Feb. 10, 2010

Northwestern's Kajikawa Classic Game Notes (PDF Format)

EVANSTON, Ill. -- No. 15 Northwestern begins its 2010 season this weekend, Feb. 12-14, in traditional fashion, traveling to the Kajikawa Classic hosted by Arizona State for the fifth-consecutive year. This season's tournament features a 25-team field and five of the nation's top-15 ranked squads according to the preseason USA Today/NFCA coaches poll.

The Wildcats open the year against a pair of California state schools on Friday, Feb. 12, taking on Cal State Northridge before battling Cal State Fullerton. On Saturday, NU will take on No. 6 Arizona in what has become an annual meeting between the two Wildcats in Tempe -- a meeting NU has won in each of the past two seasons. Nevada and Creighton round out Northwestern's tournament opponents; all five of those squads are at least receiving votes in the NFCA poll.

Four of Northwestern's games will be played at the Tempe Sports Complex (Tempe Sports Complex, Tempe, AZ 85284) with NU's meeting against Arizona taking place at Farrington Stadium (Rural Road and Sixth Street, Tempe, AZ) on Arizona State's campus. Visit thesundevils.com for ticket information.

In addition to Gametracker, fans also can follow the action live via Northwestern's live event Twitter feed: @NU_SportsLIVE. Be sure to sign up there and for NU's regular Twitter feed: @NU_Sports.

To prepare for the 2010 Northwestern softball season, enjoy the following preview which appears in the 2010 media guide.

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Talk to Northwestern head coach Kate Drohan for any length of time about the 2010 Wildcats' softball squad, and a familiar theme is immediately apparent. With liberal use of the words "aggressive," "physicality" and "strength," Drohan paints the picture of the work ethic and commitment to excellence that has been the calling card of Northwestern softball in recent years. But as Kate and her twin sister, Caryl, enter their ninth year together in Evanston, the tone does not reflect a team that is just working hard for its third Big Ten title in five years and a return to the Women's College World Series. Instead, it reveals a program that is laser-beam focused and exceptionally hungry to return to those mountain tops.

"We have practiced at a much higher speed and with increased intensity through the fall and winter to prepare ourselves for this season," Drohan says. "The work ethic of our team has really united the program, and we are eager to face this year's challenges together."

The five members of the 2010 senior class have reached those goals before, contributing even more to their hunger to return. Lauren Delaney, Kelly Dyer, Aly Euler, Emily Haug and Nicole Pauly reached the semifinals of the Women's College World Series as freshmen in 2007, then won the program's second Big Ten title in three years in 2008, adding a championship in the final staging of the Big Ten Tournament as well.

Each member of the class has a unique angle to contribute to the story of the upcoming season. Delaney was the 2008 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and has approached her final season in purple with what Drohan calls "great discipline" during the offseason. Dyer has started every game of her Northwestern career in the outfield and really is the field veteran of the 2010 Wildcats. Euler is coming back from offseason surgery, and NU's most reliable pinch runner the last few years has worked tirelessly to both return to form and add to her offensive game. Haug has been a phenomenal pinch hitter during her career, compiling a better than .500 on-base percentage off the bench. She takes on added responsibility in 2010 as NU's regular catcher. Pauly looks to put a cap on an already stellar career. The 2007 Big Ten Freshman of the Year has started every game of her career at second base and has been a mainstay in the middle of the lineup. Drohan continually cites her strength as something for the team to lean on.

Known for their power on offense during the last decade, the Wildcats will add another degree of physical play and aggressiveness at the plate and on the basepaths this year. The 2010 freshman class is big on speed and versatility, although power from the likes of first-team NFCA All-American Adrienne Monka (19 home runs; 53 RBIs in 2009), All-Big Ten selection Michelle Batts (20 home runs, 73 RBIs in two years), Pauly and Dyer return to anchor a lineup full of run producers.

But past success is not indicative of future performance, and the mission statement of Northwestern Softball seeks to create "an environment that calls forth the greatness in each of us individually and as a team" in an never-ending pursuit for excellence. Drohan is encouraged by the maturity of the current group of Wildcats in recognizing that fact and pushing themselves with renewed vigor to create that very arena of focused preparation.

