A new era in Northwestern softball kicks off this year, and with it comes a new sense of optimism that the Wildcats can bounce back from last year’s struggles.
The real test begins with the start of the Big Ten season March 31 against Indiana. And while the Cats are confident, they know that a tough road lies ahead.
“It’s going to be a dogfight in the Big Ten,” first-year coach Kate Drohan said. “Every inning and every pitch is going to count.”
After compiling a 20-25 record and finishing seventh in the Big Ten last year, NU hopes to claw its way back from mediocrity this season.
So far, Drohan has her players’ adrenaline flowing.
“It’s been great, a lot more intense than last year,” senior outfielder Rane Gunderson said. “(Drohan) has brought us up to a higher level and she holds us to higher standards.”
The accolades for the new coach don’t stop there.
“She’s done a wonderful job of motivating us and getting us fired up for games,” senior Gretchen Barnes said. “Everyone is stepping up.”
Drohan is counting on Barnes and the other seniors to provide leadership.
“Gretchen is going to set the pace for everyone offensively,” Drohan said. “Erin (Jancic) is also going to be big for us, Cari Leto is great, and J.C. Kira has come out of nowhere.”
Kira, a sophomore catcher, seems to be the talk of the team lately.
“J.C. is doing a great job behind the plate,” Barnes said. “She’s got the best arm I’ve ever seen, and it’s great to utilize that.”
But the Cats have more going for them than Kira’s arm.
Drohan figures that two freshmen, second baseman Erin Mobley and pitcher Stephanie Elliott, will figure prominently in a winning formula for NU this season.
“Mobley hits the ball harder than anyone I’ve ever seen,” Drohan said. “She seems to hit faster balls better, and we haven’t seen a lot of fast pitching yet, so she just needs to get into her groove.”
All the changes this year have had a positive effect on the Cats, especially on their intangibles.
“We have a lot more confidence and everyone on the team just hates to lose,” Gunderson said.
Sophomore Leto is also hoping for more from the team this season.
“Our expectations are really, really high,” Leto said. “We definitely don’t want to be at .500.”
The Daily’s Nicholas Collins contributed to this report.
