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The University of Utah Athletics
Utah Softball Heads To Las Vegas, Nev.
2/15/2000 12:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 15, 2000
Salt Lake City - This Week: The Utah Utes travel to Las Vegas, Nev. to participate in the UNLV 2000 Classic Tournament, Friday through Sunday, Feb. 18-20, at Sunset Park.
Tournament Quick Facts: The UNLV Classic is an annual event hosted by UNLV. Each of the 16 teams in the field will play in five pre-determined match-ups. This year's tournament field includes four teams ranked in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 pre-season poll and one other team received votes in the poll.
Frank Sotomayer of the UNLV sports information office is the softball contact for the tournament. He can be reached at (702) 895-3207.
Utah's Tournament Schedule: The Utes will play two teams ranked/mentioned in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 pre-season poll.
Friday (No. 29) Oregon 10:00 a.m. (No. 11) Oregon State 3:00 p.m.
Saturday Loyola-Marymount 3:00 p.m. Virginia 5:30 p.m.
Sunday Notre Dame 10:00 a.m.
The Opposition: Garnering 29th place in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 preseason poll, Oregon went 4-1 to open its 2000 season at the Izuzu Motors Invitational at Texas-Arlington, Feb. 11-13. The Ducks defeated Texas-Arlington (11-3), Southwest Texas (10-2), Bethune-Cookman (13-5), and Tulsa (11-0) before losing to 5th ranked Southern Mississippi (3-0).
No. 11 Oregon State is currently 4-1-1 overall, 0-0 in the Pac 10. They match-up with the Utes in their first game of the UNLV Classic. The Beavers return nine players from last year's team that finished 47-25 overall, 14-14 (fourth place) in the Pac 10.
Loyola-Marymount is currently 4-0 overall, defeating St. Mary's 1-0, 7-0, and Biola University 4-0, 4-0 last week. The Lions face No. 12 California in their first game of the UNLV Classic. They went 43-28 overall, and return 11 letterwinners and adds seven newcomers to its roster.
Virginia returns seven starters and 11 letterwinners from last year's team that went 35-26 overall, 4-4 (fourth place) in the ACC, second place in the ACC Tournament. The Cavaliers open their 2000 season facing UNLV on Fri., Feb. 17 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Notre Dame opens its 2000 campaign facing Portland State on Sat., Feb. 18 at the UNLV Classic. The Irish return 12 letterwinners from the 1999 team that went 42-20 overall, and won their first Big East Championship and advanced to the NCAA Regional round.
Coming Up: Utah will host its own tournament on Fri.-Sun., Feb. 25-27, in St. George, Utah. The eight team tournament features: Utah, Brigham Young, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Southern Utah , Tulsa, Utah State and Washington.
Head Coach Mona Stevens: Mona Stevens, who has built a reputation as one of the top coaches in the nation on both the national and international levels, embarks on her fourth season as head coach at Utah.
A former Ute player and assistant coach, the Provo, Utah, native came home in September of 1996, following a two-year stint at the University of Massachusetts. Stevens was the associate head coach for the Minutewomen during the 1995 and `96 seasons, and was named head coach at UMass in June of `96, three months prior to being hired by her alma mater. In three years under Stevens, the Utes have complied a 110-69 record (.615), chalked-up two third-place finishes in the Western Athletic Conference and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 1997.
Last season, Utah posted a 28-27 overall record and finished fifth in the Western Athletic Conference with an 8-11 mark. The Utes were the runner-up in the WAC Tournament with a 4-2 record, losing to No. 2 Fresno State in the championship game.
MWC Pre-Season Poll: Utah was selected by the league coaches as the preseason favorite to win the first-ever Mountain West Conference crown. The Utes received three first-place votes and 23 points to edge out New Mexico which claimed two first-place votes and 21 points.
