The University of Maryland softball program is just four days away from the start of its 2016 season. To get ready for opening day, umterps.com will provide a four-part season preview focusing first on the schedule, and then breaking down the infield, outfield, and pitching. Today, we preview the Terrapin infield.
On any college softball team, there is going to be a mix of youth and experience. That mix will be the story for the Maryland infield in 2016. On one hand, the middle infield puts out two of the most experienced players on the Maryland roster, Lindsey Schmeiser and Corey Schwartz.
“I am very pleased with the development of our infield over the offseason,” said head coach Julie Wright. “We are anchored by two veterans up the middle and I expect both to have phenomenal defensive seasons. Corey has worked hard at fielding the routine ball at 100% and she will add this to her already great instincts for the game. Lindsey will be back home at shortstop after working hard to rehab an injury and I am really excited to watch her get better and better as the season progresses.”
Schmeiser enters her senior season as one of the most decorated batters in Maryland softball history. The Dunkirk, Md., native has a career .342 batting average, which stands alone atop the Maryland softball career leaderboard. In addition, Schmeiser is fifth all time in runs scored (115), sixth in doubles (36), second in home runs (27), fifth in RBI's (122), and sixth in walks (75).
Just to Schmeiser's left will be the fellow senior Schwartz. Schwartz started all 54 games at second base last year, batting a career best .320 with 15 home runs and 45 RBI's. The Toms River, N.J., native was named the captain of the infield for her senior season by her teammates. The 6-4 combination had 13 double plays in 2015 on the defensive end, the seniors are ready for a big 2016 campaign.
On the other hand, the corner infielders will bring a new look to the lineup after an impressive offseason.
Starting at third base will be sophomore Skylynne Ellazar. This is a new position for Ellazar, as her eight starts in 2015 were all at shortstop. Also at third base will be junior Emily Libero.
“The hot corner will be anchored by Sky and her development in the position this winter has been very exciting to watch”, said Wright. “I have also been impressed with the development of Emily Libero as well and look forward to her continued improvement.”
The other corner will feature a plethora of Terrapins. Five players - Madison Martin, Sarah Lang, Hannah Dewey, Jordan Aughinbaugh, and Jacqui Pascual - will all see time at first base. Martin is coming back from a redshirt season in 2015. The Edmond, Okla. native will split time between first base and pitcher while also contributing at the plate. Lang had a great sophomore season, hitting at a .292 clip with a .433 on base percentage.
“First base is a full on competition right now between several players who are emerging this year,” said Wright. “Lang, Jordan, and Jacqui are all pushing each other and I also expect two of our pitchers, Hannah and Madison, to get time there as well.”
The mix of old and young will make the Maryland infield a must watch in 2016.
