Softball prepares for explosive season
Campus Times
February 21, 1997
Get ready for the explosion today at the University of Redlands when
the University of La Verne softball team takes the field for the first time
this season.
In previous years, the Leopards had to face NAIA scholarship schools
and Division I non-scholarship schools on their schedule.
According to head coach Julie Kline, there will be no excuses this year.
With the fall sports slightly running into the season, the team has
not been able to put the total squad together. "We haven't had a complete
defense out there," said freshmen Jamie Poole, second baseman.
Also, junior Teresa Garcia, outfielder, agreed with their problem of
not having a collective team. But she insisted they were going to surprise
a lot of people with an outstanding season.
"Everyone is willing to give all and work hard," said Garcia.
Freshman pitcher Michelle Geiger, senior infielder Katie Miner and senior
outfielder Kelly Perkins are coming out from the basketball season to join
the team.
"I believe player for player this team is one of the most talented
teams we have had here. We expect to contend for the championship every
year," Kline said.
There are five returners from last year-senior shortstop Loree Grey,
junior third baseman Liz Lomeli, senior outfielder Jenna Bowman, Garcia
and Perkins. But the team will be counting on the young and fresh arm of
Teresa DeValle, a freshmen pitcher. DeValle brings a fastball, drop, rise,
curve and her favorite pitch of all, the change-up, to ULV.
DeValle, has come back to softball after not playing for the last two
years in high school.
"Julie, who was my P.E. teacher, told me to come out and practice
and I did," DeValle said.
"The younger players have an opportunity to learn from some very
talented seniors," Kline said.
Poole said the team consists of many strengths, but ULV's pitching is
its top.
Kline considers the fundamentals of the game are the key to winning
games. In doing so, they work hard on defense and hitting every practice.
"We hit every day in the cage and once a week live pitching,"
said Poole.
According to Garcia, the positive attitudes maintained by all the players
is great.
"Everybody is getting along and that is the most important thing,"
Garcia said.
Spring break will not bring time to rest for this team, instead they
will play the Trinity Tournament in San Antonio, Texas.
"The San Antonio Tournament is a great opportunity for us to gain
regional and national exposure. We will be focused," Kline said.
The Leopards goal of defeating three teams in San Antonio will make
them tournament champions.
"We take one game at a time. Good things happen to teams that work
hard," said Kline.
But, before the tournament they will have to face defending SCIAC champion
Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks March 7.