With that in mind, following is a position-by-position look at the 2010 Northwestern Wildcats:

PITCHING

Northwestern's senior leader on the pitching staff is Delaney, who wants to cap an already strong career with her best season in the circle. After beginning her freshman year with a 15-0 record, Delaney arrives in 2010 with an 85-25 career record, 965 strikeouts and a .173 opponent's batting average. Already known nationally as a premier power pitcher, she literally attacked the offseason and is throwing as well now as she ever has.

"Lauren has approached her senior year with great discipline and a strong work ethic," Drohan says. "We are looking forward to her having her best year in purple."

Joining Delaney is junior Jessica Smith, who, after suffering a series of setbacks in her first two collegiate seasons, is healthy and ready to rock. She returned toward the end of 2009 and fired a complete game shutout against a good hitting Loyola (Chicago) squad, and has only improved since then.

"Finally healthy, Jessica has consistently showed great movement and speed this offseason," Drohan says. "We are excited for Jess to build on her experiences and hard work and have a breakout season."

Freshman Meghan Lamberth rounds out Northwestern's pitching staff for 2010. Sixth-year pitching coach Tori Nyberg is excited about Lamberth's ability to be an immediate contributor and innings eater for the Wildcats after several months of high level training in Evanston. Lamberth found success in high school with a 60-14 record and an 0.62 ERA, and also will see time offensively for NU.

"Meghan's attitude on the mound is one that has fed our pitching staff," says Drohan. "She is a competitor who loves a battle. Her aggressiveness on the mound and in the batter's box will be one that we will lean on this spring."

CATCHING

After the graduation of three-year starter Erin Dyer from behind the plate, senior Haug is poised to take over the reigns at the catcher position. Haug will once again be the regular battery-mate for Delaney after catching her all throughout their high school careers at Helias in Jefferson City, Mo.

Haug has found in niche in the past as a pinch hitter, compiling a career .373 average in 68 appearances off the bench. She has worked this offseason to translate that success into a regular spot in the everyday lineup.

"For the last three years, Emily has played a key role off the bench in our team's success," Drohan says. "This year we are excited to see Emily's production with multiple at-bats a game while anchoring our defense behind the plate."

Backing up Haug and serving as a potential replacement as the reliable off-the-bench option in clutch situations is sophomore Olivia Zolke. In limited time last year, Zolke went 1-for-3 with a walk in four plate appearances as a pinch hitter.

"Olivia's great work this fall has put her in a position to play a major role in our offensive attack." Drohan says. "She battles in the batter's box and has great poise. Her pitch selection and power make her tough to pitch to."

Freshman Lauren Ackerman also is part of the catching corps while serving as a utility option throughout the infield. An enthusiastic home schooled native of St. Louis, Mo., Ackerman played two years of club ball for the St. Louis Diamond Cats, clubbing 19 home runs in a single season.

"Lauren is a tough, aggressive player who truly enjoys playing the game," Drohan says. "Her versatility, athleticism and aggressiveness have given our team a great lift."

FIRST BASE

A sophomore, Monka returns to first base after the best offensive season by a Northwestern freshman in program history. A first-team All-America selection of multiple award-giving organizations, Monka set NU freshman records with 19 home runs and a .392 batting average while slugging a school-record .900. A catcher coming into Evanston, Monka now exclusively focuses on first base.

"Monka's hard work and focus that led to her monster freshman year have only improved in her second year," Drohan says. "Her approach to work, the game and our team is inspiring."

Providing a dual-power threat at first base and in the designated player position is All-Big Ten junior Batts. A legitimate left-handed power threat with trademark quick hands, Batts shows patience at the plate and is maturing into a leader within the team ranks as well as in the lineup.

"Michelle is an exciting power hitter who will be the anchor of our offense this year," Drohan says. "Her true mark on the field, however, will be how she leads our team with her competitiveness and maturity."

SECOND BASE

If Batts can be counted on as the anchor in the NU lineup, Pauly at second base is the rock of the team. Starting every game of her career at second and providing consistent offensive fire power, Pauly embodies what a Northwestern softball student-athlete is both on and off the field. She owns 40 career home runs, 134 RBIs and 113 runs scored, but still worked tirelessly this offseason to improve her game.

"Nicole's toughness and work ethic have helped define our program," Drohan says. "As a senior, she has stepped up as a leader and her maturity has led our team in the great work we have done this fall and is exactly what we will lean on in our big moments."

