The Emory softball team is scheduled to begin the program's 20th season of competition this Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 10-11) when it plays host William Peace University and Birmingham Southern. A schedule of the two-day tourney is as follows:
Saturday, Feb. 10
10:00 am – William Peace vs. Birmingham Southern
Noon – Emory vs. William Peace
2:00 pm – Emory vs. Birmingham Southern
Sunday, Feb. 11
10:00 am – Emory vs. William Peace
Noon – Emory vs. Birmingham Southern
2:00 pm – Birmingham Southern vs. William Peace
Head coach Penny Siqueiros enters her 20th year calling the shots for the Eagles with 15 veterans from the 2017 squad that finished with an overall record of 25-13. In addition to the returnees, seven talented freshmen will look to make their presence felt as the season develops.
In the pitching department, the Eagles have to replace the graduated Brittany File, who closed her career as the program's all-time leader in wins and strikeouts. Among those who will be looking to pick up the slack include junior Toko Miller (5-4, 2.71 ERA), senior Audrey Weller (2-2, 3.00 ERA), sophomore Sami Feller (4-1, 3.20 ERA) and junior Madeline Maday (1-2, 4.20 ERA). Siqueiros also believes that freshman Madison Schaefer (Newton, MA) and Jacqueline Spizizen (West Bloomfield, MI) will be contributors in the circle.
The infield will be anchored by junior shortstop Cassie Baca, a two-year starter who concluded last season with a hitting mark of .322, registering a team-high tying 32 runs and 23 RBIs. Senior Ashley Powers, who has garnered region and conference acclaim during her stint with the program, heads into the season as the incumbent at first base, having appeared in a total of 128 contests during her career and ranking fifth on school's all-time ladder with 14 home runs. At third base, sophomore Jessy McLean made 14 of her 27 starts at the hot corner last season and was a formidable presence at the plate with a hitting effort of .310 that included three homers. Freshman Natalie Arreguin has impressed the Emory coaching staff thus far with her play at second base and could begin the year as the starter. Also making a push at the position will be senior Janelle Turnquest and sophomore Sarah Katz. Siqueiros also envisions Turnquest as a utility player who could find a role in the outfield. Turnquest is a long-ball threat with her 19 career round trippers fourth all-time in school annals. Sophomore Kinsey Glasgow, who made the most of her playing opportunities a year ago by hitting .406, will land time at both third and first base. Behind the plate, the Eagles will be bolstered by junior Lana Herrmann who appeared in 30 games last season, making all 25 of her starts at the position. Sophomore Greta Wilker will spell Herrmann while also being in the mix for game action at third base. Providing depth at catcher will be junior Max Faas, with freshman Allie Moberg aiming to make contributions at catcher and first base.
In the outfield, third-year senior Sarah Flanders should patrol the center field spot after playing in 35 games last season in her first full playing campaign. She tied for the team lead with nine stolen bases and stroked six two-base hits. Junior Sam Vincent will be a key component in right field and is coming off a fine 2017 season that saw her hit .418 (33-79), second among the team's regulars, and produce a team-high 15 sacrifice hits. Competition will be plentiful for the other spot with junior Jenna Wilson a strong candidate to fill the left field post. Siqueiros could insert Sami Feller into the outfield on various occasions to maximize her athletic skills as well as Janelle Turnquest. Freshman Drew Bullock is a talented rookie who will vie for a spot in the lineup