FAU shortstop Blair Bodenmiller was named the Sun Belt Conference preseason co-Player of the Year. (FAUOwlAccess photo)
Future bodes well
> Softball season preview: Led by senior shortstop Blair Bodenmiller, the Sun Belt Conference preseason co-Player of the Year, the Owls are looking to contend for a conference title.
Originally published on
2/12/2010
by
Marcus Nelson
BOCA RATON – The FAU softball team is coming off a disappointing regular season in 2009, but is looking back to an improbable run in the Sun Belt Conference tournament as an indication better things are in store this season.
FAU limped into the Sun Belt Conference tournament as the No. 7 seed, but made it to the championship game before falling to Louisiana-Lafayette and finished the season at 30-30.
That rally sent the Owls into the offseason on a high note.
“We realized at the end of the year if we step it up we can be a great team. I am hoping that carries over to the start of this season,” FAU senior shortstop Blair Bodenmiller said.
The players worked hard in the offseason according to Bodenmiller.
Bodenmiller’s hard work is one of the reasons she was named the Sun Belt Conference preseason co-Player of the Year.
“I think there is a realization that working hard off the field carries over,” Bodenmiller said.
Joyce agrees.
“If everyone practiced and prepared as hard as her, it would be super,” Joyce said. “She will stay out there after practicing fielding hundreds of balls. She is monster in the weight room and a hard worker. We just call her the maniac.”
>>>Softball SeasonBrowser: A look ahead to the 2010 season
Who’s back: OF Jessica Myers hit .319 in 2008 but missed the entire 2009 season due to injury…Blair Bodenmiller hat 8 homers…P Rose Gressley was 9-13 with a 2.27 ERA. …Carrie Ann Potter was 6-7 with a 1.92 ERA and had 3 shutouts but is battling a shoulder problem to start the season. …P Kat Stauffer was 9-4 with a 2.33 ERA.
Who’s new: OF Kirstin Austin will give the Owls some offense from the left side of the plate. …P Taylor Fawbush will compete for a starting job in the rotation.
Who’s gone: Caitlyn Bliss led the team with a .354 batting average. …Amy Bukovich had 8 doubles last season…Becky Brandies had 5 homers.
Outlook: The biggest goal for the Owls should be to score more runs, and they may have the lineup to do just that. FAU’s pitching should be improved and if their starters can be more consistent the Owls could be in the thick of the conference race.