Completed Event: Softball versus No. 2 Seed Oklahoma State on May 7, 2026 , Loss , 0, to, 7
Final Score
Softball
0
vs No. 2 Seed Oklahoma State
7
The University of Utah Athletics
2011 Utah Softball Preview: Infield
1/31/2011 12:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 31, 2011
With the first pitch of the 2011 Utah softball campaign 10 days away, utahutes.com preps fans for the beginning of the season with a breakdown of the Ute roster as well as a look at the upcoming schedule. This is the first in a five-part series about the student-athletes Utah has at each position heading into the season as well as the competition they will face.
Monday, Jan. 31: Infield
Tuesday, Feb. 1: Outfield
Wednesday, Feb. 2: Catchers
Thursday, Feb. 3: Pitchers
Friday, Feb. 4: Schedule
Utes Will Welcome Nine Newcomers in 2011:
With the infusion of nine newcomers as well as the departure of a former all-Mountain West Conference pitcher and center fielder, the University of Utah softball hopes to end its two-year streak of fifth-place finishes in the MWC and move up to the upper echelon of the league.
"We have talent throughout our lineup," fourth-year head coach Amy Hogue said. "We have more athleticism, too. We have nine new kids, which is a huge number and a big makeover of our team. This fall was the best fall we've had since I've been here so I'm excited to see what we can do this spring."
Utah had 16 players on its roster last season and will enjoy an 18-player squad as it heads into the 2011 campaign. While the difference may seem negligible, Hogue believes her team will benefit from the increase not only because of improved depth but also more defined roles.
"Our goal was to get our roster to 18 players," Hogue said. "But I didn't want to rush and sign players just for numbers. I wanted to make sure everyone had a role. If someone goes down with an injury, everyone knows who's going in. I didn't want to just have bodies to fill in. It's so much more comfortable to have 18 players on the team, but just like every year, there are areas where we can't afford injuries."
The influx of newcomers that will provide Utah's increase in depth comes with a lack of experience at the NCAA Division I level that may take time to overcome. At least two new starters in the outfield, a new pitcher and second baseman will make their Ute debuts in 2011.
Infield:
The left side of the infield will remain the same as last season with third baseman Whitney Holm and shortstop Kelsi Hoopiiaina all that much more experienced.
When including starting left fielder Hannah Clements as well as Olson, this quartet is expected to really have an impact on offense for the Utes as each hitter is rock solid in the batting order.
"They're planning to play every day with no hesitation," Hogue said. "Olson, Clements and Holm could the first, second and third spots of our batting order with `Hoop' hitting fifth or sixth. That's a solid part of our lineup."
The same cannot be said for right side of the field as several changes were made during the offseason.
Former second baseman Tia Palauni is slated to take over the starting spot at first base in her junior season.
"[Palauni] has done a nice job transitioning over from second base, taking that role that Lindsey Palmer played for us last year, as not just a defensive-minded player, but also the leader of the infield," Hogue said. "She is a steady mind and personality who is very confident and has a lot of confidence in the players around her."
Sophomore Jackie Sweet, a transfer from UC Santa Barbara has been penciled in as the starter at second base. But the competition for playing will continue well into the season as sophomore Katelyn Elliott, a transfer from Salt Lake Community College, and Taylor Austin, a freshman from Bountiful, Utah, both have at the position during fall practice.
"[Sweet] is a nice addition to our team and really has the potential to lock down that spot for the next three years," Hogue said. "Her production on offense is really going to say a lot about whether she pins down the position or if we float playing time at second base. She is in the same class as `Hoop,' so it would be really fun to keep the two of them up the middle playing together for a while. I don't anticipate floating too much at that position, but I definitely have capable kids behind her who can play."
Infield Player Notes:
Whitney Holm
Jr. ? IF ? R/R ? 5-8 ? Spanish Fork, Utah ? Spanish Fork H.S.
Veteran of the infield ... already has 107 starts at third base in her first two seasons as a Ute ... improved strength and speed during offseason ... has hit 19 career homers and driven in 57 career runs ... was among the leaders in extra-base hits in the Mountain West Conference last season.
Kelsi Hoopiiaina
So. ? IF ? R/R ? 5-8 ? Riverton, Utah ? Riverton H.S.
Entering her second season as starting shortstop ... expected to team with Jackie Sweet as Utah's double-play combination for next three seasons ... contributes to team in several different areas with her pure athleticism ... can play anywhere on the field ... out-works everyone around her, which is how she became the athlete she is today.
Tia Palauni
Jr. ? IF ? R/R ? 5-9 ? Taylorsville, Utah ? Taylorsville H.S.
Versatile athlete who can play every position on the infield ... moves to first base after starting at second base last season ... has started 81 of 94 career games, mostly at shortstop and second base ... displays patience at the plate ... capable of hitting with power ... has great size, speed and strength.
Jackie Sweet
So. ? IF ? R/R ? 5-6 ? Corona, Calif. ? UC Santa Barbara
Expected to team with Kelsi Hoopiiaina as Utah's double-play combination for next three seasons ... nice addition to the team ... has experience at the NCAA Division I level after playing at UC Santa Barbara ... made 26 starts in 38 appearances for the Gauchos ... was a member of an accomplished high school team that won the CIF Division I title in 2006 and was the runner-up in 2009.
Katelyn Elliott
So. ? IF ? R/R ? 5-4 ? Spanish Fork, Utah ? Spanish Fork H.S.
Will compete for playing time at second base ... accomplished player from Salt Lake Community College, helping the Bruins to a 61-5 record in 2010 ... only struck out 13 times last year with the Bruins ... will add to the depth of Utah's infield ... first-team all-state and region selection in 2009 at Spanish Fork High School.
Taylor Austin
Fr. ? IF ? R/R ? 5-6 ? Bountiful, Utah ? Bountiful H.S.
Will compete for playing time at second base ... thinks like a coach ... knows the game well ... has a feel as to where she needs to be on defense ... triple-threat at the plate ... can hit a home run and then lay down a drag bunt for a base hit.
Players Mentioned
IF
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
IF
/ Softball
IF
/ Softball
IF
/ Softball
UTIL
/ Softball
P/OF
/ Softball
IF
/ SoftballCrimson Corner with Bill Riley - Utah Softball Coach Amy Hogue
Wednesday, May 13
ESPN+ Feature | Behind Game Day: Grass & Turf
Tuesday, May 12
ESPN+ Feature | Utah Softball's Hailey Maestretti
Tuesday, April 28
ESPN+ Feature | Utah Softball: Newcomer Noise
Friday, April 24