Conference title key piece to softball’s puzzle

Taped inside every locker of the UCF softball players are goals for the upcoming season.
"Be consistent," "one body" and "be up and involved" are just a few of the sayings.

These are just small pieces of the puzzle for a program looking to accomplish so much this season.

The objective is to take care of the puzzle, one piece at a time. The process is simple, yet can be distorted if the Knights focus too much on the bigger picture not on each piece. The ultimate goal is a Conference USA  title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said the first step of puzzle is how this squad performs within the conference. 

"If we don't get through conference and we don't do well in conference, then none of the rest matters," Luers-Gillispie said. "If you look too far ahead, you forget the pieces."

All in all, the big picture ends in Oklahoma City, the site of the Women's College World Series, but for the Knights to get there, a lot has to be accomplished.

UCF recorded an 11-12 record in C-USA in 2009, something they have to improve upon to make an impression this season.

The Knights face nine teams that were ranked in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 a year ago. Of the Knights 2010 opponents, 15 made the NCAA Tournament and three made it to the World Series.

"I am excited about it," Luers-Gillispie said, "And the kids are too. Any time you get a chance to play top-level competition like that … our first weekend out you're looking at Oklahoma and UCLA."

Luers-Gillispie said it is important to face teams like that early on to have a measuring stick of where you stand as a team.

The game against the Bruins will give the Knights some exposure as Bright House Network will air the game.

The University of Florida and Florida State University also pay visits to the UCF Softball Complex.

"It is going to be nice to have a home contest with them," Luers-Gillispie said. "Being able to have some of these big games at home is huge. To have your own fans in the stands is that much more of a bonus and you've got that support system that you don't have when you're on the road."

Senior Ashleigh Cole finished at the top of almost every pitching category for UCF with a 17-8 record, a 2.42 ERA and 106 strikeouts last season.

Kristina DeMello enters with a year in Orlando under her belt. DeMello was 8-8 with a 2.69 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 2009.

Joining them from the bullpen are juniors Diana Rojas and Ashley Schmitt and freshman Kazandra Holliday. 

In the infield, junior shortstop Tiffany Lane was selected to the Preseason All-Conference Team. Lane has been a speedster around the bases as she legged out eight triples last season.

Senior third baseman Hillary Barrow tied the UCF single-season record with 16 doubles.

"We don't like talking about last year," Barrow said of the team's 27-27 record in 2009. "I'd like to just put it behind us and for this year we can figure out the mistakes we had last year and work on it."

Sophomore Natalie Land is a year wiser and will start at second base. In 2009, Land was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team.

The first base position is vacant with the exodus of Breanne Javier. A pair of freshmen, Marissa Menendez and Arielle Palafox will step into the role.

Luers-Gillispie said she has been impressed with Menendez and that she will see playing time at the first base position.

The outfield features two seniors and a sophomore. Vanessa Perez, a sophomore, led the team with 13 sacrifices and returns to center field.

Senior right fielder Mary Helen Tyler looks to succeed in her second season with the Knights while Morgan Bullard, a senior, looks to be healthy after suffering an injury early on.

Behind home plate, is a healthy Abby McClain. McClain was named to the All-C-USA Second Team last season. Backing up McClain are freshman Sam Soltis and junior Lindsey Paulilis. 

"We have a strong program and we're going to do well this year," Luers-Gillispie said.