MINOT, ND – The University of Mary softball team starts their 2021 season with four games over a three day-stretch as they travel to Minot, ND. UMary begins with a doubleheader against Minot State University on Friday, February 19, starting at 4 pm. The Marauders then play Bemidji State University on Saturday, February 20, at 1 pm and then take on Northern State University on Sunday, February 2, at 7 am.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Senior catcher Madelynn Trout and senior pitcher Kaitlyn Alvarado were named as 2021 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Players to Watch for the Marauders as the NSIC released the preseason coaches' poll.
In her first season as a Marauder, Trout slashed .380/.446/.740 while hitting four home runs and driving in 15 runs in 17 games. The senior catcher/utility player ed the team in OBP (.446) and OPS (1.186) and was second in slugging percentage (.740)
"Last year, Maddy Trout transferred to our team after being a part of a very successful junior college program," said Marauders head coach Steph Roan. "Since her first day on campus, Trout has made her presence known by being a good role model for our underclassmen to follow. On the field, she has been a major contributor behind the plate as a catcher and with the bat. As a young professional, Maddy continues to work hard in the classroom and strives to have a successful career."
Alvarado, back for her third season at UMary, posted an ERA of 3.00 with a WHIP of 0.99 in 30.1 innings last season. Opponents had a batting average of only .188 against her. The senior also hit .303 last year while collecting 15 RBIs.
"Kaitlyn has been a versatile threat both on the mound and at third base," said Roan. "She has also proven her worth in the box as a lefty power hitter. As an upperclassman, she has provided leadership qualities and a competitive spirit to our roster. This season will be her senior year so I anticipate big things from her!"
MARAUDERS PROJECTED TO FINISH 11TH
Roan enters her third season as the head coach of the Marauders softball program. The Marauders went 21-29 in her first season in charge and 12-9 last season before it was canceled.
"This season we have a veteran roster across the field," said Roan. "Several of these players have contributed to our success over the last of couple seasons. We also have younger players that are showing a lot of promise. I look forward to starting where we left off last season!"
UMary is projected to finish 11th in the NSIC according to the preseason coaches' poll. Augustana is the preseason favorite, followed by Winona State University, Minnesota State University, St. Cloud State University, University of Minnesota Duluth, Concordia-St. Paul, Northern State University, Minot State University, University of Sioux Falls, Southwest Minnesota State University, UMary, Bemidji State University, Upper Iowa University, University of Minnesota Crookston, Wayne State College and MSU Moorhead.
OPPO RESEARCH – MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY
Minot State is projected to finish 8th in the NSIC. MSU went 10-6 in last year's shortened season. This season the Beavers have gone 3-1 as they competed in the 2021 PC Dome Classic. Senior outfielder Isis Cabral and junior pitcher Trinity Valentine were named as the players to watch for MSU. Nat Wagner enters his second season as head coach of the Beavers after his first season ended prematurely.
OPPO RESEARCH – BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY
Bemidji State is projected to finish 12th in the NSIC. BSU went 10-12 last season. This year the Beavers have gone 1-1 to start this season with an 8-1 win of the University of Minnesota Crookston and a 9-5 loss to Jamestown University. Brittany Gomez-Olson enters her first season as the coach of BSU after being hired as an assistant coach in the summer of 2018. Senior infielder Lisa Kossan and senior pitcher Stephi Dullum were named as the Beavers' NSIC Players to Watch.
OPPO RESEARCH – NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Northern State is projected to finish 7th in the NSIC. The Wolves finished last season going 15-4. Like UMary, NSU has yet to play this season. Head coach Jenny Fuller enters her fourth season having gone 62-60 in her first three years with the Wolves. Senior infielder Kennady Thompson and sophomore pitcher Meghan Anderson were named the team's NSIC Players to Watch.
UMARY ROSTER RUNDOWN
The Marauders bring back several big bats from last year, such as senior catcher/outfielder Rachael Laetsch who returns to the Marauders after having an on-base percentage of .435 and led the team with 10 walks. Last season Laetsch made no errors behind the plate and had 10 assists with 59 putouts.
Senior first basemen Kasidy Chileen has been a starter since her freshmen year for UMary. She hit .320 and drove in 33 runs in 2019. Other returning starters include Mariah Sanchez, Haley Berube and Mikaela Pelesauma.
To bolster the lineup, Roan brought in five new freshmen to the team. The freshmen include Brooke De Jonge, Levi Luna, Nichole Eckhardt, Alissa Alvarado and Mackenzie Reinhardt.
Other additions include junior outfielder Avery Dome who transferred from Phoenix Community College. Dome hit .455 in 51 games played while at Phoenix Community College.
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