"This year's team is going to definitely compete well throughout our season," head coach Dan Powers said. "We've got a lot of new players with good energy. It's the most talented team we've been able to put together since we moved up to Division I. I'm looking forward to seeing how our pitching staff does. If they can keep us in games, we're going to have a good chance of winning."
Junior Allegra Wilde (Kennewick, Wash.) and senior Hannah Klein (Camarillo, Calif.) will serve as the team's two captains this season.
Wilde was named All-Conference and Academic All-District VIII First-Team last season, starting all 46 games for the team, and leading the Redhawks in hits (49), doubles (12), RBIs (30), home runs (3, tied), and on-base percentage (38.6 percent). Klein started and played in 43 games in 2011, finishing second on the team in doubles (7) and RBIs (17).
"I'm looking for [Allegra] to have another stellar year," Powers said. "She's had two good years so far. She's going to be the infielder [with the most seniority], as we have three freshmen around her, so she's going to have to take the leadership role. She's one of our captains so I have no problem with them following her lead."
In the outfield, sophomore Sarah Petosa will be the leader in center field, with junior transfer Becca Cable starting in right field and freshman Erin Crowley starting in left field. Last season, Petosa was another strong force on the team. She started 45 of 46 games and led the Redhawks in runs (30) and stolen bases (11), and finished second in hits (38) and on-base percentage (38.3 percent). She finished the year with a .286 batting average, but reached upwards of .300 during the season.
Since last season, "we've really stepped up our efforts in the weight room," said Powers. "We've also improved our depth in every position, so competition at practice has been the best we've had since 2008. Every day, the team is going out and competing and it's going to carry over into our season."
Freshman Mandie Sugita has won the number one pitching spot to begin the season, but sophomore Richelle Ashburn and junior Jessica Ulrich are also competing for playing time.
"Between the three of them, they [each] add a different mix that I think is going to be really beneficial as a staff, versus relying on one pitcher to carry us," Powers said.
Freshman Amber "Bubba" Morrow will begin the season as the starting catcher and junior Briar Stanley, who transferred to Seattle U from Florida State will also see playing time throughout the season. Her experience playing in the ACC is "very valuable" according to Powers.
"Bubba has been doing some great things at the plate and has really come in and owned it," said Powers. "She has worked great with the pitching staff, all three of the pitchers."
Later in the season, on Mar. 10 and 11, the Redhawks look forward to competing in the Husky Softball Classic versus North Dakota and cross-town rival, No.12/14 Washington.
"Anytime you get to play Pac-12 teams, it makes you better," said Powers. "We have a great working relationship with UW and we compete for a lot of the in-state kids. It's a special relationship we hope to grow."
The team begins their season on Thurs., Feb. 9, in Honolulu, Hawaii, facing the home team in their first game at 8 p.m. PST.
Powers said, "All three teams are expected to be at the top of their respective conferences. Hawaii went to the Women's College World Series just a couple years ago, DePaul has been as well, and UKMC is one of the top teams in the Summit [League]. So, we're going to be tested right [away], but I think it's going to be a good weekend. We have the element of surprise. Because we have so many new players, there are no scouting reports on them, so we're pretty optimistic about our chances. If they look past us [and] if we play up to our abilities, we can [surprise them]."
Coach Powers concluded, "I'm really excited because we've worked extremely hard. It's starting to show in our practices; the competition is intense. The players believe they can win and so do I, so I'm pretty excited about the future of Seattle U softball."