Two softball signings push the Hesston freshman class to ten
The Hesston College softball incoming freshman class now includes players from seven states, as coach Andrew Sharp announced recent additions from Colorado and Hawaii. The new players are:
- Kristi Sheets, P, Lakewood, Colorado
- Chandelle Dacosin, INF, P, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Kristi Sheets, a 5'10" pitcher from Lakewood, Colorado, will be a key member of the Hesston pitching staff next spring. According to Sharp, she will be a significant addition to the campus as well as to the Larks roster.
A graduate of Bear Creek High School, Sheets plays for the Colorado Majestic travel ball team, a class A U-18 participant. Sheets led the Majestic in nearly every pitching category this summer, including innings pitched, games, wins, and strikeouts.
“Kristi is just a great kid and a quality pitcher,” said Majestic coach Fred Whiteford. “She’s competitive and a team-player and she has been a pleasure to have on our roster.”
Sheets excels in the classroom as well and is planning to major in English and Literature. An academic letter recipient, Sheets earned a National Latin Exam Award during high school. Elsewhere, Sheets has volunteered with Animal Rescue and Adoption Society.
“Since getting to know Kristi, I’m confident she will thrive at Hesston College,” said Sharp. “When she visited campus, I just had a feeling that this place was an ideal match for her, and I can’t wait to see what she’s capable of. I like her competitive makeup in the circle, and with her arsenal of pitches, she has the tools to be an impact pitcher for us.”
Sheets is the daughter of David and Kellie Sheets, Lakewood.
Chandelle Dacosin, an infielder/pitcher from James B. Castle High School, will contribute both in the circle and on the infield for the Larks. Dacosin has the ability to play almost anywhere and adds instant speed and an impact bat to the Hesston lineup as well.
A starter throughout her time at Castle High, Dacosin batted .414 her senior year while earning league MVP and first-team league (eastern division) all star honors. Following her junior season, Dacosin was named a second-team all-league all star. Aside from high school ball, Dacosin played travel ball for Coach John Lee with the Kaikamahine Fastpitch Softball Club.
“Chandelle will be a great addition to the Hesston program,” said Coach Lee. “She is a hard-working kid with a great attitude and will be a leader on and off the field. Chan comes from a great family who is very supportive, and her positive attitude is simply infectious.”
“Chandelle will turn some heads in our league,” commented Sharp. “She brings a wealth of experience at both the high school and travel ball levels. Her skill set will translate in a variety of ways to our roster, and coming from a long ways away, she is going to add a lot to our campus. We’re very fortunate to have signed her this late in the summer.”
Dacosin is the daughter of Darren and Monica Dacosin, Kaneohe.
Sharp announces two recent signings for upcoming softball season
The 2010 Hesston College softball roster is beginning to round into shape, as Coach Andrew Sharp has added two players who will begin their collegiate careers next spring. The recent additions include:
- Jenessa Stahl, INF, UTL, Newton, Kansas
- Erika Shrock, INF, Sarasota, Florida
Stahl, a middle infielder/utility player from Newton High School, will be counted on to add depth to the Hesston roster in a variety of ways. A versatile player at Newton High, Stahl primarily played shortstop, center, and left field for the Railers during her senior year.
A four-year starter and letter-winner at Newton High, Stahl was a key member of the 2007 Newton team that advanced to the state tournament. In 2009, the Railers finished with a 15-7 record, and were one win away from the state tournament.
“Jenessa had a very nice career at NHS, being named twice to all-conference teams,” explained Newton Coach Mike Boston. “Jenessa's heart, desire to win, and unselfish play were all qualities that she showed. As one of two seniors this year, she was a leader by example and did what was asked of her to help the team. I am excited for her having the opportunity to take her game to the next level.”
Stahl is a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Newton, and is active in her youth group there.
“Jenessa is a special recruit for me in a lot of ways,” said Sharp. “She was the first prospective player I met with after being named coach at Hesston, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know her in the time since then. I know she’s going to have a great experience here, and her time with a program like Newton High will make the transition to our level of ball a smooth one.”
Stahl is the daughter of Bobby and Jenifer Stahl, Newton.
