Jennies Softball to Begin Season at Southeastern Oklahoma Invitational

The Jennies had arguably their most successful season in 2015 with a 49-16 record and MIAA regular season and tournament wins as well as a trip to the NCAA Elite Eight.
Junior infielder Lauren Mabe was named to the NFCA NFCA Schutt Sports Division II Player of the Year watchlist. She was named NFCA All-Region Second Team in 2015, hitting .414 with 12 home runs and 37 RBI.
The Jennies ground game returns in Ali Jo Rogers and Makayla Schoonover. The duo produced 75 stolen bases in 2015. Rogers set a new club record with 49 and Schoonover was a perfect 26-26.
UCM will get a shot in the arm from some returning medical redshirts. Emily King and Jill Lucas sat out the 2015 season due to injuries back are back in the fold for 2016.
Central's pitching will be tested early. The only upperclassman is Allison Tonyan who threw five innings in 2015.

Last Time Out
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Jennies Softball's historic season came to a close with an 8-7 eight-inning loss to California (Pa.) on Saturday at the ASA Hall of Fame Softball Complex. The Jennies end their season 49-16, tying the school record for wins in a season.

The game was scoreless through two innings before the Jennies broke through in the third to take an early lead. Two hits and a walk loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the third. Makayla Schoonover then scored the games first run on a wild pitch to put UCM in front. A walk to Jakki Prater loaded the bases again and Lauren Mabe singled to left to score two more runs and the Jennies led 3-0.

The Jennies doubled their lead in the fifth with a couple of big swings from Prater and Mabe. Lindsey Dawson drew a lead-off walk and Prater deposited a 1-0 pitch over the wall in left center to make it 5-0. The home run was Prater's 41st of her career and it was hit No. 222, tying her with Beth Savage for the most in program history. On the very next pitch Mabe belted a solo home run to center to put UCM in front 6-0.

The Vulcans (42-12) responded though with three runs of their own in the bottom half to get back to within three. Kaity Finley had an RBI single to plate the first run and Emily Price followed it up with a run-scoring double to make it 6-2. Lindsay Reicoff added a sacrifice fly and California (Pa.) was right back in the game at 6-3.

That lead stood until the seventh when Cal scored three runs to tie the game. The Vulcans had a runner at second with two outs in the inning, but four straight singles plated three runs and tied the game at 6-all and forced extra innings.

The Jennies got a leadoff single from Carlie Rose in the extra frame. She promptly stole second to give UCM a runner in scoring position with no outs. She was sacrificed over to third base for the first out of the inning, but a strike out and a pop out ended the inning and kept the Jennies from taking the lead.

Erica Vallecorsa led off the home half of the eighth with a double for Cal. She was sacrificed to third and following a lineout to second, Price singled in to right field to give the Vulcans the win and end the Jennies' season.

Prater ended the game 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Mabe was 2-for-4 with a home run and three driven in and Dawson also registered a pair of hits. Prater (15-8) took the loss on the mound for the Jennies after giving up four runs on seven hits in 3.1 innings of relief. Katie Shockley gave up three runs on three hits in 4.1 innings.

Alex Sagl (28-5) earned the win for the Vulcans. She allowed six runs on six hits in five innings of work. She was taken out of the game in the top of the fifth after surrending the back-to-back home runs, but re-entered the game in the top of the eighth after Rose's leadoff single. Meghan Uher tossed three solid innings of relief for Cal allowing just two hits.

