Elaine Sortino has built a dynasty after 25 years in Amherst, with the UMass coach establishing the Massachusetts softball team as one of the most talented programs on the east coast.
Looking to capture her 10th straight A-10 title and a spot in College World Series, Sortino was faced with a challenge in 2004, though.
The 2003 Minutewomen featured four of UMass’ six All-Conference selections being seniors in shortstop Emily Robustelli, outfielder Anna Perey, first baseman Brandi Cross and pitcher Kaila Holtz. Sortino has reloaded with a talented freshman class and is confident this squad is one of her most talented teams ever, despite winning one out of four contests during the Fiesta Bowl Classic against the best teams in the nation.
“The difference [this year] is the experience, that’s it,” Sortino said. “I think we got a lot more talent this year than in past years. This is probably the team with the most depth I’ve ever had in my coaching tenure.”
Perey, a 4-foot-11 outfielder, finished the 2003 season with a .355 batting average and stole 22 bases.
Cross hit an UMass-record 11 homeruns last season and 26 career dingers, which tied for best in school history.
Robustelli was named A-10 Player of the Year and a Third Team All-American after leading the Minutewomen with 43 runs scored, 64 hits, 15 doubles, four triples, 105 total bases and .597 slugging percentage. The shortstop’s .364 batting average was also second on the team in 2003.
Holtz was named A-10 Pitcher of the Year as junior and senior, posting 75-25 and 1.40 ERA in her career. Now on staff as a first-year assistant, her 596 strikeouts, 92 complete games and 35 shutouts trail only the legendary Danielle Henderson. Holtz also complied five no-hitters including one perfect game in her four-year career.
The Outfield
Aisha Franke will be the cornerstone in front of the fence. She was named to preseason Top 40 Watchlist, which names players who are possible Player of the Year candidates. The senior outfielder sported a team-best .403 BA and has exceptional speed stealing 18 bases in 20 attempts. Franke, A 2003 All Conference and Regional selection, is a skilled defender with the speed and arm strength to make easy extra bases or hit into an instant out.
“Aisha brings this year opposed last is her ability to drive the ball,” Sortino said. “Getting her on base is critical, because it gets us to steal bases. Her small game and her ability to fly down the line will only increase by her ability to drive the ball.”
Junior Denise Denis and senior KC Budrewicz are the early favorites to play along side Franke. Denis is solid defender in the outfield, who hit .235 in 49 games. Budrewicz has been three years for the chance as a full-time starter. Sophomore Lesley Ferrara will add depth to the outfield.
“I think this the best outfield with the best arms we’ve ever had in my coaching tenure,” Sortino said. “We got a lot of possibilities, so if someone isn’t hitting we got another option.”
The Infield
Franke’s speed and hitting ability, should give sophomore third baseman/catcher K.J. Kelley the opportunity to improve her impressive freshman campaign. Kelley’s patience, quick hands and power made her an instant threat at the plate as a freshman with eight homeruns, tied for fourth-best all-time. After a year of experience and an off-season to improve, Kelley could be starting a storybook career at UMass.
“She’s a tough out,” Sortino said. “She did 20 times better at the plate than she did last year. She was a baby last year and had no idea what was going on. She is going to be a really tough at-bat every time in the box.”
The third leader of the group will be catcher Jamie Cahalan. The senior captain has a solid bat, but she is most valuable through her leadership, handling the pitching staff and the strong arm behind the plate.
Junior Hilary Puglia, who will make the move from second base to shortstop, highlights the strong UMass infield defense. Puglia is an exceptional defender, evident through her .984 fielding percentage. The first option to replace Puglia at second will be sophomore speedy Kristi Stefanoni.
The battle at first base will be between a couple of newcomers. The early favorite is freshman Amanda Morin, who had a solid debut at the Fiesta Bowl Classic. The 5-foot-11 lefty appears to have all the tools-a long wingspan, speed, a good eye, strong arm and power. Freshman Amanda Acampora’s hitting is regarded highly by Sortino and could be see some action at first.
Senior Nicole Wilson and junior Pam Sulick are the key veteran reserves on the team, with either player able to play first or third. In the middle, sophomore Shannon Houle and freshman Molinari will also add depth.
The Pitching Staff
The ace of the pitching is still in the air. The favorite is the veteran of the group, junior Kelli Arnold. The Kalama, Wash. Native was the No. 2 behind Holtz while posting a 13-6 record and a 1.58 ERA. Arnold’s five shutouts and one no-hitter last year shows her ability to dominate on the mound.
The other two hurlers are Jenna Busa and Barb LaFogg. Busa showed glimpses of greatness in first year at UMass, going 3-0 with a 0.98 ERA in 21.1 innings. LaFogg is junior who redshirted after transferring from Seton Hall.
“The pitching staff compliments each other very well, because they are all very different pitchers,” Sortino said. “Barbie is more curve-up [as] Jenna is more coming at you [while] Kelli is more down-change. We have three very different pitchers who can relieve each other at anytime, which should help us out.”
