Softball team returns strong core for 2008-09 season
If you would like an in-depth definition of “transition year,” first –year Head Softball Coach Joe Yegge can give it to you.
The Kirkwood Community College softball team may have lost in the regional tournament, but overall, Yegge is proud of what his team accomplished this year. Six players received all-region honors and he acknowledged the growth his team went through this season as individuals as well as a team.
Melissa Brackey- first team All-Region infield
Terra VanBuren- first team All-Region pitcher
Heather Van Hyning- second team All-Region catcher
Kayla Streb- second team All-Region utility
Brianna Williams and Cydney Green- Honorable Mention
Yegge noted how hard it is for everyone involved the first year when a new coach comes in.
“It is always hard to come in to a new place and have success right away. You are getting to know the team and the players are trying to get used to the coach’s style of play,” Yegge said. “On top of that, the coaching staff was trying to get used to each other’s styles.”
The team finished the season with a 26-24 record including going 2-2 in the regional tournament. Yegge attributed the teams’ record to a tough schedule, mixed with inexperienced players.
“The season saw its up and downs from beating two teams that are playing in the national tournament to losing a few games that I felt we should have never lost,” Yegge said. “I felt this year we could chalk the season up to lack of experience… the sophomores did not get to see much action as freshmen. The freshmen… are freshmen. I can honestly say that I think we played one of the toughest schedules in the country. Going into the season we had 25 games on our schedule versus ranked opponents and had three opponents in our league that we ranked all season long.”
The Eagles will return a strong core next year that includes four of the teams five best hitters.
“I am excited about the players that we have coming back,” Yegge said. “The freshmen came in and took the field running. They bought into everything we taught them as a staff and worked very hard throughout the season to fine tune their skills.”
For an in-depth look at the Eagle’s season and players, visit: www.kirkwood.edu/softball