Large Corps of Freshmen Leads Softball to Success

With the addition of 10 freshmen to the roster this season, the composition of the Harvard softball team has been drastically transformed. One of the elements of success needed on any team, and especially this Crimson team, is chemistry.

"At first I was worried about it [team chemistry], but everyone has had great attitudes. The upperclassmen have really made an effort to work together," said Coach Jenny Allard.

Originally, Allard was looking to bring in only seven players, but three more made the team after a tryout session.

"Last year we only had 14 players on the roster, and because of injuries we had to bring up some junior varsity players," said Allard.

This year's large freshmen class ensures that last-minute junior varsity call-ups won't be necessary again, as there are now 21 capable players on the team.

Despite some lingering doubts that may surround a roster full of inexperience, the team seems to be adjusting well to a freshman class that makes up almost half of the squad.

"The seniors went beyond my expectations with how welcoming they've been. Our whole team is really close," said freshman Lisa Feigenbaum.

"I didn't notice any separation between classes," said freshman Breanne Cooley.

And while the team has grown together over the course of preseason training, the freshman class has grown close as well.

"We're a tight class," Cooley said.

"We all look out for each other, and we hang out outside of softball too.

But good chemistry is not the only factor that determines success. Hard work, determination and pure talent are also needed. This freshman class has managed to fulfill those prerequisites, as well.

In the team's first preseason action two weeks ago in California, five freshmen started at least one game, and others saw action in the later half of games. Although the team failed to win a game, the freshmen gained valuable experience playing at the college level.

"We are missing a little experience in the infield, but as long as the freshmen step up and communicate more, we'll be fine," Allard said.

That lack of experience comes from the fact that three of the Crimson's four starting infielders were lost to graduation.

Feigenbaum takes over the third base spot that was held by Crystal Springer '00, who is now an assistant hockey coach at Princeton.

"I was a little nervous [in California], but I was more excited we were finally playing," Feigenbaum said.

Cooley started all four games at first base for the Crimson on its recent road trip. Ghia Godfree '00 held down that spot for Harvard last year.

"In college you're going to face girls with a lot more experience," Cooley said. "And people are tougher mentally and physically."

Overall, however, Cooley thinks the transition from high school and summer ball to college has not been too bad.

"The level of play is similar to what I'm used to with playing travel ball," Cooley said.

And perhaps the biggest hole left to fill after graduation was that of shortstop Deborah Abeles '00, arguably one of the best players in Crimson history. Abeles was the 2000 Ivy Player of the Year and the Crimson's all-time leader in hits, home runs, and RBI.

Taking over Abeles' position are freshmen Sara Williamson and Rachel Goldberg, who each saw action in the shortstop position in the California trip.

"I didn't really know Deborah, but I've heard she was amazing," Williamson said. "You can't worry about filling someone else's shoes though. You just have to play the way you know how."

The outfield was not hit as hard by graduation, as its only loss was Jessie Amberg '00. The Crimson also returned junior Sarah Koppel and sophomore Tiffany Whitton, both of whom were First Team All-Ivy selections last season. Koppel and Whitton will play integral roles in the Crimson's success this season.

But freshman Kim Koral, an ASA All-American, will add even more depth to Harvard's outfield. Koral started in centerfield in all four games in the California trip.

Another freshman that will contribute right away is pitcher Kara Brotemarkle. With junior hurler Suzanne Guy taking this semester off, Harvard is left with only three pitchers on its staff.

Although her first outing two weekends ago was a bit rough, Allard expects Brotemarkle to bounce back.

"Coming into college the mound is moved back and the girls are a bit stronger, but Kara will do just fine," Allard said.

Brotemarkle is looking forward to gaining more experience on the college level.

"Tiffany [Whitton] and Chelsea [Thoke] have helped me a lot," she said. "I've watched them to see how they react in certain situations and have really learned from them."

Rounding out the freshmen class is first baseman Katie Barletta, shortstop/third baseman Louisa Canham, outfielder Pam Kiely and catcher Sophia Taula.

With the amount of talent this freshmen class adds to the already talented group of returners, Harvard is going to be a tough team to beat, especially in Ivy competition.

"We know the Ivy tradition and are excited to keep it going," Cooley said.

The freshmen are looking forward to defending last year's title.

"I handed out the rings to the upperclassmen in the fall, and the freshmen got a taste of what that's like," Allard said.

The Crimson will have three more weeks to fine-tune their talent before Ivy League competition gets under way the first week in April.

And before Harvard can hope to climb its way to the top of the Ivy mound, it will first have to create a united corps of players dedicated to both success and cohesion.