Upcoming Event: Softball versus Salt Lake Community College on October 21, 2025 at 4 p.m.
4 p.m.
Softball
vs Salt Lake Community College
The University of Utah Athletics
1999 Softball Season Outlook
6/21/1999 12:00 AM | Softball
February 5, 1999
As the 1999 season approaches, a true sense of familiarity has become prominent within the Utah softball program. As Mona Stevens embarks on her third season with the Utes, the transition phase of her tenure appears to be behind her. Stevens first year at the U. was consumed by refamiliarizing herself with the program she helped build as a player and assistant coach back in the late 70s and early 80s. Last season was another get-to-know-you process as eight seniors had to be replaced from a team that won 44 games and advanced to NCAA Regionals in 1997.
Now, the fun begins. With seven starting position players and the top two pitchers returning to a team that is fully becoming a creation of her own, Stevens question marks have been replaced by answersanswers that have the Ute head coach eagerly anticipating the season ahead.
This year I am more aware of what kind of a team were going to have than I have been the past two years, and Im excited about what Ive seen from this group so far, says Stevens. Weve added some speed to our line-up. The freshmen we brought in have also allowed us to put some of our returning people in places that will make us a better team, both offensively and defensively. With no seniors on the roster, I really think that this year could be the start of something great.
Stevens liked the look of her team even before fall practice began; but she was even more encouraged after. To get her team ready for the 1999 season, as well as provide her maturing players with a sense of what it takes to be a top-caliber team, Stevens put the Utes up against some of the best competition in the nation during the fall season. In addition to playing traditional Western Athletic Conference rival Colorado State, the Utes also played Washington and Nebraska, the third- and fifth-place teams, respectively, from last years College World Series. The results only added fuel to the fire behind Stevens outward enthusiasm.
I not only saw us having success against some very good teams, but I also saw us playing a very exciting kind of ball, recalls Stevens. No matter who we played, we werent intimidated. We played our game. We ran when we wanted to. We hit for power and slap-hit with equal effectiveness. And, our top two pitchers looked very poised and threw extremely well. Theres no doubt in my mind that we have the potential to be a very good team, and one that is going to be exciting to watch.
The only significant loss from the 98 team that amassed a 36-31 overall record and finished third in the WAC with a 19-13 mark is two-time All-American Sandy Rhea, who ranked in the top 10 in the WAC with a .372 batting average and 20th in the nation with 34 stolen bases. However, even with the loss of Rhea, Stevens forecasts that Utahs offense in 99 will be even more potent than the one of a year ago that ranked fourth in the league with a .283 batting average and 235 runs scored. We did lose one of the best hitters, base runners and overall players in the history of the program, but we gain three freshmen who are very good offensive players, says Stevens.
The Utes return another potential All-American in junior outfielder Jenny Monson, a blossoming talent who was a second-team all-WAC selection in 98.
Chemistry is also going to be an asset of this team, points out Stevens. We havent had chemistry like this on any team since Ive been here. As coaches you try to foster that, but with this group we didnt have to. They were doing it on their own during the fall season, and you can tell they enjoy each other and motivate each other just by watching them play.
Infield After breaking in an entirely new infield last season, Utahs defense should be more consistent in 1999. Weve put people in positions where they can be the most successful, and in turn make us a better defensive team, Stevens emphasizes. The improvement was already evident in the fall. Our defense was very solid.
The most significant change was moving Nicole Wilkinson from shortstop, where she was the everyday starter last year, to first base. Stevens is hoping the change will allow Wilkinson to focus more on hitting and improve upon her .254 batting average and 27 runs driven in a year ago.
Nicole is a leader and a competitor who has a very strong presence, says Stevens. We need to have her out there. Shes made such a smooth transition that she looks like shes played first base her entire life. Part of that has to do with her great athleticism.
Moving Wilkinson to first base is also part of Stevens plan to help shore up Utahs defense against the short game. You need to have a very good catcher and strong infielders at the corners to defend against bunts and slap hits, emphasizes Stevens. Nicole is very vocal and takes charge, and she will really help us out in that area. She has such a strong feel for the game that shes almost a coach on the field.
Taking over Wilkinsons former residence will be freshman Michele Larsen. A great athlete with a solid arm and tremendous instincts, the Eugene, Ore., native already has her head coach gushing. You can just tell she knows that position by watching her play, says Stevens. Michele will make plays on a tricky hop and make it look so routine. She is very competitive, demands a lot of herself, and she wants every ball hit to her.