Shrock, a middle infielder from Sarasota (Fla.) Christian School (SCS), is the most recent addition to the Hesston roster, and is expected to find a home somewhere on the Larks infield next spring, according to Sharp.
A captain her senior year, Shrock batted .495 with a team-high five homeruns at SCS, earning team MVP honors. Following her junior season, Shrock was named Offensive MVP for SCS. As a freshman for Riverview High, Shrock earned Rookie of the Year honors.
Shrock was a member of this year’s SCS team that captured the district championship and advanced to the regional semi-final. She was a key contributor to the SCS district runner-up team the previous year.
Shrock's accomplishments are not limited to the playing field, as she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Sarasota Christian. A National Honor Society member, Shrock achieved Highest Honor Roll status following her senior year.
Shrock is a member of Bay Shore Mennonite Church, Sarasota, and is active in the youth group there.
“Erika is just the type of student-athlete we look for,” said Sharp. “She’s coming here for softball, but that’s certainly not the only thing that attracted her to our campus. In my opinion, the thing that ultimately brought her to Hesston is the environment that is present here and the relationships that are formed. Erika is a significant addition to our campus and our team, and will be counted on to be a leader right away.”
Shrock is the daughter of Rod and Glenna Shrock, Sarasota.
Sky View (Smithfield,Utah) grad Makenzie Jones signs to play softball
Hesston College softball coach Andrew Sharp has announced the recent signing of Makenzie Jones, a catcher/pitcher from Sky View High School in Smithfield, Utah.
Jones was a two-time all-valley honorable mention selection in softball for Sky View High, serving as the primary catcher for her team the past three seasons and captain for the last two.
A multisport athlete at Sky View, Jones was a varsity captain for one year with the swimming team. She also played volleyball for Sky View, where she was a member of the 2007 and 2008 Bobcat teams that captured the region championship.
A Presidential Scholar recipient at Hesston College, Jones excels in the classroom as well, and was recognized as an academic all-state student-athlete following her senior year. A Sky View Top Scholar and Art Sterling Scholar, Jones served as president of the Boys and Girls Association.
Jones is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
“We are going to miss Makenzie behind the plate next year,” said Sky View head coach Shane Jones. “We will miss her leadership and intelligence on the field. She is one of the best defensive catchers and smartest players I have coached. She does all the little things that help win ball games. Makenzie is a clutch hitter who has good power and the ability to drive in runs. She works hard year round and is extremely excited to be playing ball for Hesston.”
“Signing Kenzie is a significant step in growing our program at Hesston College,” said Sharp. “I cannot wait to see her on campus this fall, and I’m excited to see what she can do on the field and in the classroom for us. Kenzie is a player who Hesston fans will enjoy watching the next two seasons. ”
Jones is the daughter of Shane and Judy Jones, Hyde Park, Utah.
Sharp announces pair of signings for '09 softball class
Hesston College softball coach Andrew Sharp has announced the recent signing of two players for the upcoming season. The newest Larks are:
- Alyssa Steiner, INF, Kidron, Ohio
- Jodi Stutzman, INF, Middlebury, Indiana
Steiner, an infielder from Central Christian School (Kidron, Ohio), has lettered her entire career for Central. Following her junior season, Steiner was named most valuable offensive player for the Comets.
 front: Mitch Steiner (father), Alyssa Steiner back: Zach Kooker (Central Christian athletic director), Andrew Sharp (Hesston College softball coach), Greg Foster (Central Christian softball coach) |
 (front row): Pauline Stutzman (mother), Jodi Stutzman, Kermit Stutzman (father) (back row): Andrew Sharp (Hesston College softball coach), Krysten Parson (Bethany Christian softball coach) |
Steiner excels in the classroom as well, as she was on the honor roll all four years of high school. A Hesston College Dean’s Scholarship recipient, Steiner will continue her academic career in either biology or pre-medicine at Hesston.
Steiner is a member of Kidron Mennonite Church, where she is active in the youth group. She will continue a family tradition of attending Hesston College. Her parents, Mitch and Dawn Steiner of Kidron, are both graduates of Hesston College.
