Texas Tech University Athletics
Excitement is in the Air
January 03, 2003 | Softball
Jan. 3, 2003
There is nothing but excitement being expressed from the 2003 Lady Raider softball squad to get back on the field. Last year's returnees stepping up their game and the new faces of the squad will be key to this year's winning record. Even though this team is coming off a hard season, the Tech squad is now equipped with eight new and talented players, ten experienced returnees, as well as a new coaching staff, led by Head Coach Bobby Reeves, all ready to take on the challenges of 2003.
This year's schedule leaves no room for error, as the team is set to play seven teams, who were ranked in the 2002 Top 25. Tech's season begins on the road with a string of 21 games as well as a tough road of tournaments, all of which feature top ranked teams and six teams Tech has never played before. Tech will only see 15 games of their scheduled 54 on their home soil, "The Rock". The squad's ability to pull it together on the road will be a strong determinant of the outcome of the season. The outlook of the team is undaunted by the challenges that await them during the season. Coach Reeves is confident that his squad is nothing but prepared and excited for the season. "During the fall, the girls came in and have shown tremendous work ethic and dedication. With the new players and returning players, we really have the opportunity to make things happen. I am really excited for this season to begin."
The new players will not be the only new faces on the team, as Dave Feinberg and Debby Abbott will be along side Reeves, leading the Lady Raiders into the 2003 season. Feinberg joins the staff with a list of qualifications the most recently includes; hitting and batting coach at the University of Nevada-Reno where he helped the Wolfpack lead WAC in batting average and home runs. Abbott joins the Lady Raiders after having experience in not only the coaching position, but also as a player in numerous state, regional, and national championships.
This year's new players will be a complementary addition to an already talented cast of players. The four freshmen of Cristi Clift, Erin Crawford, Amanda Oakes and Arlene Newton bring with them the will to win, as well as excitement for joining such a close-knit team. Clift comes to Tech from a neighboring town of Wolfforth, where she led the tigers to a district championship in 2000 and was voted the team's MVP in 2001. Crawford joins Tech after completing a remarkable season at Leander High School where she lead her team to two consecutive second round appearances in the playoffs. Oakes was All-conference three consecutive years at Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Newton rounds off the list of incoming freshman with nothing short of a stacked resume of experience that features MVP honors for all four years at Santa Ana Valley High School and amateur experience as she competed on the '94 ASA National Championship team.
The three transfers Shayne Gipson, Kelly Ryhne, and Elyssa Sigala will bring important collegiate experience. Gipson joins the Lady Raiders after competing at Northeastern Oklahoma A& M, where she help lead the team to a regional championship finish, while setting a career and season high record for stolen bases, stealing 103 out of 106. Ryhne joins Tech's outfield after a season at New Mexico State, where she led the team in runs scored and was second on the team in homeruns. Sigala enters the season with an outstanding stat sheet that includes leading her West Valley Junior College team to a 48-6 record, a first place finish in conference, a California State Championship, all while holding a .600 batting average. She is also an ex-teammate of Esmerelda Perez, and Kristi Robles, who both used to play at WVJC. Their presence here was an enticement for Sigala. "It is great to play with them again. It is one of the reasons that I came to school here. I know how they play and what they expect. We play the same way so I know it will be a natural fit. The team unity is also so great here," Sigala comments on the old ties. Summer Scales is the final addition to the Lady Raider squad, bringing with her the experience of leading Bridge City High School to three regional championships, as well as a winning the 2000-2001 Golden glove award.
Tech's stable backbone of returning players will be a pivotal benefit of leadership and talent for the 2003 team. Tech's offense is lead by Senior Esmerelda Perez who had the second-best batting average of .269 on the team and led the team with 43 hits. Also her commitment is evident when asked about her hopes for this year. "We have come in during the fall and worked really, we owe it to ourselves to do our best and produce." Look for Junior Tracy Cartier who with her speed will be someone to watch out for especially for opponents, as she was a perfect 5-5 for stolen bases. Senior Amanda Douglas brings four years of Division I experience as well as a reliable force at the plate. She led the team in Big 12 batting average with .364 and enters the season working on a career-best four game hit streak. Senior Tiffany Harrington is a Tech veteran who brings not only solid defense to the program but an unmatched speed.Junior Britney Stolle is one of Tech's designated players who will be used in all areas of the game.
The Lady Raiders defensive threat will be led by Junior Andrea Joachims, whose solid performance last year of only committing three errors on 144 chances will be something to build on. Tech's greatest threat is encased in senior Kristi Robles, who led the team in batting average, scoring, walks drawn, and doubles in 52 games started last season. Being named Big 12 player of the week and to the All-Big 12 Second Team makes her a standout on both sides of the ball as well as a leader for this year's commitment to success. "We owe it to ourselves to work hard everyday. We have to come in and give 110 percent in practice everyday and even more on game days to make things happen. We all know what we have to do to make it as a team. I don't feel my role is any more or less important than anyone else's. I am just going to go out there and play my game."
Tech's young sophomore returning pitchers will be an instrumental part of the year's upcoming success. Amie Stines and Kristina Blair will see split time this season as they take the reigns for Tech at the mound. With two years behind them, and seeing the likes of hitters from ranked teams and the competition of the Big 12, it seems that these two sophomores are prepared to throw the team into success. Aiding the pitchers will be Sophomore Lisa Lawler and Sigala. Lawler will also be an offensive aide as she was a leader in batting average at several of the 2002 tournaments.
So as it seems that even though this year's team will have a lot of new players, Coach Reeves has reloaded and is prepared to take on the likes of the Big 12's best. The excitement for the possibilities of this year is high and Reeves is confident in his team. "As soon as the team knows that they have a chance to be good, and have confidence in themselves, and their teammates, that all my job will be is to get them ready for the best."
