Softball team looks to distance itself from mediocrity in 2005

By Nathan Walls
Sports Editor

Several bright spots last season and in this year’s fall season have UNCP head softball coach Steve Johnson optimistic.

The squad, whose 17-30 record was the highest win total since the program switched over to NCAA Div. II, had its highest finish in the Peach Belt Conference in 2004 and set over 10 school records.

During the fall season, the Lady Braves lost to the likes of North Carolina 4-1 and N.C. State 1-0—two opponents from NCAA Div. I.

“The fact that we are competing against teams of that caliber gives players motivation,” Johnson said.

Not to be overlooked from last season was red shirt sophomore pitcher Nicole McCorkle’s selection to the Peach Belt All-Conference team.

McCorkle’s record was a losing one at 8-13, however, her mind boggling statistics in the strikeout (211) and ERA (1.54) categories were enough for the conference brass to pick McCorkle as the first Pembroke pitcher to be named to the team.

Freshman pitcher Liz Hatcher will join McCorkle, Amanda Busch and Heather Riley in a rotation whose highest ERA was only 3.21.

Hatcher, 2-0 in the fall season, is one of four freshmen who add depth to the group’s lineup.

Danielle Peters (.333) and Wendi Cochran (.320) head an offense that averaged better than three runs.

Johnson foresees a quick outfield giving other teams problems.

“Our speed in the outfield is going to help us quite a bit,” he said.

Once the infield jells, the Lady Braves have a chance to play .500 softball our better.

“Our goal is push our record over .500 and get in the top half of the conference,” Johnson said.

It appears that the pieces are in place for such a run.

The team hosts a doubleheader Feb. 12 against St. Andrews.