HOME OF BULLDOG SOFTBALL - 1989, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 SCIAC Champions

On the heels of the University of Redlands softball program’s fifth consecutive season with at least 30 wins, the 2010 team holds high expectations for continued success in the upcoming campaign. Along with this recent history, the Bulldogs look to a hearty class of retuning competitors that promises to lead the way while mentoring the skilled first-year players. Overall, the team exudes a relentless work ethic and sheer talent that puts it in prime position to defend its Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) title for the sixth time in as many years.

Head Coach Laurie Nevarez, who enters her seventh year at the helm, also looks to the Bulldogs’ chemistry as an important factor in accomplishing their goals.

“This team’s tight-knit camaraderie is something we haven’t had since our undefeated conference season in 2005,” she stated. “We have a large group of returnees with strong leadership skills and a talented class of newcomers that will contribute greatly from the start.”

The Bulldogs welcome back a slew of veteran players that sets the standard for excellence in 2010. Among them is a formidable pitching staff led by senior All-Region performer Olivia Ellis (Colfax, CA). Aside from owning the Redlands record for career strikeouts with 335, she possesses big-game experience and the stamina to throw both ends of doubleheaders, making her invaluable to the team’s rotation. Count on her to produce another banner year as the Bulldogs’ pitching ace.

Senior pitcher/utility player Amanda Doeppel (Monrovia, CA) enters her final season with the Bulldogs as a more versatile hurler after serving as the team’s No. 2 in the 2009 rotation. This confident competitor strives to build off of that momentum on the mound while also stepping in as a reliable offensive option as one of five returnees who hit over .300 last season.

Redlands also anticipates the important contributions of sophomore Breanna Ruelas (Brawley, CA), who returns as a pitcher after a trying injury. Following an intense off-season of preparation, she boasts an unmatched fitness level from the mound. She strives to challenge her opponents with her lefty throws that are complemented by her improved ball-speed and movement.

Beyond these returnees, the Bulldogs hold high expectations for freshman pitcher Jessica Wagner (Yucaipa, CA). At 6-feet, 1-inch, she intimidates batters from the hill but also brings the work ethic necessary to become an outstanding collegiate pitcher.

Serving a critical role with the Redland battery, senior catcher Nicky Neumann (Fremont, CA) enters her fourth season as a steadfast starter behind the plate. Her keen vision of the field and her ability to pick off runners make her an incredible asset to the Bulldogs. Also look for her to continue playing an important role in the Redlands offense, following last year’s team-leading slugging percentage of .646.

Moving through the infield, junior All-Region player Lizett Casillas (Pomona, CA) and sophomore SCIAC Rookie of the Year Lindsay Henry (Lake Elsinore, CA) bring a subtly dynamic style of play to the corners. Casillas provided impressive consistency at first base with 258 putouts and nine assists for a fielding percentage of .993. Henry offered similar steadiness at third base with a mark of .970. Also equipped with powerful bats as two of the team’s top hitters, these players strive to build off of their previous successes in the upcoming season.

In addition, the Maroon and Gray look to sophomore Molly Duran (Corona, CA) to fill the void in the middle infield that was left by All-SCIAC honoree Dory Baga ’09. Duran’s cool-under-pressure attitude and improved leadership on the field help anchor the team on defense.

Sophomore Kai Masutani (Honolulu, HI) brings added versatility to the team at every aspect of the game.

According to Nevarez, “Kai can play any position as though she’s been playing it for years. This is a huge asset for us.”

Last season, she was ranked fifth in NCAA Division III for strikeouts allowed, succumbing just once in 111 at-bats. Expect her to continue playing an important role for Redlands as she provides flexibility to the lineup without compromising the team’s quality or fluidity on the field.

Junior Aleisha Martinez (Escondido, CA) adds depth to the infield while inspiring the Bulldogs’ level of play with her consistently competitive attitude. She boasts excellent strength and determination to make those around her become better at every opportunity. Count on her to push for playing time at third base as she strives to return to her All-Conference form of her rookie season.

Rounding out the returning infielders, junior Stacey Burke (Glendora, CA) enters her third season with the Bulldogs as a viable option at first base. She offers outstanding defensive hands and the ability to really attack the ball.

The Maroon and Gray anticipate great contributions from freshman Kirsten Milliner (Torrance, CA). Beyond her athletic ability, her vocal leadership already proves her presence despite being a rookie. Look for her to make an early impact in the infield and at the plate as an offensive threat.

Although the team graduated Roxy Lambert ’09, the Redlands outfield appears as impenetrable as ever. Senior Kayla Peterson (San Jose, CA) leads up this crew as a truly experienced player, having competed in 126 games since becoming a Bulldog. Aside from her offensive prowess that garnered a team-leading batting average .412, she brings exceptional speed and an accurate arm, making for a lethal combination on the base-paths as well as when chasing down balls in the outfield.

Sophomore Kirstie Bender (Lakewood, CA) joins Peterson as another solid contributor in the outfield. She gained 21 starting nods as a rookie and returns to action this year after a productive off-season of training. As one of the fastest players on the team, she also poses a threat as a base-runner. Combine her speed with a powerful bat and she becomes a menacing option at the plate.

In addition, look to Ruelas to serve as an outfielder when not on the mound. She earned 35 starts as a first-year player, primarily at right field, and strives to build off that experience in 2010.

The team welcomes freshman Sarah Beeman (Corona, CA) as an immediate impact player in the outfield. She brings great offensive skills and the ability to quickly move into an important role on defense. Her relentless work ethic and drive to succeed give her the appearance of a returning player.

Finally, sophomore Jen Boschken (Davis, CA) rounds out the roster of returnees as a strong competitor who vies for playing opportunities.

“With the talent on our squad this year, our focus will be on daily excellence,” stated Nevarez. “If we match our best with our opponents, we’re sure to have a successful season.”

In order to duly attack their goals for 2010, the Bulldogs count on a difficult schedule to prepare them for every step of the way. Redlands kicks off the season with three NAIA opponents in four outings, including highly touted Cal State San Marcos. The Maroon and Gray jumps right into SCIAC competition with annual contenders Cal Lutheran University and the University of La Verne. They also take on a variety of regional rivals including Chapman University, Linfield College (OR), and Pacific Lutheran University (WA), before wrapping up conference play at the end of April. The Bulldogs strive to win their sixth consecutive SCIAC championship in order to host the SCIAC Postseason Tournament, which determines the automatic qualifier to the NCAA Championships.

Under Neaverz’s guidance, the Redlands softball team excitedly awaits another hard-fought season that demands excellence on a daily basis. With their talented personnel in place and recent history spurring them on, the Bulldogs hold the keys required to achieve their goals during the 2010 season.