"I am simply thrilled to have Alyssa join our program," commented Sharp. "I've known her for a long time, and am looking forward to having her on campus this fall. Alyssa is a versatile player who will add to our roster in so many ways."
Stutzman, an infielder from Bethany Christian School (Goshen, Ind.), has been a key member of her high school team throughout the past four years. Stutzman is a career .339 batter for the Bruins while playing on the left side of the infield.
A four-year letter-winner in basketball and softball, Stutzman is a versatile player who will make an immediate impact for the Larks this fall.
Stutzman is a proven academic student as well as an accomplished athlete. She was awarded a Hesston College Dean’s Scholarship, and is an honor roll and math honors recipient at Bethany.
Stutzman is a member of Pleasant View Mennonite Church, where she has been involved in vacation Bible school as well as the youth group there.
“Jodi is a tough player, a competitor, and consummate teammate,” said Sharp. “I have no doubt she will be a key player for us this year. She is well-coached in the fundamentals of the game, and I am looking forward to counting her as a Lark for the next two years.”
Stutzman is the daughter of Kermit and Pauline Stutzman, Middlebury, Indiana.
Moundridge Grad Samantha Brouwer signs to play softball at Hesston College
Samantha Brouwer, a catcher/outfielder from Moundridge (Kan.) High School has signed a letter of intent to play softball at Hesston College.
Brouwer has been involved in cheerleading, dance, as well as basketball and softball at Moundridge High.
A multitalented player, Brouwer was given honorable mention honors as a utility player in the Heart of America League following her sophomore season with Moundridge Softball. A year later, Brouwer again received honorable mention in the HOA, this time as a catcher.
Aside from softball, Brouwer is an honor roll student, and is active in her youth group at Countryside Covenant Church.
“Samantha brings speed and versatility to our roster, and will absolutely make an early impact with us,” commented Coach Andrew Sharp. “Samantha is a competitor, she comes from a solid program, and I’m thrilled to have her join the team.”
Brouwer is the daughter of Bill and Nancy Brouwer, Moundridge.
Larks rally in second game for double-header split
The Hesston College softball team earned a split against Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College on Friday night; falling 7-2 in the opener before rallying for a 6-2 win in game two.
In game one, Velda Miller (Haven, Kan.), Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa), and Kristin Nussbaum (Phoenix, Ariz.) recorded two hits each in the losing effort. Nussbaum knocked in a pair of runs in the fifth with a double that plated pitcher Jayme Hays (Clearwater, Kan.) and Schrock.
Down 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth in game two, the Larks faced a tough situation with runners on second and third and no outs. Freshman pitcher Heather Torres (Newton, Kan.) induced a groundout to third, then erased the Coffeyville leadoff hitter with a called strike three for the second out. With two gone, Torres forced an infield popup, and second baseman Yvonne Gonzales (Ulysses, Kan.) was there to end the inning.
Hesston carried that momentum to the top of the sixth, as Julie Weaver (Hesston, Kan.) reached on an error to start the rally. Following a Tessa Walters (Salina, Kan.) sacrifice bunt, Gonzales put runners at the corners with a single. Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) singled Weaver home to make it a 2-1 game, and set the stage for freshman Amber Repp (Valley Center, Kan.), who smacked a double to right-center than put the Larks up 3-2.
An inning later, Hesston tacked three more runs on the board, highlighted by RBI doubles from Walters and Masenthin.
Masenthin’s seventh-inning hit finished off a 4-for-4 day at the plate for the freshman. Gonzales finished three-for-four.
On the mound, Torres worked a complete-game five-hitter, surrendering just one earned run and two walks, while striking out four to earn her second win in four days.
Rally comes up just short as Larks fall to Neosho County
The Hesston College softball team dropped a home double-header to Neosho County Community College (Chanute, Kan.) on Thursday afternoon, despite a late rally in game two that forced extra-innings. Scores of the contests were 9-3 and 5-4.
After a three-run inning gave Neosho a 4-1 lead in the fifth inning of game two, the Larks fought back with a run in their half of the fifth, and a two-run sixth inning to tie the game at four all.
