Head Coach Jerald Lewis is set to embark on his fifth season at the helm of the Mid-America Christian University softball team. The Lady Evangels won a program best 19 games in 2009. Lewis has added depth to the squad, with goals to compete with the top teams in the Sooner Athletic Conference.
"Our chemistry is the best it's ever been," Coach Lewis said. " Everyone wants to get better; they want to win. Our team chemistry will help us win games we couldn't last year."
The Lady Evangels return one pitcher from a year ago, senior Caitlyn Ulmer. She was a vital part of the pitching staff in 2009, appearing in 29 games while compiling 11 wins and one save. The right-handed pitcher had an earned run average of 3.23.
"Moe (Caitlyn Ulmer) will be our ace again this year," Lewis said. "She was the best pitcher we had last year, but this season she doesn't have to do it all herself. "
The Lady Evangels have added two pitchers who will both start in the circle. Junior Jill Willbanks is a transfer from Rose State College and sophomore Chelsea Downs comes to MACU from East Central University.
MACU will start a freshman behind the plate after losing four-year starter Kasey Gardner to graduation.
Ashley Dodson, from Carl Albert High School (Midwest City, Okla.) and Harley Harp from Pottsboro High School (Texas) should both see playing time this season.
"Right now Dotson will be the starting catcher but Harp will see significant playing time behind the plate," Lewis said. "Dodson has all the tools and a mind for the game. Harp is very raw but has a lot of untapped talent."
There will be new faces across the infield, with no returning starters. Four freshman, two sophomores and two juniors competing for jobs in the infield.
"Let's just say we could have a lot of freshman starting in the infield," Lewis said. "I think the competition in the infield makes us better. We are two-deep at every position and we have several versatile players."
Freshman Tiffanie Sanchez will anchor the infield playing shortstop. Lewis is looking to Freshman Ashley Newman to lead the team offensively.
The outfield returns Sooner Athletic Conference Gold Glover Kelcey Gabriel along with senior Candice Meza and Somer Grimes. Lewis also added newcomers Shanci Brown and Chelsea Downs.
"Gabriel will anchor the outfield," Lewis said. "She is so intense and wants to win so bad. Her work ethic is a coach's dream and she is someone who leads by example."
The Lady Evangels are looking to Brown and Downs to provide offense with their consistent bats.
"Brown is a slapper who puts the ball in play every time and Downs is one of my best hitters," Lewis said.
The Lady Evangels will compete with some of the best teams in the country, playing in the Sooner Athletic Conference. Three teams from the SAC played in the NAIA National Tournament in 2009: Lubbock Christian University, Oklahoma City University and Saint Gregory's University. SGU played for the title, losing to California Baptist. All three of SAC teams are ranked in the top ten in the Softball Coaches; Top 25 Preseason Poll. OCU came in at no. 3, LCU is ranked fifth and SGU is ranked 10th.
"We want to win an NCCAA National Championship and to finish of the top six in the SAC," Lewis said. "I am really excited about our team this year. They are a tremendous group of young ladies. We have a really tough schedule but I think we can once again win more games this season than we did in the previous one. Our focus is to glorify God in all aspects of our lives. If we can do that, we will be successful."
The Lady Evangels will open their season on Wednesday, February 17th at Hillsdale.
