North Carolina State University Athletics
2009 Wolfpack Softball Season Preview
2/3/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
RALEIGH, N.C. - The 2009 NC State softball team embarks upon a new season with 13 letterwinners returning from the 2008 unit, which played for a conference title at the ACC Championships. Nine newcomers, all freshmen, join a seasoned cast of veterans as the Pack looks to return to the NCAA Tournament after barely missing the bracket last year.
Arguably the most dominating pitching duo in the entire league, junior Lindsay Campana and senior Mendy McKenzie will front a rotation that welcomes two new arms into the fold. Campana carried the load for the Wolfpack last year, placing in the top half of nearly every pitching statistic among all ACC hurlers. She finished second in starts (35), shutouts (9) and complete games (28), third in wins (19), innings pitched (237) and strikeouts (234) and fourth in appearances (42). McKenzie tossed a perfect game against Winthrop and was one out shy of picking up another no-hitter in her next start at Virginia. Sophomore Aly Burr will look to get into the mix after making just one appearance a year ago due to being sidelined with an injury, while freshmen Stephanie Call and Morgan Peeler will add depth and work to perfect their craft. Call is a three-tool player who can contribute offensively, defensively and in the circle, while Peeler was one of the best prep pitchers in North Carolina during her high school career.
After being named ACC Rookie of the Year for an impressive freshman campaign, sophomore Alyssa Allbritten is a lock behind the plate. Allbritten set a new school record last year for doubles in a single season with 19 en route to picking up second-team all-conference and NFCA all-region honors. Junior Claudia Cooper, who made great strides during the fall, will almost certainly get more time at catcher this season due to her bat. A valuable utility player, Cooper is able to serve the Pack in several roles and key situations. Freshman Melissa Conshue has plenty of prep experience behind the plate and holds the potential to become a valuable offensive contributor.
A trio of bats with game-changing potential figure into the plans at first base. Veterans Mackenzie Mangum (senior) and Allison Presnell (junior) each have a bevy of experience, while Call’s offensive capabilities make her a solid option for first when she isn’t pitching. Both Mangum and Presnell are also options at designated player, as well as in key pinch-hitting situations.
Freshman Toni Ann Williford was impressive at second base during fall ball, but sophomore Alyssa Ishibashi looked sharp both offensively and defensively last season at the position before succumbing to injury. Freshman Landon Warren will have a chance to show what she can do as well as provide depth. Junior Lauren Peters, who will serve primarily in the outfield, can play second if needed after holding down the position at various times last season. Williford wields a solid bat with great speed, while Warren adds depth and a passion for the game.
The graduation of two-time first-team All-ACC player Shanna Smith opens the gates up for competition at shortstop. Sophomore Eliza Jacobellis stands as the lone returning player at the position, while freshmen Katie Mansilla and Morgan Barbour will compete alongside her for the starting job. Whoever comes out on top will be the first player aside from Smith to patrol the position since 2005. Mansilla has great versatility and speed and can swing from both sides of the plate, while Barbour owns one of the strongest arms on the team and will provide depth.
Sophomore Bridget Desbois has earned the rights to third base. The position remained largely unsettled a year ago until Desbois came alive down the stretch and took over the job. In all Desbois made 24 appearances at third, most on the Wolfpack roster. Conshue, Cooper and Ishibashi round out the corps. Cooper made the second most showings at third last year with 17.
Both corner positions in the outfield seem to be up for grabs. The speedy and consistent Peters is almost certainly a lock for center field, while juniors Kristine Bechtholdt and Krystal Hawkins will compete with freshmen Hannah Ojeda and Bethaney Wells. A year ago Bechtholdt was third on the team with nine home runs, several of which came at clutch situations in tight contests. Bechtholdt also controls a reliable arm that keeps base runners honest. Hawkins, arguably the quickest player on the roster, has acted in a reserve role the previous two seasons, serving primarily as a pinch runner and stolen base threat. Ojeda is a fiery addition to the squad with pop from the left side of the plate and a solid glove, while Wells is a consistent offensive contributor from one of the top prep programs in North Carolina.
NC State will begin its season next week, Feb. 13-15, at the Marriott Houston Classic in Houston, Texas. The Pack will take on Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas State and host Houston.
