Senior All-American second baseman Kimmy Hassel and returning MIAC Pitcher of the Year Kendra Bowe headline the No. 19-ranked St. Thomas softball team as its season begins Friday in doubleheader action against Buena Vista (Iowa) in Rosemount, Minn.
In addition to key returners, coach John Tschida said the team’s size could come in handy during the long season.
“It’s the largest team we’ve ever had, maybe even the largest in the country,” Tschida said. “Numbers don’t make you a better team, but it does give you some options and hopefully some competitiveness within the practices that makes everyone better.”
The Tommies are ranked first in the MIAC and 19th in the nation. Last season, the team lost to both Coe College and Luther College in the NCAA tournament opening weekend, ending 37-9 on the season.
Hassel said sticking to the regular schedule and workout plan is key.
“It’s all about making sure we focus on the little things now that we’re closer to the season … not focusing on how fast we are, but just getting down hitting mechanics,” Hassel said.
Hassel led the Tommies with 75 hits last season, and she said the team’s performance at the plate must improve this year.
“That was probably our weakness last year, especially in playoffs,” Hassel said. “This year our coaches are focusing on hitting, and we all are focusing on hitting.”
While offense seems to be the focal point, Bowe said the Tommies’ strength is defense.
“Last year, we didn’t give up many runs,” Bowe said. “I think the most was to Gustavus, and that was four, so we normally keep the runs down pretty low.”
Bowe was instrumental to the Tommie bullpen in 2012. Tschida praised Bowe for her unique style of pitching.
“She’s not only talented, she’s cerebral,” Tschida said. “It’s not just somebody out there performing athletically. It’s mental. She’s playing chess also.”
When asked what the goal is for this season, both Hassel and Bowe had a very clear response: winning a national championship.
Alex Goering can be reached at goer8777@stthomas.edu.