Down 4-3 with two outs in sixth, freshman Amber Repp (Valley Center, Kan.) connected for a single to left-center that scored the fourth Hesston run. Heather Torres (Newton, Kan.), who had relieved Jayme Hays (Clearwater, Kan.) on the mound, held the Neosho offense at bay through the seventh inning.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Larks needed a single run to claim their third win in the last four games, but were unable to get anything going as the game moved into the eighth.
Neosho pushed across an unearned run in the top of the eighth, and this time Hesston was unable to come, falling by a 5-4 final.
Kristin Nussbaum (Phoenix, Ariz.), Julie Weaver (Hesston, Kan.), and Tessa Walters (Salina, Kan.) each enjoyed two-hit games for the Larks, while Hays and Torres combined to toss eight innings with just one earned run allowed.
In the opener, Neosho plated seven runs in a three-inning stretch to open up the game. The visitors out-hit the Larks 10-8.
Up next for Hesston, a two-day road swing into southeastern Kansas to take on Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College and Labette Community College (Parsons, Kan.).
Torres dominates Brown Mackie as Larks earn pair of road wins
The Hesston College softball team swept a road double-header against Region VI rival Brown Mackie College (Salina, Kan.) on Tuesday, 8-0 and 7-4.
In game one, freshman pitcher Heather Torres (Newton, Kan.) was in complete command, surrendering just two late singles and two walks, while striking out three to earn the complete-game shutout win. Torres faced 18 batters in the contest, just three over the minimum in the five-inning game.
Offensively, Torres was helped by eight Hesston hits, including a 2-4 day from Velda Miller (Haven, Kan.). Miller knocked in two runs, while sophomore Tessa Walters (Salina, Kan.) plated three with a hit in three at bats. Walters’ two-run single in the Lark’s third broke open the game for Hesston, as they built a commanding 6-0 lead after three innings.
In game two, the Larks found themselves in an early 4-1 hole before a late offensive outburst gave Hesston a double-header sweep in Salina. Freshman pitcher Jayme Hays (Clearwater, Kan.) overcame six Hesston errors to earn the complete-game victory. The right-hander struck out eight, while surrendering a pair of walks and four hits.
Heading into the fifth, Brown Mackie held a three-run lead before Yvonne Gonzales (Ulysses, Kan.) scored courtesy of a Walters RBI single to cut the lead to 4-2.
An inning later, three Brown Mackie walks loaded the bases to bring Gonzales to the plate. The Lark’s freshman second-baseman smacked a 1-1 offering to centerfield that plated Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) and Kristin Nussbaum (Phoenix, Ariz.) and tied the game at four runs a piece. A walk to Hays again loaded the bases, and this time it was Walters who came through with a 2-RBI single to left to give Hesston a 6-4 lead.
Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) knocked home Schrock with an RBI single in the seventh to set the final at 7-4. Masenthin lead the Lark’s eight-hit attack with a 3-4 effort, while Schrock and Walters each finished with two hits.
Walters finished a combined 3-6 in the double-headed with six runs batted in.
 Lauren Franz (front, center) signs a letter of intent to play softball at Hesston College. She is flanked by her parents, Janet and Ray Franz. Also observing are Hesston High Softball Coach Tina Haga and Hesston College Softball Coaches Andrew Sharp and Alaina Kaufman. |
Hesston High School grad Lauren Franz signs to play softball at Hesston College
Lauren Franz, a catcher from Hesston (Kan.) High School, has signed a letter of intent to continue play softball at Hesston College.
Franz lettered three years in softball for Hesston High, batting .286 as a junior with four doubles and 12 RBI for the Swathers. A dual-sport athlete, Franz is a three-year letter winner in tennis as well.
“Lauren is exactly what I’m looking for in a student-athlete,” said Hesston College Coach Andrew Sharp. “She brings a nice skill set behind the dish as well as a solid bat to the lineup. Lauren will make a contribution to both our team on the field and to our community on campus.”
Franz is the daughter of Ray and Janet Franz, Hesston.
Johnson County edges Hesston in region VI action; 5-2, 2-0
The Hesston College softball team dropped a pair of games to Johnson County Community College (Overland Park, Kan.) on Saturday by scores of 5-2 and 2-0.
