The Huskies open their 2009 season this weekend at the Mardi Gras Classic down in Lafayette, La. There they will play five games in three days, including two double-headers, against San Diego State, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Kentucky, all of whom have strong teams. This will be the first of three tournaments the Huskies are entered in, all leading up to the home opener against DePaul on March 28.
Key Players:
Leading the way for the Huskies will be senior outfielder Micah Truax. A two-time Big East Player of the Year and an All-American, Truax is an offensive machine who has the ability to change the game with one swing of the bat. She already holds the UConn all-time home run record with 25 career shots and is also a threat on the basepaths, ranking 7th on UConn's all-time stolen bases list with 26. Her impact on the field, as well as in the clubhouse, will be key in the Huskies success this season.
The Huskies will also be relying on the skills and leadership of senior infielder Jillian Ortega. A three-time Big East all-star, Ortega is a team leader whose passion for the game is infectious. She is a defensive wall in the infield and has come up big in clutch at-bats for the Huskies throughout her collegiate career.
Pitching:
The Huskies pitching staff is expected to be a strength this spring as well, with the strong veteran duo senior Rachael Crossin and junior Tricia Sullivan as its anchor. Both pitchers are experienced and battle-tested, and provided they stay healthy, are poised for their finest seasons at UConn yet.
New to the staff is a pair of freshmen. The hard throwing Jessie Stavola, as well as Ali Adelman, who brings an efficient finesse style to the mound. Both pitchers are expected to be solid contributors to the Huskies this season, and will have the two senior catchers, Danielle Del Ponte and Erin Burtner, to help them develop their game every step of the way.
Infield:
Ortega will most likely start at third base this season, which means sophomore Jess Arremony should see plenty of action at shortstop. Arremony has elevated her game this fall and has become a far more aggressive fielder. Sophomore Julie Towers is the top option at second base, but she will likely be challenged early and often by freshman Jen Ward, who will provide depth to the position.
Veteran Justyne Roy will start at first base, the smooth fielding junior was a consistent presence at the plate last year is expected to continue to contribute this season. Sophomore Melissa Lucas, and freshman Amy DeLuca round out the infielders.
Outfield:
Truax isn't the only UConn outfielder who can hit. Senior Sarah Neushwander is a hitting machine who is without a doubt the most powerful player on the roster. Her fielding reflects this too, as she carries a cannon for an arm that forces baserunners to think twice before running on her. Someone who isn't afraid of opposing outfielders' big arms, however, is the speedy Meg Tierney. Tierney wrecks havoc on the basepaths and is known on the field for her defensive prowess. Freshman Amy Vaughan rounds out the outfielders. Vaughan is expected to contribute right away for the Huskies and could be a fantastic player.
What the Huskies are up against:
The Huskies have one of their toughest schedules ever this season. Starting with several challenging early season tournaments that will prepare the Huskies for the Big East conference schedule, which will be tough from top to bottom this year. Reigning conference champions DePaul is the consensus pick to win the Big East again. The Blue Demons were ranked No.18 in the country in the preseason polls, and are returning two All-Americans, pitcher Becca Heteniak and third baseman Amber Patton. If the Huskies realize their goals for this season, they must avenge last year's tournament loss and exorcize the Blue Demons.
Season Outlook:
Coach Karen Mullins, now entering her 26th season at UConn, has high expectations for her team this year.
"Our goal is to win the Big East regular season, and go into the tournament and win the championship," Mullins said.
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