A good mix of returning veterans and eager newcomers has Central Oklahoma ready to make a run at the Lone Star Conference North Division championship in 2009.
The Bronchos have six starters back from last year's 36-16 club that finished runner-up in the LSC North en route to making the NCAA Division II national playoffs for the third time in four years. UCO hosts the Broncho Invitational to open the season this weekend, starting with an 11 a.m. doubleheader against Washburn on Friday.
Seven freshmen are among the 10 new players on the roster, with the performance of those newcomers the key to UCO's quest for success.
“We have several returners back and their stability is important to us,” said 12th-year head coach Genny Stidham. “Our upper classmen are good leaders who work hard and hopefully our freshman will draw on that.
“We've got a lot of young players and that lack of experience is a concern, but we've also got several players who can play multiple positions and that's a big plus.”
Leading the Bronchos this spring will be senior All-American Alley Roberts, who hit .375 with 11 home runs and 32 runs batted in last year. UCO's other returning starters are seniors Ashley Geter and Lindsey McLaughlin, juniors Molly Shivers and Kelsey Tiger and sophomore Megan Bentley.
“It should be an interesting year and we're looking forward to it,” Stidham said. “We need to grow up in a hurry in a few places, but we're excited about our chances.”
Here's a position-by-position look at the 2009 Bronchos:
Catcher
Versatile Alley Roberts earned All-America honors at second base last year, but is scheduled to move behind the plate this spring. The senior slugger has played numerous positions -- including catcher -- during her stellar career and will be a defensive mainstay. Sophomore transfer Chelsea Hull and freshman Brittany Weaver provide depth.
First Base
Senior Ashley Geter made just four errors in 348 fielding chances last year and is set to handle the first base duties for the second straight year. Senior Lindsey McLaughlin played some here last year and could help if needed.
Second Base
The Bronchos are looking for freshman Brittany Weaver to step in and see the bulk of the playing time at second base. Senior star Alley Roberts was an All-American here last year and could be used on occasion.
Shortstop
UCO's in great shape here with the return of junior Kelsey Tiger, who started all 52 games last season and is one of the best in the league. She hit .321 with 30 RBI in 2008 and is also a defensive gem who had a team-high 124 assists. Several players are capable of helping out if needed, but Tiger will seldom -- if ever -- come out of the lineup.
Third Base
Rookie Autumn Brown is the leading candidate to take over as the top third baseman and the Bronchos are confident in her ability to get the job done. Senior transfer Jennifer Edwards and freshman Rachel Lowery will also contend for playing time.
Outfield
The Bronchos have plenty of options in the outfield, with a number of prospects vying for playing time. Junior Molly Shivers started in left field when not in the pitching circle and will probably do the same this spring after hitting .285 with eight home runs and 30 RBI last year. Sophomore Megan Bentley is the early favorite to be the main center fielder after earning most of her 33 starts in right field last season, while senior transfer Jennifer Edwards will probably be in right field. Freshmen Brittany Geter, Davee Croy and Rachel Lowery and junior newcomer Niki Hunt will all challenge for action somewhere.
Pitcher
Junior Molly Shivers leads the pitching staff after going 13-3 with a 2.25 earned run average last year to pick up second-team All-LSC North Division honors. Rookie Rachael Steverson is expected to step in and be a top-flight starter, with the Bronchos counting on junior Brittany Zimmerman to have an impact after seeing limited duty the past two years. Senior Lindsey McLaughlin and freshman Rachel Lowery will also be utilized in relief roles.
Designated Player
Senior Lindsey McLaughlin was a second-team All-LSC North pick as UCO's main DP last year after hitting .303 with 19 RBI. She'll undoubtedly see time in that role again, as could several others.