New Mexico had the most wins in school history last season, going 42-14 overall and tying for second place in the WAC with a 14-7 slate. The Lobos return eight starters among 10 letterwinners under the direction of 23-year veteran head coach Susan Craig who received co-Coach of the Year honors in 1999. San Diego State finished tied for third in the conference in 1999 with a 16-8 league record and a 24-34 overall mark. The Aztecs return nine starters and 12 letterwinners. UNLV finished the 1999 season with an 18-31 record and placed sixth in the conference. The Rebels return 10 starters and 15 letterwinners after losing just three players from the 1999 squad. Colorado State went 17-24 overall in 1999 and placed seventh in the final league standings. The Rams return seven starters among 10 letterwinners. The softball program at BYU is in its first season as a varsity sport under the direction of Utah graduate and former assistant coach Mary Kay Amicone.
2000 Outlook: When Utah coach Mona Stevens' players check in for the 2000 season, she's confident they'll be ready for an explosive year of top-notch, competitive softball. Certainly they have a winning tradition on their side. Since its beginning in 1976, Utah softball has made 14 NCAA Regional Tournament appearances and five College World Series appearances. Utah boasts a 702-453 (.608) all-time record and a 216-116 (.651) conference record in 24 years.
Last season the Utes logged a 28-27 overall record and went 8-11 in the Western Athletic Conference to place fifth. At the WAC Tournament, Utah showed its true colors, placing second to national power, Fresno State. The best news about the 1999 team that finished the year so strong might be that the Utes return eight starters and 13 letterwinners and lose only two starters.
Senior leadership will be a major strength of the Utah squad in 2000. All five seniors started and played in the majority of the games in 1999 so setting the tone for this year's team should be clockwork.
"Two years ago we had only two seniors, while last season we had none," said Stevens. "It forced our current senior class into a leadership role very early in their career, which really sets the tone for a successful team. It's been fun to watch our five seniors grow into that role and I feel like they are going to do very well with it."
The Utes plan to bring out the big bats and utilize their speed to manufacture runs this season, with their strategy that of a high speed powerful offense.
"I'm very excited about our offense," said Stevens. "We have some solid hitters that bring consistency to our lineup. Michelle Larsen, Nicole Wilkinson, and Carrie Kosderka are all good line drive, contact hitters. Combine those three with Sunny Smith, Jenny Monson, Lindsey Trevis and Nikki Hahurst, who are four of the best power hitters in the conference. We have big hitters, consistent hitters, along with five players who have major speed. Lisa Hashimoto-Hall, Molly McLean, Amberly Jeppson, Angie Kenney and Stacy O'Farrell are so quick that they will tear up the base paths in 2000. Their speed gives us many options, because we can stretch the defense out with our quickness and power. We have the ability to score a lot of runs."
They'll score their runs in a new conference. Utah departed the WAC after last season and will compete in the newly formed Mountain West Conference.
Team captains Sunny Smith (catcher) and Jenny Monson (centerfield) headline a lengthy list of returnees. Smith was second on the team last year, with a .311 batting average. She led the team in at bats (161), home runs (9), RBI (30) and slugging percentage (.578). Monson hit .241 and was second on the team in RBI with 29. She racked up 35 hits and was second on the team in home runs (7). Monson posted a .414 slugging percentage last season.
"Jenny Monson and Sunny Smith are going to be the backbone of our team," said Stevens. They are our captains. I think Sunny Smith is probably the best catcher in our league. Part way through the season last year, I had Sunny start calling the games, and she did a marvelous job. She does a really good job taking charge and maintaining the team's composure. You put Monson in centerfield and she becomes our quarterback out there. She's been here for four years now and she knows her role."
The only significant loss from the 1999 team is pitcher Sarah Farnworth. Farnworth was Utah's top pitcher last season, posting a 1.97 ERA in 242 innings pitched. Farnworth also led the team with a .339 batting average and was second on the team with a .548 slugging percentage. But, head coach Mona Stevens is confident that this year's pitching staff will fill the void left by Farnworth.
"I think the only thing that concerns me is our depth on the mound, though that may prove to be something that I don't need to worry about," said Stevens. "I think our offense and defense will take some pressure off of how we do on the mound."
Infield The Utah infield in the 2000 season is experienced and seasoned within Steven's system. A second place WAC Tournament finish last year showed how the defense came together. This will be the second year the Utah infield has been together, with each player redefining her role on the field.