In the first game, the Lark offense wasted no time getting on the board, as freshman Elice Frey (Riley, Kan.) singled to lead off the bottom of the first. Shortstop Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) walked, and following a double-steal, catcher Kristin Nussbaum (Phoenix, Ariz.) walked to lead the bases. Yvonne Gonzales (Ulysses, Kan.) knocked in Frey with a ground ball to the right side to tie the game at 1-1.
Over the next three innings, however, the Johnson County offense pushed across three runs to make it 4-1, and the visitors hung on for a 5-2 win.
Frey finished with two hits in four times at bat, while Velda Miller (Haven, Kan.) and Brittany Albrecht (Sebewaing, Mich.) added singles in the fourth and seventh innings, respectively.
In the second game, Frey was dominant in the circle for Hesston, allowing just four hits and no earned runs in a complete-game effort. The left-hander struck out two, while issuing just one walk.
After JCCC scored two unearned runs in the third, Frey was in complete command, allowing just a pair of singles the rest of the way.
Frey went one for three offensively to finish off a combined 3/7 day at the plate. Nussbaum reached base three times on two walks and a fourth inning double.
Dodge City collects double-header sweep over Hesston
The Hesston College softball team jumped out to a 2-0 lead against Dodge City (Kan.) Community College on Tuesday afternoon, only to have the home Conquistadors come back with a six-run second and hold on for an 8-3 win in game one of a Region VI double-header. Hesston scored first in game two as well, but Dodge again rallied for the win, this time by a 9-1 count.
In the opener, Elice Frey (Riley, Kan.) wasted no time by reaching first with a single in the Larks first trip to the plate. Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) followed with a double to put runners at first and second, and sophomore Kristin Nussbaum (Phoenix, Ariz.) added an RBI single that plated Frey. Schrock would later score to give the Larks an early edge.
Down 7-2 in the third, Hesston fought back when Nussbaum collected her second single of the game and was knocked home by a Velda Miller (Haven, Kan.) double to close the gap to five.
Frey and Nussbaum each had two hits in game one, while Schrock, Miller, Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) and Tessa Walters (Salina, Kan.) each recorded a base hit.
In game two, Schrock, Jayme Hays (Clearwater, Kan.), and Yvonne Gonzales (Ulysses, Kan.) each had a base hit in the contest, while Schrock and Frey each recorded a stolen base.
Hesston returns to the diamond on Friday, April 10, at 3 p.m. when they host Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College at the Hesston City Diamond.
Chaparral High School grad Melissa Denton signs to play softball at Hesston College
Melissa Denton, a 5'7" catcher/outfielder from Chaparral (Kan.) High School, has signed a letter of intent to play softball at Hesston College.
Denton is a three-sport athlete at Chaparral High, as she also plays basketball and volleyball. During her junior year, Denton was named as an all-league honorable mention outfielder, as well as the 2008 Chaparral High Outfielder of the year. She will be the primary catcher for Chaparral during the 2009 season.
Denton also excels in the classroom, as she has been named to the honor roll all four years during her high school career. During her junior and senior years, Denton was given the Academic Honors Award, and she currently serves as President of the National Honor Society at Chaparral.
“Melissa will make an immediate impact on our roster,” said Hesston softball coach Andrew Sharp. “Having played multiple positions in high school, she brings versatility to the field. Melissa is a great addition to the Hesston program, she is a committed student-athlete who wants to win, and I’m looking forward to working with her.”
Denton is the daughter of Deanna Smithhisler, Anthony.
Pratt wins double-header at Hesston College
The Pratt (Kan.) Community College softball team beat the Hesston College Larks in game one 6-0, and then scored three late runs in game two to sweep the double-header at the Hesston City Diamond on Tuesday afternoon.
In the second game, Pratt held a one-run lead into the bottom of the fifth inning, but the Larks responded with a run of their own to tie the game. Pitcher Jayne Hays (Clearwater, Kan.) reached first on an error, and after being sacrificed to second by Velda Miller (Haven, Kan.), sophomore Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) knocked Hays home with a single to center. Pratt, however, responded with a three-run sixth to set the final score of 4-1.
