Softball opens 2014 season on Sunday

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville softball team will depend on a core of experienced position players and an influx of young arms to power the Pioneers through the 2014 campaign.

Position Players

Head coach Lee Negrelli's squad will rely on solid hitting from her five returners, who all played 19 or more games last spring. Senior Becca Lowe is the Pioneers' top returning hitter, as she posted a .349 average. She led the team with 16 runs scored, and has great patience at the plate, as she led the Pioneers with a .440 on-base percentage and 14 walks.

Senior Ellyn Goerdt is a flexible outfielder, and can play at all three spots. She will be looking to continue her strong finish to 2013, ending the year on a five-game hitting streak.

Sophomore Carley Rote spent last season as the Pioneers' designated player and will see more playing time in the outfield. She started 15 games and batted .261 in her first season.

Lisa Karau will move over from second to shortstop this year. She has a solid glove and only recorded one error in 25 appearances at second base. Fellow junior Haley Salazar started 19 games last year and will hold down the first base line on defense. Sophomore Hannah Pease saw limited action and Rachael Strong did  not see any action in their freshmen seasons, but will both see time behind the plate in 2014.

Pitching Staff

The Pioneers' pitching staff is very young, including sophomores Keri Treml and Cassie Roach, and freshman Jess Butzen. Treml and Roach combined for 13 innings pitched last year, and all three arms will see plenty of time in the circle.

Newcomers

Butzen is joined by freshmen Stacy Martin and Chelsey Walker and junior college transfers Katie Huss and MJ Patten as the Pioneers fresh faces. All five newcomers will play important roles this season.

Team Debut

The Pioneer softball team begins its season Sunday at noon against Fontbonne at Westminster College (Mo.), and then takes on host Westminster on Monday at 3 p.m.