Both second basemen from last year return in sophomore Carrie Kosderka and junior Stacy OFarrell (formerly Holmes). Kosderka will continue to get the majority of the playing time, and having a year of experience behind her has already improved her play-making ability. She got to some balls this fall that she didnt get to last year, adds Stevens. I think shes ready to have a tremendous season.
The Utes Oregon connection up the middle is already developing good chemistry, and has the potential to become a strong double play tandem.
OFarrell, along with backing up Kosderka at second, will also get some playing time in the outfield. Shes a solid, sure-handed fielder. We would like to keep her offense in the line-up, explains Stevens.
Lyndsey Trevis, a freshman from Glendora, Calif., and Stacey Farnworth, a sophomore from Upland, Calif., will handle the duties at third. As was the case last season, Stevens wants Farnworth to also see time at catcher. Having Trevis on board will make that option more readily available.
Trevis is one of the strong, power-hitting newcomers that has Stevens excited about her teams ability to score runs. She also gives the Utes a strong arm and a great glove in the infield. Lyndsey is kind of going through baptism by fire in the collegiate ranks, but she is determined to do well, says Stevens in an encouraging tone. Once she realizes her potential, she could become an animal.
Outfield Once again the most seasoned area of the team, three starters return in the outfield. Among those patrolling the lawn will be co-captains Lisa Hashimoto and Jenny Monson.
Monson, native of South Jordan, Utah, possesses the rare combination of both speed and strength, and was the only player to rank in WACs the top seven last season in both stolen bases (15 in 19 attempts) and slugging percentage (.545). She also ranked 15th in the conference in batting (.343), seventh in RBI (37), eighth in home runs (6) and fourth in triples (6).
Her experience and strength are two great assets that she brings to our team, says Stevens. Jenny is a very powerful athlete who is on a level of her own in terms of physical conditioning.
Monson, the more quiet and unassuming type, is complimented by the boisterous and outgoing Hashimoto, who can lead with an aggressive style of play that is infectious.
Lisa has really come into her own has and shown some real leadership during the pre-season, adds Stevens. Shes one of the most vocal people we have on the team, and thats starting to come through on the field. I expect her to be more aggressive and take more chances this year.
Hashimoto is also a tough out at the plate. A misleading .252 hitter in 98, the junior from Brigham City, Utah, is a deft slap-hitter who also has the ability to swing away, making it difficult to align an effective defense against her.
Although Hashimoto is the returning starter in left field and Monson in center, Stevens may shuffle her outfield around and play Hashimoto some in center this season. Allowing Stevens that flexibility is the potential talent playing next to her two juniors.
Sophomore Amberly Johnson started the second half of last season in right field. Also inserted into the line-up at times as the designated player, the Sandy, Utah, native hit .312 in 51 games to post the fourth-best batting average on the team. Much like the rest of the Ute outfield, Johnson is extremely fast and covers a lot of territory.
Amberly is just so thorough and makes sure to take care of every detail, both on and off the field, expounds Stevens. She is also one of the hardest working kids on the team, and that makes for a good combination.
The latest addition to the outfield is freshman Molly McLean, a three-time first-team all-state pick from Riverton, Utah. Originally recruited as an infielder, McLean was moved to the outfield on a trial basis this fall and appears to be there to stay.
We knew that she would be good when we recruited her, but we didnt know that she would be this good. We didnt realize how quick and athletic she is, raves Stevens. Molly did very well in the outfield this fall and we plan on playing her out there more this spring. And, what a threat she is offensively. Shes a very difficult out.
Pitchers and Catchers
What a difference a year makes. Last year, Stevens was faced with the daunting task of breaking in an entirely new pitching staff, as well as a sophomore catcher with limited experience and a freshman catcher. Despite the youth movement, Utah had the third-best earned run average in the WAC (2.09). With her top two pitchers and catchers returning, Stevens lists those positions as team strengths heading into the 1999 season.
One of the most rewarding things for me last fall was to see how well Sarah (Farnworth) and Kristin (Arbogast) did, says Stevens. Their effectiveness showed a years maturity. Theyve proven now that they can throw effectively in Division I.