Hays was superb on the mound for the Larks, surrendering just one hit through the first five frames.
Offensively, Schrock collected a base hit in both games, going a combined 2-5 with an RBI. Miller and Brittany Albrecht (Sebewaing, Mich.) also recorded a hit in game one, while freshmen Elice Frey (Riley, Kan.) and Julie Weaver (Hesston, Kan.) each had a hit in game two.
Sharp named softball coach
Andy Sharp, a 1999 Hesston College graduate, has accepted an appointment to coach the college's softball team. Sharp played baseball both years at Hesston then transferred to Millersville University (Lancaster, Pa.) where he earned a bachelor's degree in history. He will complete a master's degree in sports administration from Wichita (Kan.) State University in May. In addition to serving as a Hesston College admissions counselor since 2004, Andy served as an assistant baseball coach for four years. He also coached the Newton, Kansas, American Legion Baseball team for two years--one as an assistant coach, one as head coach. "Andy's passion for Hesston College and it's athletic programs, and his background and experience in recruiting, make me confident that he will bring success to the Lark's softball program," commented Athletic Director Art Mullet.
Allen takes two from Larks
The Hesston College softball team lost a pair of games to Allen County Community College (Iola, Kan.) on Saturday afternoon by the scores of 12-3 and 7-3.
In game one, the visitors pounded out 12 hits and stole nine bases in the 12-3 win. Hesston sophomore Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) swiped two bags of her own, while Yvonne Gonzales (Ulysses, Kan.), Elice Frey (Riley, Kan.), and Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) each knocked in a run for the Larks.
In the second game, freshman Jayme Hays (Clearwater, Kan.) smacked a double down the right-field line that brought home two runs in the seventh inning for Hesston. Hays also pitched the last two innings for the Larks, yielding no earned runs and two hits.
Freshman left-hander Elice Frey pitched the first five innings for Hesston, surrendering three earned runs on three hits while striking out four. Kristin Nussbaum (Phoenix, Ariz.), Heather Torres (Newton, Kan.), and Tessa Walters (Salina, Kan.) collected one hit a piece in the second game.
Late rally not enough as Tigers sweep double-header from Larks
Despite a five-run rally late in game two, the Hesston College softball team fell by a 12-5 score in the second game of a double-header to Jayhawk Conference heavyweight Cowley County Community College (Arkansas, City, Kan.). The Larks fell in the opener, 7-0. The setbacks drop the Larks to 0-6 on the year.
Down 12-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth of the nightcap, the Hesston offense came to life thanks to a four-hit inning. Freshman Jayme Hays (Clearwater, Kan.) started things with a single to right, and following a Brittany Albrecht (Sebewaing, Mich.) sacrifice bunt that moved Hays to second, Amber Repp (Park City, Kan.) singled to put runners at the corners.
Megan Schrock followed with an RBI single to break up the shutout, and Velda Miller (Haven, Kan.) reached on an error that made it 12-2. Sophomore catcher Kristin Nussbaum (Phoenix, Ariz.) reached on a fielder’s choice, and two batters later Abigail Roth (Wood River, Neb.) knocked in two more with a single to make it 12-4. Nussbaum later scored on a passed ball to cut the Cowley lead to seven, but that was as close as the Larks would get.
In game one, Cowley right-hander Jacey Juden pitched a complete-game no-hitter to beat Hesston. After jumping ahead 7-0 after four innings, Larks freshman Heather Torres (Newton, Kan.) came on the make her college debut, and responded with three solid innings of relief, holding the Tiger bats hitless while striking out one.
The Larks will look for their first win of the season on Saturday, March 21, when they take on Allen County Community College (Iola, Kan.) at 1 p.m. at the Hesston City Diamond.
Larks drop double-header to Hutchinson CC
The Hesston College softball team dropped a pair of home games to region rival Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College on Tuesday afternoon, 8-2 and 6-2.
In game one, Hutchinson broke open a 3-2 game with a five-run outburst in the sixth inning to set the final score. The Dragons outhit Hesston 9-3 in the first contest to claim the win. Kristen Nussbaum (Phoenix, Ariz.), Yvonne Gonzales (Ulysses, Kan.), and Julie Weaver (Hesston, Kan.) each collected a hit for the Larks.