THIRD BASE

Returning for her third season at the hot corner, junior Robin Thompson is one of the true elite speed threats in the nation. She has led Northwestern in steals in each of the past two seasons, and continues to push herself to be the fastest Wildcat despite increased competition in that realm. With the help of volunteer assistant coach and multiple-year USA Softball Women's National Team member Lauren Lappin, Thompson -- a natural righty -- learned how to slap lefthanded prior to last season. She responded by raising her batting average .052 points and focused very hard on further improvement this offseason.

"Robin has developed into one of the top speed threats in our conference," Drohan says. "Her run production at the top of our lineup will be a key to our success. As an upperclassman, she will anchor the left side of our infield."

Ackerman will serve as a backup for Thompson at third.

SHORTSTOP

Perhaps no Wildcat newcomer has worked harder than Emily Allard, who will step into the shortstop shoes left by four-time All-American and 2010 USA Softball Women's National Team member Tammy Williams. A career outfielder and exceptional athlete, Allard has attacked the task at hand to learn the infield ropes while continuing to improve on her triple-threat ability at the plate.

"Emily has worked tirelessly this fall and it has certainly paid off," Drohan says. "Her combination of speed, power and athleticism have put her in a position to make an immediate impact on our team."

In addition to Ackerman, junior infielder/outfielder Jordan Wheeler will serve as a backup at the middle infield positions.

OUTFIELD

A pair of seniors in Dyer and Euler anchor Northwestern's very veteran outfield corps, which also is comprised of two juniors (Wheeler and Kelly Quinn), a sophomore (Megan Lilley) and a freshman (Kristin Scharkey). Allard also could see time in the outfield this season.

Dyer has been an outfield starter in all 167 games Northwestern has played in the past three seasons (save for three starts in the circle), including spending the last two years in center. She raised her run production immensely in her junior year, more than doubling her career home run total with 10 in 2009 while knocking in 29 runs and primarily batting seventh. Dyer's hunger to move up in the lineup has been evident during offseason workouts, and it complements her leadership style.

"Kelly has been a mainstay in the outfield for us and her leadership out there is critical to our success," Drohan says. "Kelly's style is strong and aggressive and that is precisely how I would describe our work this fall. Her speed and physical style will set our team's pace this year."

Euler has appeared in 123 games as a Wildcat, crossing the plate 48 times with 22 steals in primarily pinch-running appearances. She is battling back from offseason surgery, and has used that recovery to focus even harder on improving her game.

"Aly has done great work this fall getting healthy and up to speed," Drohan says. "Her offensive work has been excellent and will be yet another threat from the left side. As a senior, Aly adds strength to our already veteran outfield."

Wheeler is a two-year starter in left field with an absolute gun of an arm who worked this offseason to diversify her offensive game, adding power to her ability to slap.

"Jordan has proven to be a very savvy outfielder and is certainly a vocal leader on the field with a great arm," Drohan says. "Offensively, she continues to develop her combination of speed and power from the left side."

Quinn has started 73 games in right field in her first two years in purple, and is known as a very cerebral student-athlete. Another offensive weapon who can play bat control or power offense, Quinn was an All-Big Ten selection as a freshman.

"Quinn is a very smart player who celebrates the subtleties of our game," Drohan says. "She has excellent tools and bat control form the left side and her great work this fall has added to her physical play in the outfield."

Lilley appeared in 12 games as a true freshman a year ago, scoring four runs with a steal and a walk in her only plate appearance of the season. Hailing from a family of ballplayers, Lilley arrived at Northwestern with great knowledge of hitting and a strong respect for the game. She spent the offseason honing those inherent skills to play a greater on-field role in 2010.

"Lilley has a pretty swing with an excellent understanding of hitting," Drohan says. "She has great fight in the batter's box and continues to be a force in the outfield."

Scharkey rounds out Northwestern's outfield troops for the upcoming season, and she already is pushing for PT with her outstanding speed and work ethic. Cited by ESPN.com as one of the Gold club level's top outfield prospects, Scharkey has the ability to be an explosive table setter at the top of the lineup.

"Scharkey's speed is a game changer," Drohan says. "She has done great work in the outfield and her combination of speed, bat control and power will ignite our offense."