The snow on all the Wisconsin fields may seem like it is taking up residence, but spring is right around the corner. As most Blue Angels fans will tell you, springtime means Mount Mary University softball is coming soon. Just days away from the first game in Fort Meyers, Fla. the Blue Angels continue to prepare for the upcoming season.
Last season saw a step up in play across the board for Mount Mary softball. After a 0-19 campaign in 2013, and after having only one game go the full seven innings in that season, fans saw a beam of light in 2014. For the first time in over two years, the Blue Angels swept a double-header. MMU also snapped a 35 game losing streak in 2014, and finished with a 3-29 overall record.
Three players on MMU were honored by the Association of Division III Independents for their play in softball for 2014. Two of which will be returning to the lineup this season, Katie Edwards (Sr./Mackinaw, Ill.) made the AD3I First Team honors and Nicole Weggen (Jr./Menomonee Falls, Wis.) earned AD3I Second Team in 2014.
This season, MMU has a revitalized team and a deeper roster. They now have a chance to take another step in building the program. Eight freshmen will join the ranks this season, and provide at least some flexibility for coach Tim Edwards when filling out his lineup card. An addition of a junior college transfer pitcher as well, might make all the difference this year; Nikki Festge (Jr./Menomonee Falls, Wis.) from Ellsworth Community College.
"The pitching will be the biggest improvement from previous years," states Coach Edwards.
Along with the team's new hurler, the team will be picking up a lot of experience also, despite bringing in so many freshmen. Coach goes on, "this year's freshman class comes in as one of the most talented groups we have had here in recent history. Most have experience at the club level and several earned all-conference recognition representing their respective high schools."
Last year was a giant bounce back season after a devastating 2013, the program seems to be locked and loaded, and pointed towards the right direction.
The fruits of the preseason labor will be at hand shortly, as the team revs up before leaving for a road trip to Fort Meyers, Fla. where the team is slated for 12 games in a week. For fans who cannot fly down to support the Blue Angels in person, all games in Florida will feature Live Stats this year, along with all home games throughout the Blue Angels season.
The first game for MMU will be against the University of Minnesota Morris at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic with first pitch set for 11:00 am CST on Saturday March 7th.
Returning Blue Angels (2014 Stats)
Katie Edwards C, (Sr./Mackinaw, Ill.) .379 AVG, .481 OBP, 21 RBI, 5 HR
Nicole Weggen 2B/SS, (Jr./Menomonee Falls, Wis.) .333 AVG, .398 OBP, 6 RBI
Shandrieka Richardson OF, (Jr./Atlanta, Ga.) .132 AVG, .258 OBP, 6 RBI, 4 SB
Michelle Argenzio OF/2B, (Jr./Brookfield, Wis.) .032 AVG, .103 OBP, 2 RBI, 3 SB
New Blue Angels
McKenzie Harnack SS/3B, (Fr./Stoughton, Wis.)
Molly Peck 3b/OF, (Fr./Milwaukee, Wis.)
Marina Arreola OF, (Fr./Waukesha, Wis.)
Rachel Barker OF, (Fr./Milwaukee, Wis.)
Nakia Gray OF, (Fr./ Milwaukee, Wis.)
Ashley Contreras P/OF, (Fr./College Station, Texas)
Payton Hintz 1B/C, (Fr./Almond, Wis.)
Marrisa Rechlicz OF, (Fr./West Allis, Wis.)
Nikki Festge P/1B, (Jr./Menomonee Falls, Wis.)
