Maryland Softball Finalizing Preseason Preparations
1/30/2009 7:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 30, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - With just one week remaining until an umpire yells "play ball" to commence its season-opening tournament, the University of Maryland softball team is on the verge of wrapping up its three-week preseason period as it continues preparations for the start of its 2009 season.
The Terps open the program's 15th campaign by taking on No. 24 Massachusetts at 4 p.m. next Friday, Feb. 6, in the first of their five games as part of the Florida Atlantic Kick-Off Classic in Boca Raton, Fla. Maryland also faces tournament host Florida Atlantic at 8 p.m. the same day. The Terps round out their participation in the Classic by playing Long Island and No. 5/8 Michigan on Feb. 7 and Pittsburgh on Feb. 8.
During the weeks leading up to the start of the 2009 season, head coach Laura Watten and her squad have spent countless hours in the Comcast Center Pavilion and other facilities honing their skills and practicing the fundamentals of the game.
"Right now we are diligently planning and balancing practices from facility to facility and doing everything possible to work on all facets of the game. It's important that we pay special attention to ensuring the team is feeling comfortable and ready for whatever comes at them," said Watten, who is beginning her fourth season at the helm of the program. "We've only been able to practice outside one time due to the weather, but we're getting quality offensive and defensive work in each practice. Because we have such a young team, we are also spending time focusing on our mental game and overall game strategy."
Maryland's squad has been hard at work in batting cages, on pitching mounds and in various simulated fielding situations since arriving back on campus several weeks early from holiday break. Watten has been impressed with her team's efforts, and particularly with the contributions from her trio of seniors - P Sarah Dooley, IF Breanna Shaw and 3B/U Devon Williams.
"Our three seniors have really stepped up and become strong leaders this year," Watten said. "Devon, Bre and Sarah have set a strong tone with their work ethic and their excitement in preparation for the season.
"In addition to the seniors, I have been impressed with the commitment and work that (P/U) Kerry Hickey has put into returning healthy and strong this season. She has put herself in position to be a very key component to our overall success this season, both defensively and offensively."
The Terps registered their third-winningest season in school history in 2008 with 36 victories, including a school-record 16-game winning streak, as they achieved national rankings in both polls (ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 and the USA Today/NFCA Division I Top 25) for the first time since 1999.
However, Maryland lost nine letterwinners from a year ago and will begin the 2009 season with a less experienced squad featuring 10 newcomers. But Watten likes what she has seen thus far from the latest additions to her team.
"Even though we have such a young team this year, I think our strengths will be our versatility and overall depth. We will be testing a lot of different players in different positions in order to find the best chemistry on the field in the first weeks of the season." Watten said. "Thankfully, we've had some key new players come in and step right into some big roles. (Freshman P) Kendra Knight will be a great asset for us on the mound, and some of our other young players should have a great impact for us offensively."
