TOPEKA, KS – The University of Mary softball team travels to Topeka, KS, as the Marauders are playing in the Washburn Invite. UMary compete Saturday, February 27, against Emporia State University at 1 pm and Washburn University at 5 pm. The Marauders will take on the University of Central Missouri on Sunday, February 28, at 10 am.
LAST TIME OUT
The Marauders start the season 0-4 after losing to Minot State University, Bemidji State University and Northern State University. Junior outfielder Mariah Sanchez got off to a great start this season as she went 7-for-13 and drew one walk. Senior catcher Rachael Laetsch hit her first two home runs for UMary and drove in four runs in the Marauders 10-4 loss to Bemidji State on Saturday.
OPPO RESEARCH – EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Emporia State has yet to compete in the 2021 season. Last year ESU finished with a 16-9 record before the season was canceled due to COVID-19. The Hornets are projected to finish sixth in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Conference. Sophomore infielder Abbey Ward is coming a freshman season in which she hit .371 with two home runs. April Rosales enters her sixth season as the Hornets head coach as she has gone 129-126.
OPPO RESEARCH – WASHBURN UNIVERSITY
Washburn University has begun the season with a 2-2 record. Last season the Ichabods went 14-13. WU is projected to finish 5th in the MIAA Softball Coaches' Poll. Freshman utility player Marrit Mead has started the season hitting .357 with one stolen base. Head coach Brenda Holaday will begin her 5th season as the coach of the Ichabods. In her first four seasons, WU has gone 105-83.
OPPO RESEARCH – UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI
Central Missouri has not played a game thus far in the 2021 season. The Jennies went 11-6 last season before play was stopped. UCM is projected to finish 4th in the MIAA. Sophomore outfielder Ashlyn Cook hit .450 last season with 22 RBIs. Head coach Susan Anderson has been with the Jennies for 15 years and has amassed a 415-305 record over that period.
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.
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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