2000 Season Outlook – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/26/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
With the dawning of a new millennium, a new era of Ohio State softball begins.%^$
%^$In her fourth season at the helm, Linda Kalafatis is steadily producing a winner at Ohio State and building a young program to national prominence. Only after a disappointing season of 20-32 devastated by injuries last year, Ohio State is once again on the rebound and eager to win in 2000.%^$
%^$”There was no doubt that we had the talent to win last season, but injuries cheated us from achieving our goals,” Kalafatis said. “Now we are back stronger and even hungrier to compete at a higher level. It may be unrealistic to see us move from ninth in the Big Ten to first, but it is realistic for us to be a top contending team in our conference. This team is ready to take us there.”%^$
%^$With only last season as a minor setback, Kalafatis has again stuck to her game plan for success. Recruiting top talent, improving offseason conditioning and enduring a tough, competitive schedule year in and year out at Ohio State are the ingredients to Kalafatis’ successful teams. This season is no different.%^$
%^$”We have many talented new faces and a strong schedule.” Kalafatis said. “We want to develop our team around our schedule. To be the best you must compete against the best.”%^$
%^$Between four spring tournaments that will see Ohio State competing against the top teams of California, Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina, the Buckeyes also will meet conference foes Michigan and Michigan State on the road, who both ended last season ranked in the Top 20. 12 games will be played at home in the safe confines of Buckeye Field.%^$
%^$”We will consistently have to improve through the season to do well against conference teams,” Kalafatis said. “Even though the conference is competitively fierce with Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota and Iowa leading the way, it will come down to every team staying healthy and getting great contribution from their freshmen.%^$
%^$”Adding to it the Big Ten Tournament will host the Top 6 teams in the conference. That is what we are striving for – to compete well in conference play every weekend, while qualifying for the Big Ten Tournament.”%^$
%^$The Pitching
%^$After countless injuries plagued the 1999 pitching mound, the 2000 season looks to detour the injury bug with the return of three members and also a strong addition to the rotation. The 1999 workhorse, senior Toni Hileman will again play an integrate part in the pitching staff, but hopefully with less work.%^$
%^$Last season, Hileman pitched the third highest innings total in school history (197.2) and tied for the highest in conference play (112.0). This season she will get added help from returnees Kristi Martin and Jenn Elwell and incoming freshman high school All-American Katie Chain.%^$
%^$”Toni was put in the unfortunate situation of pitching on a constant schedule with no rest last season,” Kalafatis said. “She will now have the luxury of being part of a rotation with the addition of Kristi, Jenn and Katie and have the rest to then consistently play well.”%^$
%^$Martin, who was redshirted last season after undergoing elbow surgery on her right arm, is looking to regain her starting No. 1 pitching role in the Buckeye rotation. In 1998, Martin posted an impressive freshman campaign notching a 9-5 mark. This season she wants it again.%^$
%^$In addition the development of Elwell and Chain, the coaching staff anticipate great things from them. Both will play a big role this season and give the Buckeyes a solid, strong bullpen.%^$
%^$”We could see the difference during the fall season,” Kalafatis said. “We won games, because Katie kept us in them. That is the only way we will win during the Big Ten season is through strong pitching. Jen and Katie will make a great impact for us.”%^$
%^$The Infield
%^$Many coaches would have winced at the thought of only having one returning starter to a infield lineup, though they should never underestimate the play of senior Renae Weigel.%^$
%^$In her fourth season as the starting shortstop, Weigel is the leader of the team and leaves no doubt to the coaching staff she can direct a young team with her outstanding play and unbelievable work ethic.%^$
%^$”Renae has always been a leader. A great player that can lead by example,” Kalafatis said. “She can motivate and elevate this team through her great play and strong presence, not only on the field but with the bat too. We expect another stellar season from Renae.”%^$
%^$Kristine Himes will start at the hot corner for the Buckeyes. With only a fall season under her belt, Himes already shows signs of greatness with a solid glove. She also will impact the team offensively as a strong power hitter.%^$
%^$Another freshman, Jennifer Link heads up the second baseman duties. Link, comes to Ohio State with a long list of softball experience. As a starter for the ASA Gordon’s Panthers, Link provides the capacity of contributing early.%^$
%^$Natalie Woods, who missed the final 39 games of the season after tearing the ACL in her left knee, is ready to compete for time between second base and shortstop. She is expected to be back 100 percent and ready to contribute to the team.%^$
%^$Elizabeth Kacsanek will eagerly begin her first season as a Buckeye. She will be used in the capacity of a backup second baseman and utility hitter.%^$
%^$”We are expecting a great deal from our freshman,” Kalafatis said. “However, Jen and Kristine are up for the role. They handled themselves very well in the fall season and played strong defense.”%^$
%^$Sarah West had a season to develop into the starting first baseman, now her time has come to play a big part in the Buckeyes infield.%^$
%^$”Sarah will provide a steady glove at first base,” Kalafatis said. “She has worked hard over the offseason to improve and will only get better with more game experience.”%^$
%^$Megan Luring, a transfer from Tennessee-Chatanooga, will look to adapt to Big Ten play and bring a big bat to Ohio State’s lineup.%^$
%^$”With her experience, Megan will have the opportunity to do well here,” Kalafatis said. “She will only need time to adjust to the conference pitchers. She will be a great addition for us.”%^$
%^$Stacy Roth will set up behind the plate for the Buckeyes. Roth impressed many with her strong bat, after tying the OSU freshman record and breaking the RBI total last season. Now she will look to have a stellar season as the starting catcher.%^$
%^$””She is everything a coach wants in a student-athlete,” Kalafatis said. “Stacy is a great student and a great talent on the field. She will be very much a part of the success we will have this season.”%^$
%^$Freshman Renee Spanos will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience as she will compete at the backup catcher’s position this season.%^$
%^$The Outfield
%^$A solid asset for the Buckeyes will be the play of their outfield. Speed and quickness can easily propel this outfield to the top of the conference rankings. Returning all-Big Ten Anna Smith, along with Holly English, Chrissy Fowler and newcomer Rogeanna Hottinger will provide the strong defensive front to the outfielders. Fowler, who was medically redshirted last season, is also expected to play in the infield this season.%^$
%^$Smith will be a key factor as she takes over the centerfield position and looks to improve from last season.%^$
%^$”If we can stay healthy, Anna, Holly, Rogeanna and Chrissy will impact our team greatly,” Kalafatis said. “The outfield is definitely a strength for us.”%^$
%^$The Season
%^$Challenges are high, but Kalafatis’ team is ready for them. The goals have been made and the team will work to strive them, but one of the most meaningful goal will be winning a Big Ten Championship. This season marks the 10-year anniversary of the 1990 Big Ten Championship year.%^$
%^$”After 10 years it is time to bring home another Big Ten Championship. We are always striving for it, but we have to get to the tournament first. That is where it will begin and I have no doubt that this team can get us there.”