Both are building on solid freshman seasons. Arbogast, who posted a 12-7 record in 98, had the 12th-lowest ERA (2.72) in the WAC. She also surrendered the fifth-fewest walks (1.64) and the sixth-lowest opponents batting average (.240) per seven innings.
With her freshman year behind her, Kristin has really settled in now and can focus, relates Stevens. She has settled into such a feeling of calm, and she takes that demeanor with her to the mound. One of the hardest working players on the team, Arbogast has one of the most deadly change-ups in the game with very deceptive speed.
With a 19-11 record in 98, Farnworth ranked fourth in the WAC in wins and also owned the leagues fifth-lowest ERA (1.68). Her effectiveness was further demonstrated by opponents .233 batting average against her, the fourth-lowest mark among league hurlers. She also gave up the sixth-fewest hits (6.31) and the third-fewest walks (1.55) per seven innings.
A real iron horse, Farnworth threw 216-1/3 innings and completed 25 startsboth second-best marks in the WAC. She also made the fourth-most appearances in the conference (36).
Sarah is very talented and knows how to win, says Stevens. With one year behind her, she too has settled in and is showing maturity. I dont think shell make many mistakes this season. Sarah was very effective last year, but I know that she hasnt reached her full potential yet.
The third pitcher on the staff is Jeanette Herbert, a redshirt freshman from West Valley City, Utah, who is looking to make her debut. The former Granger High School standout puts good movement on the ball, and has a nice curve ball and change-up.
Sunny Smith, a junior from Pleasant Grove, Utah, started the majority of the games behind the plate last year after playing in 32 games as a pinch hitter and designated player in 1997. Stevens plans to loosen the reigns on Smith this year, allowing her to call her own game.
Sunny was just dominant last year, says Stevens. She was one of our best hitters and had one of the best arms I saw among the great teams that we played last fall. Her level of enthusiasm has really increased over previous years. She worked extremely hard last fall, and I think shes ready to become a strong presence behind the plate.
Smith, who hit .304 on the season with five home runs and 22 RBI, picked up her productivity during the conference season to rank 20th in the WAC in hitting (.330) and seventh in home runs (4).
Stacey Farnworth, the cousin of pitcher Sarah Farnworth, will also be inserted into the line-up at catcher. Stevens describes the former as a true pitchers catcher. Stacey understands pitchers very well and can talk with them and work with them. She also calls a good game. Farnworth is quick and very intelligent. She started in 50 games in 98playing mainly at third base late in the seasonand hit .296 with 14 RBI and 15 runs scored.
The third catcher on the team is freshman walk-on Stephanie Johnson from Rockford, Ill.
Hit and Run
Without question, Utah will be a better offensive team in 1999. With the players that we have this year, were going to have more people who can do more things at plate and on the base paths, explains Stevens.
One of the newcomers expected to make an immediate impact is Larsen, who, in Stevens opinion, was Utahs best offensive player at the Colorado State tournament last fall. She was just killing the ball, says the Ute head coach. Along with Larsen, Kosderka is another solid line drive hitter. Those two will not only give Utah solid defense up the middle, but also two dangerous bats in the line-up. Trevis will add some power to the batting order, and with Monson and Smith will give the Utes three legitimate home run threats.
The Utes also have some serious speed to contend with. Between Lisa, Jenny, Molly, Amberly and Stacy, we have five kids that will start at a position or designated player that can really fly, reveals Stevens. We will put some pressure on other teams with our speed. That will allow us to do some things offensively that we havent been able to do in past years. Out of that same group, with the exception of Jenny Monson, we have four lefty slappers who should be able to get on base frequently. And, all four can stand in and hit.
Expectations
With a team that was just a few wins shy of making the NCAA Tournament a year ago, Stevens believes that her improved 99 edition is very capable of qualifying for post-season play.
No question, we could be a Top 25 team this season, predicts Stevens. With programs the caliber of defending national champion Fresno State, Hawaii, Colorado State and UNLV around, the WAC will be very strong once again. With that said, I also think that we could finish among the top three in the conference. The whole atmosphere around this team is one of excitement, and I think that is going to be a big key to our success this season.
Utah Softball's Hailee White Feature
Tuesday, April 15
Utah Softball's Jolie Mayfield Feature
Friday, March 28
Utah Softball - The Inaugural 1976 Team
Wednesday, March 19
University of Utah Athletics - A Storied History
Friday, August 02