Softball opens this weekend at NFCA Leadoff Classic
St. Louis, Mo. - Fontbonne University softball opens their toughest schedule to date this year. The Griffins begin 2016 play this weekend at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga., opening against No. 3-ranked Christopher Newport University along with tough opponents Augustana College and No. 23-ranked Linfield College as well. Last year Linfield ended the season ranked fourth while Augustana is currently 6-3 on the year.
Fontbonne returns to St. Louis after their invitation-only opening weekend to host No. 17-ranked central region rival Central College. Due to field availabilty, the game will be played at St. Louis University. Fontbonne is 4-7 all-time against Central, most notably falling 4-3 last year in the postseason when a would-be Fontbonne grand slam was called foul.
In Florida, the Griffins have a jam-packed schedule, playing against No. 24-ranked Wisconsin-Oshkosh, St. Catherine, St. Thomas of Minnesota, North Central College, Carthage College, Buena Vista University, Wisconsin- Whitewater and Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Fontbonne will then take on Lindenwood University, who they beat twice last year. Intermixed within the SLIAC schedule is No. 2-ranked Washington University. Last year Fontbonne won three of four contests against their Wydown neighbors. The Griffins then look to repeat as SLIAC Tournament Champions for the seventh year in a row.
The Griffins lost the heavy hitting duo twins in the Glixmans, but return senior All-American ace Madi Leonard to the mound along with catcher Emily Smith and DP/P Lindsay Schaefer. Other returners include SLIAC Newcomer of the Year Samantha Brown, senior outfielder Courtney Kraus, shortstop Courtney Kedroski, lone junior Michelle Boyer and sophomore Isabel Hotop.
Getting to know the newest additions to the team who've made great strides in the offseason, head coach Bill Rosner highlights his freshman class:
Maddie Cooksey- A tremendous pickup for the Griffins, plays an excellent outfield and can take hits away from hitters. Also finds some pop in her bat at the right time a bunch. Will compete strongly for a vacant spot in our outfield and we hope can pick up some of those numbers I talked about above. Well schooled at the game and should be an impact player for us.
Sarah Kitchen- A good versatile player that can play some infield, can play some outfield and can catch for us if need be. Looking for time anywhere she can and her versatility will help. I've watched Sarah a many times in shining moments with a bat in her hand and she's delivered so we're hoping to see more of that.
Alleigh Kruse- Another outstanding middle innie that can also play both corner positions with confidence. You just can't find many players that can compete at all four innie positions but Alleigh can do it. She has a good arm and a good glove with good range and can get rid of the ball quickly. An exciting young player we're looking forward to after quality reps.
Emily McNiff- A speedy player that covers great ground in the outfield and has surprisingly good power with the bat. A very good addition to the program and I think will be able to help in numerous ways. She is going to steal some bases in opportunistic times and score because of it and then rob someone of a big hit. Very dynamic player that we need to keep healthy and once that happens and we get to 100%, she'll be pushing for a starting spot.
Emelia Modglin- A "wow" factor player, she is well prepared for the game and will excel as a Griffin. A five-tool player that Fontbonne will be happy to add to a long list of greats. Her athleticism on both sides of the ball makes her a perfect fit for our style of play. She will be one we're hoping will pick up some of the numbers we lost through graduation and by numbers I'm talking hits, runs, rbi, etc…….
Melanie Russo- A last minute addition to the team but not a last minute recruit. We've talked with Melanie many times about our program and she was always going away for school but in the end she is in a good spot for both us. Her bat is her strength and her ability to find the timely hit is also a strong suit for her. She can play a couple innie spots and can catch a fly ball if needed. We are hoping she will provide immediate impact.
Maddy Strickland- A big strong player that comes to us as a pitcher and a hitter. She does well at both, her bat is strong and full of pop and she can pitch big games. She is capable of going deep but at the same time hitting a single to right with two on for RBI's. Another player that puts a smile on every time she comes to the field, game or no game. Defensively she'll possibly find a little time at first but primarily will be a DH. We expect her to help our pitching staff in the future and will learn a bunch from our starters on the mound.
Diamond Thomas- Another big pickup for the future of Fontbonne softball, we think she'll compete for a number one spot this year but after graduation next season she'll have a chance to take the ball on the mound and win big games. She throws an outstanding curve and changeup while working on her rise ball. She is very similar to Madi Leonard and if she gets even close to her ability then the future is very bright. She also plays some first base on defense but her bat is where we hope to find some magic. She has power and runs very well so opportunity will be knocking all season for her.
Kayla Winkler- If I know one thing about Kayla, it's that she's a competitor. She is recovering from surgery and doing the work doesn't scare her a bit. Playing in the outfield she runs well when and if she can get healthy. If she handles softball like her injuries, Kayla will help the Griffins to our goal of a National Championship. She works hard everyday when her injury allows and will pressure for time in the outfield.
All games will be broadcasted live thanks to Tim Miller on www.collegecasts.com/fontbonne-university/.