University of North Carolina Athletics
2011 Softball Season Preview
January 20, 2011 | Softball
Jan. 20, 2011
CHAPEL HILL ---- After making nine straight NCAA Regional appearances, the North Carolina softball program will look to continue their success in 2011. The Tar Heels embark on the 2011 season Feb. 11 against Kansas in Jacksonville, Fla. Head coach Donna J. Papa joined TarHeelBlue.com Thursday to discuss the upcoming season.
The 2011 squad features six new freshmen and two new assistant coaches. The Tar Heels enjoyed a successful fall posting a perfect 5-0 mark. UNC opened team practice January 8 and continues to work towards the season opener that is just three weeks away.
Offensively
At the plate, North Carolina will look to build upon an offense that ranked third in the ACC with a .267 team batting average in 2010. The Tar Heels return three of their top five hitters in 2011 led by junior Kelli Wheeler. The Marietta, Ga., native uncorked a team-best 13 home runs and a .629 slugging percentage a year ago. Carolina will look to replace 2010 All-ACC performer Christine Knauer, who led UNC with a .335 batting average, 42 stolen bases and 42 runs scored last season.
"We have really put a bigger emphasis on our base running this preseason," said Papa. "I feel if we crank up our base running and become more aggressive we will really be able to put ourselves in a better position to score runs."
Pitching
In the circle, UNC must replace 2010 ACC Pitcher of the Year and three-time All-America Danielle Spaulding. The Tar Heels own a young pitching staff, as all three hurlers are freshmen. Freshmen Lori Spingola and Sara Buchholz tossed a combined perfect game in their first collegiate action this past fall.
"Our pitchers are all freshmen and I think that is exciting," Papa exclaimed. "People might say they are inexperienced, but I think the exciting part is a lot of teams do not know much about our pitchers. It will be a challenge because their only collegiate experience is the fall, but we are excited about the caliber and talent of our staff."
Outfield
Carolina owns tremendous depth in the outfield returning five of six outfielders this season. Wheeler and senior Dani Manko return in the outfield after starting a combined 107 games in 2010. Speedy sophomores Tisha Mahon and Chelsey Butler project well in right field after earning experience as freshmen a year ago.
"We are really excited about the group we have in the outfield," stated Papa. "We have a solid defensive outfield with speed and strong arms. I think it will have some really tough decisions because all of them bring something offensively too, whether its speed, slapping or power."
Infield
The veteran head coach highlighted junior second baseman Kelsey Green and senior third baseman Brittany Robinson as the top returnees in the infield. UNC plans to platoon sophomore Paige Williams and freshman Logan Foulks at shortstop. At first base, sophomores Cara Vitale and Haleigh Dickey will compete for the starting job.
"All of our positions, in terms of being in our lineup, are determined by your offense, and I think you will see that in the infield," Papa explained. "Brittany Robinson brings important leadership in the infield as the other positions will continue to benefit from game experience."
Behind the Plate
The Tar Heels have a healthy competition in the catching duo of senior Brittany McKinney and junior Ally Blake. The two started a combined 111 games in 2010 and both own great experience behind the plate. McKinney belted a career-best 11 home runs last season.
"Probably the toughest position battle this preseason," Papa said. "Both have really strong bats and I think they both bring a wealth of experience in catching. With an inexperienced pitching staff, both will really help the pitchers in situations because they have caught a Danielle Spaulding or a Lisa Norris. I am really excited about what our catchers bring to us because they are our leaders on and off the field."
To view the complete interview with head coach Donna J. Papa click on the player below. Check back in to TarHeelBlue.com for more softball news and updates.