Freshman Jayme Hays (Clearwater, Kan.) went the distance for Hesston in the opener, her third complete game of the year.
In game two, freshman Elice Frey (Riley, Kan.) made her college debut by tossing a complete game, giving up just two earned runs and striking out three in the 6-2 loss.
Offensively for the Larks, centerfielder Velda Miller (Haven, Kan.) went 1-3 with a run scored, and Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) recorded a 2-3 day at the plate.
The Larks will return to action in mid-March following spring break.
Short-handed Larks drop double-header to start season
Despite missing two key players who are still playing basketball for the Larks, the Hesston College Softball team nearly beat Cloud County Community College (Concordia, Kan.) in game one of a double-header to open the 2009 season, falling 4-3 in the opener. Hesston fell in game two by the score of 11-2.
Freshman right-hander Jayme Hays (Clearwater, Kan.) was the only available pitcher and started both games for the Larks. Hays pitched well in her college debut, allowing four hits and no earned runs through six innings while striking out four in game one.
In game one, the Larks rallied from a 3-1 deficit with two runs in the top of the sixth to tie things up at 3-3. Cloud County responded with a run of their own in the home half of the sixth, however, and the Larks were unable to push across the potential tying run in the seventh.
Sophomore catcher Kristin Nussbaum (Phoenix, Ariz.) went 2-3 with a double in game one. Velda Miller (Haven, Kan.), Hays, and Brittany Albrecht (Pigeon, Mich.) each recorded a double as well for the Hesston offense. The Larks outhit Cloud County 6-4 in the opener.
In game two, the Cloud County bats were able to catch up to Hays’ pitches, scoring eight runs in the second inning to open up a 10-0 lead. Hesston managed to push across two runs in the final three innings to make it an 11-2 final.
Nussbaum again went 2-3 to lead the Lark offense, finishing with four hits on the day. Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) recorded a double and a run scored in two at bats, while centerfielder Miller smacked a solo homerun.
The Larks return to action on Tuesday, March 3, when they take on Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College at the Hesston city diamond. The double-headed is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
Several new faces join solid returning nucleus for Hesston Softball
Hesston College Softball Coach Alaina Kaufman returns four key players from last year’s roster as the Larks prepare for the 2009 season. Catcher Kristin Nussbaum (Phoenix, Ariz.), shortstop Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa), and outfielders Velda Miller (Haven, Kan.) and Tessa Walters (Salina, Kan.) will provide leadership both on and off the field this year for the Larks.
Kaufman described her returning players as “four natural leaders who will help out in so many ways this year. Kristin and Megan will serve as co-captains, but they will all provide leadership.”
Kaufman is excited about the incoming group of first-year players, headlined by three quality pitchers who will each log significant innings for the Larks this spring. Jayme Hays (Clearwater, Kan.) is a right-handed pitcher who throws an array of pitches, while another right-hander, Heather Torres (Newton, Kan.), is a local product whose consistency will aid the Lark staff this year. The third freshman pitcher on the Hesston roster is 5'11" lefthander Elice Frey (Riley, Kan.), who will join the softball team as soon as the basketball season ends.
On the infield, Schrock returns at shortstop with several talented newcomers surrounding her. Yvonne Gonzales (Ulysses, Kan.) is another dual-sport athlete who will join the active softball roster with Frey after basketball season, while Brittany Albrecht (Pigeon, Mich.) will compete for playing time either on the infield or the outfield. Julie Weaver (Hesston, Kan.) brings experience at first base to the Larks roster, and Abigail Roth (Wood River, Neb.) will also compete for time on the infield.
Behind the plate for the Larks will be Nussbaum, a second-year starter who provides a solid bat for the Hesston lineup. Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) will add depth to the catcher position as well as compete for time in the outfield.
Miller and Walters will be constants for the Larks in the outfield, with several other players vying for time there as well.
The Lark’s schedule consists of 15 double-headers, with all 30 games coming against teams from the always-tough Jayhawk Conference.
Coach Kaufman is expecting a baby in early April. Assistant coach Scott Ferguson assuming full-time coaching duties at that point.