Sports

UH looks for recognition

By Bridget Brown
The Daily Cougar

UH softball Head Coach Kyla Holasi team motto is "Expect to win." The idea is that if the team expects to win every game, it goesinto each contest with a better attitude.

If the team doesnit win, the problem can be assessed later. In just its third year of existence, the UH softball program is taking challenges and evolving to the next level of play.

"I think the program has done all the things it needs to for our five-year plan to improve to the national level," Holas said. "This yearis new assistant pitching coach, Beth McClendon, is our missing link."

Despite last weekendis Southwest Texas/Century Softball Classic upset, Holas said she believes everyone should expect good things from the team from here on out. The tournament was a rough one, with 16 of the 20 players suffering through a stomach virus and having to play while sick. It proved to be detrimental to the team as it went 1-4 during the three-day contest.

"This year we are going to get better every game," junior outfielder Lindsey Durham said. "Most of us have been playing together for three years now."

Returning players are key to the teamis success. The Cougars have worked together since the beginning of the program, and are ready and well conditioned to excel this season.

Junior pitcher Jenny Johnsonis experience should pay off. Last year the team captain tallied 169.2 innings of work in a team-leading 33 appearances with 27 starts. She ranked in the top 10 in eight Conference USA pitching categories and pitched 53.2 innings in C-USA games.

"Besides being sick, Jenny stepped up and played hard this past weekend," Holas said.

Backing up Johnson behind the plate are two veteran catchers, junior Arelis Ferreris and sophomore Jenilee Skender. These returning powerhouses have been called the most potent catching duo in the conference.

Ferreris was an All-Conference USA pick her first two years at Houston, and she batted consistently above .300 as the Cougarsi clean-up hitter. Last year she led the Cougars with a team-record 50 runs batted in and 12 home runs. Skender appeared in 46 games last season, and belted six homers and knocked in 22 runs while hitting .282. "(The catchers) will split playing time," Holas said.

Kristen Glowacz, who garnered 2002 Conference USA Freshman of the Year, returns as an offensive threat to all opponents this year, taking on third base. She was among the C-USA leaders in seven different categories, and had the second best batting average, .347, last year.

"Kristen has far exceeded and has solidified our left side," Holas said.

First base will be split between sophomore Michelle Keith and junior Candis Turnbo, both key players. Keith should also see some time on the mound as relief pitcher this season. Last year she batted a solid .273, including a home run and four doubles.

After playing the outfield the past two years, Turnbo is moving up to the infield. She gives her coaches versatility and the option to place her in the outfield if necessary.

Junior rightfielder Lindsey Durham has a unique quickness to cover the outfield well. She started 47 games last year, and did not commit an error on the field in 58 chances. She batted .259 for the year, topping her i01 average by .44.

"Our outfield is our strong suit. There is no question that we have one of the best outfields in the country, and we are probably the best in the country," Holas said in a i03 Cougar Softball press release.

Newcomers freshman shortstop Jaci Gonzalez, freshman outfielder/pitcher Brooke Johnson and freshman third base player Brandi Clark should also receive playing time this season.

"We practiced really hard this year and had a good fall," Clark said. "We are going to come out and surprise a lot of people."

With the possible exception of powerhouse teams such as Texas, Southern Miss and DePaul, the Cougars should have a winning season ahead of them. Past series show winning records for opponents Saint Louis (5-2), Sam Houston State (2-1), South Florida (4-2), Stephen F. Austin (6-2), Texas Tech (1-0), Charlotte (4-3) and Alabama (4-2).

But Cougar fans should not rule out major victories.

"Texas has the No. 1 pitcher, so weire walking into a situation where we have to do more than normal," Holas said. "On our best day we feel like we can beat just about anyone."

By paying attention to details and repetition in practice, Holas said she hopes to gain national recognition.

"Details on and off the field are what separates the best from the rest," she said.

UH will face Sam Houston State and Texas Southern at the Cougar Invitational on Feb. 14.

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