2000 Season Outlook – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/6/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
With the dawning of a new millennium, a new era of Ohio State softball begins.
Nothing has change, though for head coach Linda Kalafatis’ team. Her squad still has a willingness to win and ready to produce in the 2000 season. This season they are ready to produce in 2000.
In her fourth season at the helm, 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 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 are back stronger and even hungrier to compete at a higher level. It is unrealistic to see us move from ninth in the Big Ten to first, but it is realistic for us to be a top 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. Though 19 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 play,” Kalafatis said. “Even though the conference is competitively fierce with Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota and Purdue leading the way, it will come down to every team staying healthy and getting great contribution from their freshmen. “Adding to it will be the new set up of the conference schedule and the adding of a fifth spot for the Big Ten Tournament is in favor for us. We will now compete in a single and doubleheader format and also the tournament will now host the top five 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 healthy 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 Jen 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 having the backup of Kristi, Jen 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 pitcher 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 to the development of Elwell and Chain, the coaching staff eagerly wait for the role that both will play. Anticipating great things from Chain and a strong returning performance from Elwell, the Buckeyes could easily have 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 of 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 the 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 the confidence and solid glove of an upperclassman. 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 experienced softball experience. As a starter for the ASA Gordon’s Panthers, Link provides the capacity of contributing early.
“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 the defense well.”
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. With a willing to contribute it will depend on her ability to be able perform at 100 percent.
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 to our 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 have the opportunity to compete at first base.
“With her experience, Megan will have the opportunity to do well here,” Kalafatis said. “She will onlyneed time to adjust to the conference pitchers. She will be a great addition to 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.
The Outfield
A solid asset to the Buckeye will be the playing of their outfield. Speed and quickness will can easily propel this outfield to the top of the conference rankings. Returning all-Big Ten Anna Smith, Holly English and newcomer Rogeanna Hottinger will provide the strong defensive front to the outfielders. Along with Chrissy Fowler, who was redshirted last season, is expected to see action this season at the leftfield.
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. “This is by far our strength.”
The Season
The Buckeyes embark the new season with the many expectations, but the eagerness of starting 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 with be a Big Ten Championship. Especially on not only the dawning of a new millennium, but the 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 these great student-athletes can get us there.”
