Upcoming Event: Softball versus UCSB on February 6, 2026 at 2 p.m.
2 p.m.
Softball
vs UCSB
The University of Utah Athletics
Utah Softball 2002 Review, 2003 Preview
10/30/2002 12:00 AM | Softball
Oct. 30, 2002
Utah (30-36, 10-4 MWC) began its 2002 campaign for a solid month on the road to avoid the 2002 Winter Olympic traffic. A tough start by Utah, which included a 7-19 record in January and February, was culminated by an excellent second-half effort. The Utes went on to win the Mountain West Conference Tournament Championship, led by tourney MVP Jen Pursell, en route to their 16th NCAA Tournament appearance. Four Utes garnered all-MWC honors, including Melissa Stahnke, Lyndsey Trevis, Niki Hayhurst and Molly McLean, while seven were named to the academic all-conference team. McLean and Stahnke also received all-west region honors.
The record-breaking 2002 season was one of milestones for the Utes. Mona Stevens recorded her 200th career victory. Stahnke, a Ridgefield, Wash., native is Utah's new career home run leader with 38. In just her sophomore season, Stahnke knocked one out in the MWC Tournament to pull ahead of former Ute standout Cyndee Bennett.
Trevis, the 2001 MWC Player of the Year, ranks first all-time in career walks (94) and is tied for second in career RBI (243) and career assists (569) at Utah. Trevis also ranks fourth in career home runs (32) and doubles (35).
McLean and Michelle Larsen, both four-year starters, ended their careers tied for the career games played lead with 243. McLean is second in both career runs scored (155) and career stolen bases (114).
The senior Hayhurst is second in career putouts (1,082) and could break that record during the 2003 season. She also ranks fifth in career batting average (.336), career doubles (30) and career RBI (115).
As a team, Utah recorded its 800th victory on April 14, against in-state rival Brigham Young (8-7). In its 27 seasons, the Utah softball program has notched an 811-537-4 (.662) record.
Looking ahead to the 2003 season, Stevens is optimistic for her team. "When you have the bats of Melissa , Niki, and Masie Ota, and then you add a talented newcomer class to the mix, your offense is going to be very strong," claims Stevens.
Included in that newcomer class are Glennis Donnelly, Jackie Wong, Ivette Hernandez, Sarah Lyman and Lynsey Wall. Donnelly, a two-time NJCAA All-American in both softball and soccer, broke the Meremac (St. Louis CC), single season home run record with 16 long balls last season. "Glennis is a very talented athlete and is consistent at the plate with a lot of power. She'll be our shortstop and bat three, four or five for us." says Stevens.
"We knew Jackie was good, but she has continued to be a pleasant surprise," states Stevens. "She's going to step right in for us at second base and play better than anyone expected on the college level."
Hernandez, a California prep standout, is leading the race at the designated player position. She brings a powerful bat and tough defense to the Ute lineup. Lyman and Wall were both high school stars in Utah. Lyman brings tough defense in the outfield to the Utes, while Wall adds an amazing arm behind the plate as well as a consistent bat. Rounding out the newcomers is Jenni Thurston, who was also a Utah prep star.
Returning for the Utes at the plate are Stahnke, Hayhurst, Traci Keller and Ota. Ota, one of the best slappers on the team, compiled a .286 batting average with seven stolen bases and two triples. The Stockton, Calif., native also stars in the field, where she boasted a .987 fielding percentage last season.
Keller came on strong for the Utes in the second half of last season, both offensivley and defensively. She helped the Utes win some key games at home and is an extremely talented leftfielder.
This season presents a change for Stahnke as she moves from shortstop, where she has been a two-year starter for Utah, to third base. "This is not a demotion for Melissa at all," states Stevens. "She has quick hands that are great defensively. We didn't play her there before because we had Lyndsey, but now it is her chance to showcase her talent. I think she's going to prove to be one of the better third basemen we've had at Utah."
The pitching staff includes two veterans in Pursell and Heather Bowlin, who both boasted ERA's under 3.00. "Jen (Pursell) will lead our pitchers," says Stevens. "I think our pitching staff will be a real asset this season."
In her 49 appearances, which included 32 starts, Pursell posted a 2.93 ERA with 146 strikeouts. Bowlin notched a 2.87 ERA in 38 appearances with 108 strikeouts. The Utes have also added Brianna Gourdin from Timpview High School in Provo, Utah to round out the hurlers.
Stevens and her two assistants, Marianne Bullis and Carrie Kosderka compose a staff of Utah alumnus at the helm of the Utes this season. "It means a lot when you have coaches that played for the program they are now in charge of," says Stevens. Kosderka is in her second year as an assistant coach, while Bullis rejoins the program as the first assistant.
The Utes bring a talented lineup and eager coaching staff to battle this season. They kick things off at the Arizon State Tournament, Feb. 7-9. The next stops include the UNLV and Santa Barbara Tournaments, along with the U of U Red Desert Classic in St. George, Utah. Utah opens conference play on March 29 against Brigham Young in Provo, Utah.
Players Mentioned
P
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
OF/C
/ Softball
2B
/ SoftballUtah 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