Season Preview
Jennies Softball promised big things in 2015 and delivered on those lofty goals, playing well into May and representing the University of Central Missouri at the Women's College World Series, advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1994. The Jens won 49 games on their way to MIAA regular season and tournament championships and Central Regional and Super Regional championships.
As Head Coach Susan Anderson said, 2015 was "a story book season". But the team is not complacent with what they accomplished last year, and "are eager and even more determined to get after it again this year. It's a new journey, new season, new team, but we have the same goal to hold that trophy at the end of the season."
The new year brings with it many new faces, but the Jennies are fortunate enough to be returning five All-MIAA performers to their lineup. "This group is confident and they have raised the expectations among themselves," said Anderson. The upperclassmen are leading the way with their maturity and passion, and are setting the tone, challenging each other to get better every day. There has been a definite energy and excitement at every practice.
As important as it is having a core group of returning veterans to the team, Coach Anderson knows how important her newcomers will be to the team's success. There will be new faces at a number of positions and Anderson says its vital for the underclassmen to step in and make an impact for the team to achieve their season long goals.
There's no denying the Jennies graduating class of 2015 was one of their best all-time. But the 2016 team is still loaded with All-Conference players all over the diamond and those who have etched their name in the Jennies history books, giving UCM another opportunity for a championship season.
The Pitching:
The pitching staff has undergone a major overhaul from the 2015 season. Katie Shockley and Jakki Prater formed a one-two punch any team would be lucky to have.
The lone returner to the circle for UCM is senior Allison Tonyan. Tonyan transferred to UCM last season after pitching at Crowder College. She appeared in two games with the Jennies making one start, a win against Lincoln. At Crowder, she was a First Team All Region 16 pitcher in 2014.
The Jennies also brought in Emily Robinson and Jordan Johnson who are expected to see time in the circle. They have both played at the highest level during travel ball and have won multiple high school state championships. Robinson is more than just a pitcher though, and could see time at first base or DP.
The Infield:
Central Missouri's infield makes up for any lack of experience on the pitching rubber, as there could be an All-MIAA selection at all four positions. Coach Anderson knows how important her infield will be to the teams success in 2016 and expects them to "play smart, make the the routine plays, and be ready to make great plays. We need our infielders to lead this team and continue to build off of last year's accomplishments."
Going around the horn, starting at first base is 2015 First Team All-MIAA selection Lauren Mabe. Mabe became the sixth Jennie ever to hit .400 for a full season as she collected a .414 batting average. Anderson said that she "proved to be one of the best first basemen and hitters in the region." Mabe's Second Team All-Region selection backs up her coach's claim. Mabe also led the team with 12 home runs and drove in 37 runs in 2015, reaching base at a .470 clip. If needed, she could also see time behind the plate in 2016.
Second base is a position that is up for grabs. Sophomore Katie Giacone, an All-MIAA Util/non pitcher as a freshman split time there last season, making 20 starts at second base and 20 more in the outfield. As a freshman, Giacone hit .262 for the season with seven home runs and 23 RBI.
Also challenging for the second base job will be freshmen Alexis Koop and Hailey Crabtree. Crabtree's versatility allows her to play all over the infield and the two corner outfield spots.
One spot Coach Anderson doesn't have to worry about is the shortstop position. "A true difference maker. One of the most athletic short stops to ever come through UCM", as Coach Anderson called her, 2016 will be the senior season for two-time All-MIAA selection Ali Jo Rogers. Rogers became the Jens full time shortstop in 2015 and handled the position with aplomb. She also was the team's leadoff hitter in 64 of 65 games. Rogers set the single-season record with 49 stolen bases and is already the Jennies all-time stolen base leader with 90. She finished her junior campaign hitting .333 with 75 hits and a single-season record 53 runs scored.
Over at the hot corner, the Jens are glad to welcome back Emily King, who played nine games before medically redshirting for the remainder of 2015. King made at least 30 starts at third base as a freshman and sophomore and was named All-MIAA in 2014 after hitting .276 with eight doubles, three home runs and 19 runs batted in.
The Outfield:
There are a number of options Coach Anderson has while configuring the outfield. One constant appears to be Makayla Schoonover patrolling center field. She started 59 games in center for the Jens as a freshman and proved to be one of the better defensive center fielders in the MIAA. Not only does she have great range, but Schoonover racked up five outfield assists last season. At the plate, she hit .252 and was second on the team with 26 stolen bases.
The corner outfield spots could change depending on if Coach Anderson is looking for offense or defense. Maddy Hood and Giacone should get plenty of time in the outfield. Hood had a career year starting 34 games and hitting .273 in 110 at bats. She collected 12 doubles and a home run along with 18 RBI.
Fellow returners Austin Eickleberry and Keelia Martin provide depth and can play all three outfield positions. Eickleberry scored 17 runs and stole nine bases while Martin made 23 starts and had 10 RBI and 14 hits in 62 at bats.
Two freshmen, Brittany Kendall and Hailey Crabtree could also see time in the outfield.
The Jennies also have returning All-MIAA designated player Alex Leonhart in the fold. She has the ability to play the infield or outfield and thrived last season in pressure situations, hitting .308 with four home runs and 37 RBI.
The Catching:
At catcher the Jennies also welcome back a veteran coming off of a redshirt season in 2015 in Jill Lucas. Lucas "works extremely well with all of our pitchers and is a great vocal leader behind the plate", said Anderson. As a senior she's taken on the role of the "mama hen", providing leadership and someone the rest of the team looks up to. In 2014, Lucas hit .283 in 53 at bats with three home runs and 14 RBI.
Also at catcher is sophomore Allie Dishinger. As a freshman Dishinger got into 30 games with 22 starts, hitting .239 and flashing power with four home runs and three doubles among her 17 hits. Coach Anderson loves her arm behind the plate and calls her a "solid defender who continues to improve."

