2009 Softball Outlook

Fresh off its best season in its eight-year history, Guilford College's softball team is poised to contend for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) title. Third-year head coach Dennis Shores, the 2008 ODAC Coach of the Year, welcomes back nine letter winners from last year's 20-21-1 unit that set many school records, including wins in a season. The Quakers also earned a spot in the six-team ODAC Tournament and had two all-region performers, Kelly Guarnieri and Kelly Hale, both of whom return for their senior campaigns.

Shores as steadily increased the team's depth and competitiveness with solid recruiting classes in his two-plus seasons. He welcomes 11 newcomers in 2008, including six North Carolina students, who will undoubtedly push the veterans and contend for meaningful playing time. In addition to improving the Quakers' depth, Shores believes his increased emphasis on conditioning will help Guilford continue its ascent in the league standings.
Here's a preview of the 2008 Quakers by position:

PITCHER: Four-year starter Taryn Pulvermuller and Samantha Golley return after combining for 12 of Guilford's 20 wins last year. Ami Hutcherson pitched in one game as a rookie, but may see more mound work in 2009. Newcomers Jessica Burcham, Shelby Bowser, Myra Clark and Emily Willis give Guilford its deepest rotation ever.

CATCHER: Junior Charissa Duncan and freshman Morgan Andrews will split time behind the plate for the Quakers. The versatile Duncan, who also plays in the infield and outfield, finished among the team leaders in both runs batted in and hits last year.

INFIELD: A 2008 First Team All-ODAC first baseman, Hale returns for her final season already the Quakers’ career leader in home runs (15) and will likely add to that list this year. She hit .431 in 2008 with nine homers and 43 RBI, all school records. The second base job is wide open with six newcomers vying for the spot. Whoever doesn't win the job will back up Amber Stapler at shortstop and Hutcherson at third. Stapler earned All-ODAC Tournament honors and led the Quakers in hits and runs a year ago. Hutcherson, a steady defender, ranked among the team leaders in fielding percentage, batting average, hits and RBI.

OUTFIELD: After splitting time behind the plate in her first two seasons, Guarnieri moved to the outfield in 2009 and earned honorable mention All-ODAC honors for the third straight season. The Quakers’ career leader in runs and doubles, she enjoyed her best season in 2008 with a .400 batting average and team-high 10 doubles. Morgan Freyer also returns after starting all 42 games as a freshman. Classmate Courtney Kozar rejoins the team after a knee injury sidelined her six games into the 2008 campaign. Newcomers Sarah Pedroncelli and Kimberly Keys will also compete for outfield time in 2009.

A solid nonconference schedule should prepare the Quakers for the ODAC season, which starts March 15 against Randolph-Macon College. Guilford opens the season on the road against Greensboro College Feb. 11 after beating its crosstown-rival for the first time in school history last year. A spring-break trip to Orlando, Fla., will include at least four nonconference games at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex.