In the recent history of Princeton softball teams, rosters have been full of talented players who can 'flat-out play' softball. Those Tiger teams, however, failed to gel in the end and achieve the ultimate goal — winning the Ivy title.
This perennial challenge is what faces the 2000 campaign of softball as Princeton hopes to return to Ivy champion status for the first time since 1996.
"As always, I have to look for the best fit for the team, not the player," head coach Cindy Cohen said. "We're still trying to figure out the pieces of the puzzle."
One particular 'piece of the puzzle' that seems complete, though, is one that never quite coalesced last year — the pitching staff. Coming off a season where three of the four starters were freshmen, the young Tiger staff now has another year of experience under its belt and has shown it is ready to excel.
"Our pitchers are definitely going to be one of our strengths. All the sophomore pitchers are healthy and throwing really well in practice," Cohen said.
The young staff will be anchored by its lone senior and arguably the best player on the team — pitcher Sarah Peterman. Last year, she had 14 victories, an ERA of 1.01 and nine shutouts to her credit. With more run support, she could easily be a 20-game winner. Brianne Galiciano, Dana Freiser and Sarah Jane White round out the Tigers' pitching corps — one that they hope will be among the league's best.
"We have no flame-throwers in the group, no one that can blow it by you," Cohen said. "But they all throw hard and seem to really complement each other well."
Behind the pitchers in the middle infield, the Tigers will see some major changes. Sophomore Kim Veenstra, who played third base her freshman year, will move back to her natural position at shortstop. With great range, quick speed, and a strong arm, Veenstra will be counted on to counteract some of the defensive woes of last year. Second base and third base will most likely be filled with a combination of junior Lauren Poniatowski and freshmen Mackenzie Forsythe and Anna Soper. The two first-year players are both solid defensive players who just need experience at the plate.
The Tigers feel fortunate to be returning their three best hitters from last season — Galiciano and juniors Devon Keefe and Vicki Siesta. Keefe and Siesta, who shared the catching duties last season, combined for 12 of the team's 14 home runs and 48 RBI last season. Cohen also hopes to use Siesta at first base, designated hitter or the outfield if necessary so that she can keep her potent bat in lineup.
The biggest wild card on the offensive end is freshman outfielder Jen Neil. Neil has shown herself to be a pure hitter in practice, but shoulder injuries may bring her first season at Princeton to a premature end. Considering that offensive production was one of the weak points for the team last year, Neil would be a valuable asset.
With no games behind them yet, none of the players and coaches know how the team is going to come together. But they all know that this squad has the talent, determination, and depth to regain the glory of past women's softball teams.
"As a coach, you never feel that you are ready to play but you know the only way you are going to get better is to play," Cohen said.
Princeton will get its first chance to see where it stands this weekend at the Terrapin Invitational in College Park, Md.
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