"Our infield is also stronger because we have a year under our belt," said Stevens. "There were times last year that it was a roller coaster. Sometimes they were absolutely brilliant and other times they were tentative and just not sure. However, when we finished in the WAC Tournament last year, our infield was outstanding. We've got seasoned infielders that know each other pretty well. The nice thing for me is that we have brought in players and really haven't lost anybody from our infield."
Senior first baseman Nicole Wilkinson returns for her third year in the Utah program. Wilkinson played for LSU her freshman year before coming to the U. She is very versatile, playing shortstop as a sophomore and last season playing first base. This year, Wilkinson may be seen at first base, shortstop and even third base. Wilkinson led the team with 370 putouts in 1999 with 27 assists a .990 fielding percentage. She played in all 55 games, starting in 53.
"Gator" (Wilkinson) does a fantastic job," said Stevens. "The reason I have her play so many different positions is because I want her in the game. She hit the ball really well in the fall, but it's her leadership that you can feel out on the field. I don't worry about whether or not she's in the game, she's always in the game."
Behind Wilkinson at first base is freshman Niki Hayhurst. Hayhurst was a 1998 and 1999 all-state and all-region selection in Oregon.
"Niki is a lefty power hitter and is extremely athletic," said Stevens. "She is a gold mine for us and I'm pleased to have her on the team."
Senior Stacy O'Farrell returns as one of Utah's second basemen. She will split time at second with junior Carrie Kosderka. O'Farrell is a consistent, fundamental player who can also play many different positions. Last year, she led the team in sacrifices with 14. Defensively, she had 82 putouts and a .962 fielding percentage.
"Stacy is about as consistent as they come," said Stevens. "She's a steady player and you can bank on it that if the ball is hit in her direction, she'll stop it. She's also a spark plug for the team, she gets in there and stirs everything up."
Kosderka will back up at both second and third base. She played in 35 games last season, starting in 32.
"I don't think there are too many people on the team that love the game more than Carrie," said Stevens. "I don't know of anybody who plays with more heart, more guts, and who would give her body and soul for the game."
Sophomore Michelle Larsen will start for a second year at shortstop. As a freshman, Larsen hit .230 and started in 51 of the 55 games. She led the team with 100 assists and totaled 84 putouts.
"Michele is just a great athlete," said Stevens. "When I recruited her, I thought she was one of the best shortstops to come out of that age group, and I still believe she is. She is a very consistent line-drive hitter, and as a coach, you love to have players who can hit like that."
Lyndsey Trevis, a 5-10 sophomore, returns at third base. Last season, she was also a definite threat at the plate. She was third on the team in RBI (18) and slugging percentage (.434). She was selected to the WAC All-Tournament team in 1999. Trevis had 91 assists and a .922 fielding percentage. She was fourth on the team with a .283 batting average in 1999.
"Lyndsey has one of the surest gloves on the team," said Stevens. "Last year at the WAC tournament, we started calling her "Hoover" because she sucked up everything that came her way. She's one of the big four in terms of our power hitters. That kid can just hit the ball."
Outfield The Utah outfield is full of returners for the 2000 campaign. Speed and agility will be a strength in the outfield on defense, with a powerful, aggressive style of play offensively.
"Defensively, our outfield is extremely quick," said Stevens. "Those players can cover a lot of territory out there and have some very good arms. I look at our outfield and know that we have tremendous talent. I feel really comfortable about our outfield."
Senior Jenny Monson is back in centerfield, where she posted a .951 fielding percentage and totaled 37 putouts in 1999. She is coming off a foot injury that hampered her all last year. After surgery this past summer, Stevens is confident she'll be back in the game by the end of February.
"Jenny is a very hard worker, a very dedicated, selfless athlete. She has a great arm and a powerful bat. Jenny has a very strong will and love of the game. She is the type of athlete you want on your roster and one of our key players."
The Utes return a three-year starter in left field in Lisa Hashimoto-Hall. In 1999, Hashimoto-Hall was third on the team with a .286 batting average. She led the team in walks (15) and was second on the team in stolen bases (12). Hashimoto-Hall totaled 52 putouts and was a perfect 1.000 in the field last season. She was also a member of the WAC All-Tournament team last season.
