SMC Softball: `Eager' Belles kick off MIAA season at home
By PAT LEONARD
Sports Writer
The Saint Mary's softball program has gotten off to a tremendous start this season. Going into the weekend, the Belles stand at a respectable 10-6-1 record.
With a young cast and only one senior, much of its early season success could be attributed to the new coaching style of first year manager Anna Welsh.
Taking over a team that has struggled, particularly offensively, in the past, Welsh has gotten the most out of her players in a majority of the Belles games so far.
The Belles are averaging over four runs per game, scoring 73 runs in their first 17 contests.
All indications are the women are eager to play and win under their new coach.
"My coaching style is that of a very aggressive, strategic and fun nature," Welsh said. "I teach the fundamentals of the game as well as the strategies of the game that will give us the edge on the competition."
Recently, the Belles went 1-3 in a tournament in Indianapolis, defeating No. 10 Olivet Nazarene University, 3-2, in the first of two match-ups between the two teams.
Yet the team struggled at the plate. It took an all-around great individual performance from freshman Kate Sajewich — on the mound and at the plate — to put Saint Mary's over the top against Olivet Nazarene.
But with 10 wins under their belt, the Belles have proven they can at least compete on the road. The next step is bringing the early season intensity and the offensive production seen on its Fort Myers trip to league play.
Saint Mary's begins MIAA league play this weekend, as they host Olivet College Saturday at 1 p.m.
Welsh is confident her team can bounce back from the challenging tournament of last weekend and show what they are capable of at home on Saturday.
Hitting from junior Katrina Tebbe, senior Susan Kutz and freshman Greta Linde will be key for the Belles.
"I have instilled an attitude in my team that consists of working hard, having fun and learning the game," Welsh said.
And, she hopes, an attitude of winning.
All Sports Stories for Friday, March 28, 2003
