One to Grow On
Well, the NCAA Regionals didn't go the way that Terri Sullivan had hoped for her Illinois softball squad, as the Illini were two and out in the double-elimination format. Illinois had the misfortune of drawing the top two seeds in their first two contests, facing top-seeded DePaul in the losers bracket after Bradley pulled off an upset in the opening game against the Blue Demons on Friday. The Illini close the season with a 29-17 record, and had their best season since a Sweet 16 appearance in 2004. Here are some reasons for Illinois softball fans to expect an even better season in 2010:
* A very young roster this season gained some very valuable experience. True freshman Monica Perry threw 247.2 of the team's 312.1 innings this season, setting a season record for strikeouts in the process. The Illini also lose just two position players from their starting lineup, catcher Lana Armstrong and designated player Katrina Ross. Although the Illini will miss those two right-handed bats and their senior leadership, they appear to have players ready to step into both spots: Linnea Detrick at catcher, and a number of players could enter the lineup at DP.
* The Illini enjoyed their success in 2009 without a regular shortstop. Two players, freshman Jessica Davis and sophomore Danielle Vaji, were lost to season-ending injuries. That left utility players Ashley Conrad and Audrey Gallien to step in at this vital position. Both gave it their best shot, but the defense was not quite what it might have been with Davis or Vaji, as both Conrad and Gallien sported fielding percentages of less than .900. Both Davis and Vaji should be ready to contribute again in 2010.
* More help is on the way, especially for Perry. It will be difficult for the Illini to advance much farther than they did in 2009 without a second pitcher for Terri Sullivan to count on for key outs. Pepper Gay and Jackie Guy will join the Illini this fall as part of a three-player recruiting class. Illinois will count on one or both of them to be contributors in 2010.
With softball now officially done for the season, I'll turn my blogging attention to offseason wrestling and soccer news. Hope you'll continue to join me. Thanks for reading.
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