"Lisa is one of the most aggressive outfielders we've got," said Stevens. "She'll make diving catches left and right and come up with a great throw. She's also one of our spark plugs offensively and will probably hit somewhere high in the lineup."
Sophomore Molly McLean will split time between right and center field for Utah. As a freshman, McLean led the team with 16 stolen bases. She hit .265 and started in 44 games last season.
"Molly is probably the most fiery player we have on the team," said Stevens. "Molly is lightening fast and she makes things happen on the base paths. She's extremely talented and extremely competitive and will be a major factor for us this year."
Amberly Jeppson is slated to play right field for the Utes. She was fifth on the team with a .275 batting average last season and started in 31 games.
"Amberly is very quick, she has a great arm and is an all-around solid outfielder," said Stevens.
Angie Kenney will see time in all three outfield positions this year. She was a Junior College All-American and a 1998-99 all-conference and all-region selection.
"Angie is a great addition to our outfield," said Stevens. "She is a talented, quick, true lefty hitter who can stretch a single into a double and gives you 110 percent all the time."
Pitchers and Catchers The Utah bullpen returns two pitchers and adds a newcomer this year. Junior Kristin Arbogast is slated to be the number one pitcher, while sophomore Jeanette Herbert and freshman Shannon Lewis will fill out the rotation. Arbogast pitched 130 innings last year, striking out 67. Herbert saw limited action last season, but is expected to contribute more in 2000. Lewis was an all-state selection in Utah all four years of high school.
"Kristin has developed into the kind of pitcher that wants the ball, that wants to be handed the big games," said Stevens. "It is nice as a coach to see her grow into that role and I'm expecting good things from her this season. Jeanette did a really good job for us in the fall. She seemed to be a lot more confident on the mound and she's showing a lot of promise. Shannon is a very competitive pitcher and I recruited her because of that as well as her potential. She is one of the best pitchers to come out of Utah in awhile."
Senior Sunny Smith will again call the game from behind the plate. A .969 fielder, Smith recorded 183 putouts and 54 assists. She started in 54 of the 55 games last season.
"Sunny is a significant part of our foundation and one of the leaders on the team," said Stevens. "I would say that there are five or six players on the team this year that will literally eat, sleep and breath this sport, and she is one of them. She is very determined to make this year not only a great year for herself, but also for the team."
Pat Ebert, a junior transfer, and Stephanie Johnson, a sophomore, will back up Smith at catcher.
"Pat is probably one of the strongest players on the team," said Stevens. "She's been injured all fall, so she's been very limited in what she's been able to do. I'll be very interested to see what she is capable of, coming off the injury."
"Stephanie is a walk-on from Chicago and this is her second year with us," said Stevens. "She is one of those people who bring more to the team than just her talent. She has a great attitude and is a hard working kid. A selfless player, she will do anything the team needs to get better."
New to the coaching staff this year are the two assistant coaches Sara Griffin and Jen Smith. Griffin comes to the U. after a one year as a second assistant at Arizona State University. After one year as an undergraduate assistant coach at the University of Nebraska, Jen Smith begins her first season at the U.
The Schedule The schedule will be a challenge as the Utes face some national caliber teams early on. Utah will compete in the Fiesta Bowl tournament on Feb. 11-13 in Phoenix, Ariz., where national powers Nebraska, Fresno State and Arizona State are among the many participating teams. Utah will face Cal State Fullerton, Oregon State, Wisconsin, Mississippi State and Kansas throughout the weekend. Up next, Utah travels to the UNLV Tournament on Feb. 18-20, where once again strong competition awaits. The Utes will match-up against Oregon, Oregon State, Loyola, Virginia and Notre Dame. On Feb. 25-27, Utah hosts its own tournament in St. George, Utah. The Utes will take on Southern Utah, Stanford, Tulsa, Washington and Oklahoma State. Utah will play in three more tournaments before opening play in the new Mountain West Conference. Member teams include, Brigham Young, Colorado State, New Mexico, San Diego State, UNLV and Utah. Air Force and Wyoming do not sponsor women's softball. Utah begins MWC play in San Diego, Calif., on Mar. 31 when it takes on San Diego State at 1:00 p.m. (PST).
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