February 2, 1995
Armed offensively with powerful bats and equipped with a tough, steady defense, the SF State women's softball team should be tougher this season than last year's 13-39-0 squad.
The Gators are quick and strong in the outfield and steady in the infield, according to Coach Diane Kalliam. Each position is solid and backed by a talented bench.
"I am happy with the defense and we have a very good offense," Kalliam said. "We are better than last year's team."
Offensively, the Gators will use power and muscle at the plate as well as good speed on the bases.
According to Kalliam, the Gator's starting lineup may include as many as seven new hitters.
Becky Simpson (.316), who led the Gators last season with a .468 slugging percentage, is returning as an offensive threat. She should get help from freshmen Dikla Orevi, Marisa Owens, Marica Smith and Orange Coast College transfer April Crosby.
"We have a lot of people coming back who can hit," Simpson said. "But we also have a lot of new recruits who can produce at the plate. We should have a good, solid field. But if the other team scores a couple of runs, we'll need offense to counteract that."
Pitching will be the Gator's achilles heal, with no returning pitchers and no incoming prospects. According to Kalliam, there are currently five women throwing the ball, but only two have experience.
Although pitching makes up approximately 90 percent of the game, Kalliam is confident that her tough defensive unit will keep the Gators competitive. As opposed to Division I, it is tougher for Division II pitchers to dominate the game, according to Kalliam.
Without an ace on the mound, the Gators will have to rely on defense to command the game. "If our pitchers can come through and keep us in the game by not giving up too many walks," Kalliam said, "our defense can shut other teams down."
The Gators have seven returning players, five of whom started last season. "We are very young," Kalliam said. "With no returning seniors, we need experience playing together. We need to gel as a team."
Returning for the Gators are sophomore first sacker Amy Cleary (.306), Kim Cordoni (.266), Estella Jimenez (.218), outfielder Gwen Kagaoan (.265), outfielder Ramie Ming (.202) and Monica Rubina (.302).
Extended rain has pushed the Gators indoors to practice with whiffle balls, consequently making it tough for Kalliam to get a good read on her squad. Kalliam is excited about her players and believes in them. "We have the potential to have a very good team," she said.
The Gator's home opener against Humboldt is Sunday at noon. Humboldt, which reached the finals last year and has many returning players, will be one of the Gator's toughest opponents, Kalliam said.