St. John's University Athletics
Red Storm Softball Heads South For FIU Tournament
2/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 12, 2009
VIDEO LINKS
STJ Softball 2009 Preview: Head Coach Amy Kvilhaug
STJ Softball 2009 Preview: Interviews with Kacee Cox, Linzee Sumrall and Roxy Struble
QUEENS, N.Y. - The St. John's softball travels to Miami, Fla., to play its first five games of the 2009 season at the FIU Tournament. St. John's will take on Temple on Friday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m., host FIU in a night game a 8 p.m., Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Noon, Michigan State at 2 p.m., and Georgetown on Sunday, Feb 15 at 12:30 p.m. in a non-conference battle.
• The Red Storm trails the all-time series with Temple, 3-9-2., is tied with FIU, 1-1, has never faced Florida Gulf Coast, leads its series with MSU 2-1 and has never met Georgetown.
• St. John's has not won a season-opening game since 2005, when the Red Storm beat Appalachian State, 7-1, in the Coastal Carolina Tournament.
• This is the first of four tournaments that the Red Storm will compete in this season. St. John's will travel to Farmville, Va., next weekend for the Longwood Tournament. The Red Storm then travels to Raleigh, N.C., for the Wolfpack Invitational hosted by NC State, the following weekend. St. John's will spend its spring break in Hawaii, as the team will take part in the Hawaii Spring Fling on March 11-14.
• Live stats for the tournament will be available at FIUSports.com.
STORMTRACKER
• The 2009 version of the Red Storm has reloaded by adding eight newcomers to an already talented group. St. John's looks to improve with the help of two sophomore starters and a strong heart of the lineup. As was the case in 2008, defense will be a cornerstone of the Red Storm, as well as timely hitting. Head coach Amy Kvilhaug looks to lead St. John's to its first BIG EAST Tournament appearance in three years.
• Last year's offensive leader and third baseman Kacee Cox, moves back to her natural position of catcher this season. Cox had a tremendous rookie campaign, ranking in the top 10 in the BIG EAST in slugging percentage (.590), doubles (15), home runs (9), total bases (95) and walks (26). Her 26 walks were also a Red Storm single-season record.
• First baseman Roxy Struble returns for her final season with the Red Storm and looks to regain her 2007 form in which she was selected to the All-BIG EAST third team. Struble had a solid 2008, as the senior recorded a career high in doubles (10) and added two home runs, 16 RBI and 15 walks to her career totals.
• Three freshmen will make up the rest of the St. John's infield. Meghan Gwynn, Jenna Berger and Julia Sanchez will play second base, shortstop and third base, respectively. What the Red Storm lack in experience they make up for in talent and defensive prowess, which suits the St. John's mold.
• Stacia Dopudja, a junior-transfer from Southeast Missouri, looks to make an impact for the Red Storm in her first season. She will see time as the designated player, but will also play some first base and see some time in the circle.
• Rightfield is occupied by sophomore leadoff hitter, Chelsea Durning. She laid claim to the corner outfield spot in the first game of last season and never gave it up. A feisty hitter who always works the count, she is dangerous with a bat in her hands. Durning also flashed one of the best gloves on the team, making many athletic plays last season without committing a single error in 52 chances.
• St. John's lone returning junior, Shauntaine Harris, returns for her third year starting in the outfield. Harris will occupy left field and possesses one of the strongest arms on the team.
• Centerfield has been claimed by freshman Kristi Cady. Cady, a tremendous competitor, covers a great deal of field while roaming center and her bat should find its way into the heart of the order. A three-sport athlete at Steinart High, she looks to be a staple in the Red Storm lineup.
• St. John's will lean heavily on its two returning sophomore pitchers. Kat Lawrence and Linzee Sumrall will anchor the Red Storm staff as each hopes to improve upon successful rookie campaigns.
• Lawrence proved to be the team's ace last year as was evident in her statistics. The freshman ranked among the best in the BIG EAST, ranking in the top 10 in games started (28), innings pitched (164.1) and strikeouts (163). Lawrence, who has now had a season against BIG EAST level competition, hopes to improve upon her first season numbers. The then-freshman boasted a season-best 15 strikeouts vs. St. Peter's (March 12) and a perfect game vs. Marist (April 16).
• Sumrall posted impressive strikeout numbers in her first season, striking out 52 batters in 52.0 innings pitched. The sophomore also had five complete games in 11 starts with five victories in 2008.
If you would like to receive the most up-to-date information on the 2008-09 St. John's softball team, please send your e-mail address to michael.gambardella03@stjohns.edu.
