Softball Opens Practice, Prepares For Northridge Tourney Feb. 8-10 – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/13/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 13, 2002
COLUMBUS, Ohio- The Ohio State softball team, after one of the most successful and record-breaking seasons in the history of the Buckeye program, begins preparation for the upcoming season with its first official practice at 2 p.m. Monday. Players and coaches are anxious to take the field and build on the 2000-01 season.
“This is what we have been waiting for all fall,” Linda Kalafatis, OSU head coach, said. “The way the season ended last year has left us with a little unfinished business so we are excited to start a new season. The approach we took this fall was a little different than years past because of the fact we have a more veteran team. We have to get out there and work on our techniques and prepare ourselves for the year ahead.”
Senior tri-captain Anna Smith (Sr., Walnut, Calif.), a three-time all-Big Ten selection and the career stolen base leader in Buckeye history joins in Kalafatis’ enthusiasm to get the season underway.
“I think we are all excited to get started,” Smith said. “We worked hard all fall and now we are ready to try and be one of the top contenders in the Big Ten again. Jumping from ninth to third in the span of a year was great but we can still improve.”
OSU opened the 2000-01 season at 9-8 before a 12-game winning streak propelled the Buckeyes into conference play where they compiled a 14-6 record finishing third. On the strength of a pitching staff that posted a 0.82 earned runs average, the third best in the nation, OSU went 46-18 and advanced to its first conference tournament.
“We know we did well last year and have almost our entire team back this season,” Smith said. “We want to get back to the Big Ten tournament and make it to regionals. Hopefully we play well enough to make the World Series.”
The Buckeyes open the season with a trip to Northridge, Calif., and the California State-Northridge Tournament, Feb. 8-10. OSU will face the University of San Diego at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 8 to open the three day event. Also participating in the event are the host Matadors, Oregon State and McNeese State.
