKC tied the Jackrabbits with 39 points each, to fill the fourth spot in the poll. The Kangaroos welcome back eight defensive starters and three starting pitchers, including three first team All-League selections in juniors Kelly Fischer and Anna Sokolik and sophomore Emily Ott. Fischer (.363, 53 H), Sokolik (.344, .516 SLG%) and Ott (.346, 35 RBI) make up three of the four top hitters returning for UMKC, last year's second-best hitting team with a .281 batting average and .353 on-base percentage.
RETURNEES GALORE
This season, the 'Roos return eight of their nine defensive starts and 14 letterwinners from last year's squad. In addition, three of the squad's four pitchers return, including the top two.
LAST SEASON
UMKC finished the regular season, with a 22-26 overall record and a 12-10 mark in Summit League play, placing them in a tie for fourth place in the standings with South Dakota State, but losing out to the Jacks for the final spot in The Summit League Tournament by .005 percentage points.
As a team, the 'Roos hit .281, while belting 16 home runs. Juniors Kaelene Curry (.390), Kelly Fischer (.363) and Anna Sokolik (.344), along with sophomore Emily Ott (.346) all hit over .340 for UMKC, while Ott (35 RBIs) and Curry (42 R) each set individual single season records for the squad.
HEAD COACH MEREDITH SMITH
Meredith Smith is entering her fifth season as the head coach of the UMKC softball program. Smith was hired to lead the Kangaroos in July 2006.
During the 2010 season, Smith improved UMKC's win total for the third consecutive season, leading the squad to a 22-26 overall record and a 12-10 mark in Summit League play. The 'Roos finished in a tie for fourth place in the regular season standings and narrowly missed out on advancing to The Summit League Tournament by percentage points. The team's 22 victories were tied for the third most in a single season in the program's 23 seasons of competition on the diamond.
Smith's squad picked up its play late in the 2010 campaign, as the squad posted a 14-4 record over the final 18 games. One of the victories was a 6-5 triumph at UNLV, which is one of the signature wins during Smith's tenure in Blue and Gold.
Under her direction, a trio of Kangaroos - Kelly Fischer, Anna Sokolik and Emily Ott - garnered First Team all-Summit League honors. The 'Roos also had a total of three student-athletes earn Summit League Player/Pitcher of the Week honors during the regular season.
'ROOS IN THE CLASSROOM
Last season, 11 'Roos were named to The Summit League Academic all-Conference team, including current 'Roos Danielle Bennefeld, Kaelene Curry, Lindsey Davis, Chelsea Hartwig, Emily Ott, Lauren Rodrigues and Anna Sokolik. In order to be named to academic all-League team, each student-athlete must post a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the semester in which they compete. Additionally, Curry, Davis, Hartwig, Rodrigues and Sokolik were named a Distinguished Scholars for posting a GPA above 3.6.
Meanwhile, five current player and eight total were named to the Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence, including Curry, Hartwig, Rodrigues, Sokolik and Whiteside, for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Players Mentioned
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/ SoftballSB Highlights vs. #3 South Dakota
Wednesday, May 07
SB Highlights @ South Dakota (Game Three)
Saturday, May 03
SB Highlights @ South Dakota (Game Two)
Friday, May 02
SB Highlights @ South Dakota (Game One)
Friday, May 02