Eagles prepared for success

By JEREMY BEHNKE

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- With their top pitcher returning from a team that went 12-9 and a "B" squad moving up with a 13-1 record a year ago, the New Ulm Eagles softball team has high hopes from a year ago.

The Eagles lost a 1-0 heartbreaker to Mankato East, the team that eventually went to the state tournament, and coach Jim Pearson thinks this year's team will be improved.

"I think this year we have some players that are quite versatile," Pearson said. "We have some kids that move around. It's a nice thing for a coach to have."

Senior Amy Waldner said the loss was a confidence-builder for the Eagles.

"We beat them two years ago, and last year it was an unearned run," Amy Waldner said. "I think it's not necessarily them, because Orono too -- it was between Orono and East at the end -- so, I think it's both those teams."

Senior pitcher Jocelyn Janni agrees with Waldner and said the team is more motivated this season.

"I think it motivates us too, because Mankato East has always been one of our rivals, and we know that if we can just get rid of the mental games that we play with ourselves, and just doing things and be comfortable and confident in what we're doing, we can play with them.

Pearson also thinks his team will be more aggressive on the base paths this year.

"We have some good team speed," Pearson said. "We should be moving on the base paths."

Janni pitched in every game for the Eagles a year ago, so she once again will be counted on to pitch the majority of the innings. Junior Amanda Bode will also see some time on the mound as Pearson prepares her for her senior year.

"I've got some things to do for Bode for her to get ready for her senior year," Pearson said. "We could have her start and have her come in to relieve J.J. [Jocelyn Janni]."

Janni went 12-9 with a 1.66 ERA in 143 innings as a junior. She allowed 105 and struck out 142. Perhaps the most amazing stat is that she allowed only seven walks all season.

"That's been her trademark," Pearson said. "She's a low-walk pitcher."

Janni was also solid at the plate for the Eagles, hitting .365 (23-63) and had an on base average of .458. She had 12 RBI, six doubles and two triples.

Another senior expected to contribute is Waldner, whose 26 hits led the team a year ago. She batted .321 and scored 16 runs.

Waldner is expected to play second base for New Ulm. Waldner said she has been working on becoming a better all-around player.

"I'd say kinda everything, especially my mental game, because sometimes I'll make mistakes just because of that." she said.

Angie Seifert is another senior who will be at first base or even catcher. Seifert hit .216 a year ago. Jessica Sperling, a junior, also could see time behind Seifert at first.

The fourth senior on the team is Sam Schmit, who could see time in center. Schmit saw limited time as a junior and hit .200, but has good speed.

Abby Bartels, a junior, will start the season behind the plate. Martha Beaty, another junior, will see time at shortstop and Ashley Hoffmann will play at third.

Sophomore's Courtney Jones and Lexie Cihak will play somewhere in the outfield along with freshman Tiffany Hoffmann.

New Ulm hosts Waconia at 5 p.m. today.