Arkansas Tech:
SERIES HISTORY: The Golden Suns and Jennies have met five times in their history with UCM holding a slight 3-2 lead. The two teams last met in 2014 with the Jennies earning a 10-4 in Bentonville, Ark. Arkansas Tech came to Warrensburg for the 2015 Central Region Championship, but the two teams did not meet.
SCOUTING REPORT: Arkansas Tech made it to the NCAA Central Regional last season hosted by UCM. The team was 41-22 and 22-14 in the GAC, finishing third. ATU had seven players named All-Conference with four returning, including First Team All-GAC outfielder Kambri HIll. Hill finished last season batting .336 with 11 home runs abd 35 RBI. She had a .425 on-base percentage and also swiped 12 bases. The Golden Suns also return two of their top pitchers, Sydnee Clark and Morgan Vaughan. Vaughan led the staff with 32 starts and went 13-8 with a 2.88 ERA. She struck out a team-best 81 batters. Clark was 12-4 in 30 starts with a 2.81 ERA and held opponents to a .205 batting average. Both pitchers were named All-GAC Second Team.

Henderson State:
SERIES HISTORY: The Reddies and Jennies have played to a 5-5 tie in their series history. The two teams met three times last season. Henderson State defeated the Jennies 7-3 in UCM's season opener. Central Missouri won when it really mattered though, taking both games against the Reddies at the Central Region Championship, including a 2-0 shutout in the Regional Championship game.
SCOUTING REPORT: Henderson State is coming off of a fine season, going 43-15 and winning the GAC. Beth Jackson was the 2015 GAC Coach of the Year and eight Reddies were named All-Conference. The Reddies also had the player, pitcher and freshman of the year. Michelle Sorensen will be just a junior in 2016 and was the GAC Freshman and Pitcher of the Year, as well as being a First Team All-GAC selection. She was 21-12 last season with a 1.99 ERA and 171 strikeouts in 207.2 innings pitched.

Fellow First Team All-GAC members Ashlyn White and Kiersten Seahorn are back. White hit .366 and slugged a team-leading 12 home runs and drove in 49 runs from the first base position. White also saw time in the circle, compiling a 13-3 record with a 2.44 ERA and 69 strikeouts. Seahorn was an All-Conference backstop, hitting .360 with seven round-trippers and 53 runs batted in.

Oklahoma Christian:
SERIES HISTORY: The two teams have squared off only once previously, at the turn of the century in the year 2000. UCM picked up a 6-2 win at the Emporia State Trusler Tournament.
SCOUTING REPORT: The Eagles went 33-21 last season and 13-11 in the Heartland Conference. They finished fourth in the standings, but due to their NCAA Provisional standings, were not eligible for post season play. Instead the Eagles competed in the NCCAA championships, where the finished as the runners up. OC landed three on the Heartland All-Conference team, however none of them are back with the club. The team is bringing back Haley Squier who hit .346 and was second on the team with 36 RBI. Squier also pitched in eight games to a 3-3 record and 5.67 ERA. Madison Nordyke is also a threat at the plate and in the circle. She hit .296 with 10 doubles, two home runs and 26 RBI and threw to a 7-5 record in 21 appearances (nine starts) with a 3.98 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 75.2 innings pitched.

Southeastern Oklahoma State:
SERIES HISTORY: The home school this weekend has gotten the better of the Jennies in their history. UCM is 3-5 all time against the Savage Storm. The teams last met for a double header in 2013 with Southeastern sweeping 6-2 and 2-1.
SCOUTING REPORT: The Storm are coming off of a 32-23 2015 campaign that saw them fall 2-1 in the Great American Conference semifinals to Arkansas Tech after reached the GAC finals for three straight seasons. SEOSU placed seven on the GAC All-Conference team including three first teamers. The Savage Storm return two First Team All-GAC players in infielders Jessica Simmons and Sydney Kramer. Simmons hit .415 for the season and scored a team-high 51 runs. She also was a threat on the bases, stealing 29 bags. Kramer finished just shy of a .400 batting average at .396. She locked down the hot corner, driving in 39 runs on 16 extra base hits. Also returning are All-Conference outfielder Courtney Riddle and Laramie Beal. Both girls slugged five home runs and drove in 44 runs while hitting over .350 in 2015. No. 1 starter Jessica Seay is back in 2016 after going 16-10 with a 3.72 ERA and 112 strikeouts.

Southwestern Oklahoma State:
SERIES HISTORY: The Jennies and Bulldogs have only met twice previously. The Bulldogs have gotten the win both times, most recently in 2013 with a 7-3 win over UCM.
SCOUTING REPORT: The Bulldogs went 8-37 in 2015 and 4-29 in the GAC, failing to make the conference tournament. Their lone All-GAC selection, Adrienne Martinez graduated following the season. SWOSO has a lot of turnover following last season. One of their top returners is junior outfielder Tori Hawk who hit .305 last season with five home runs and 27 runs batted in. The team also brings back their top two starters from last season in Rileigh Ricken and Taylor Eaves. Ricken appeared in 20 games with 13 starts collecting a 3-10 record with a 4.89 ERA and 29 strikeouts. Eaves went 1-9 with a 7.41 ERA and 26 punchouts.