LC opens softball season      

[MARCH 7, 2005]  Lincoln College begins its second softball season under the direction of head coach John Andrews with a twin bill slated Monday at Robert Morris College in Springfield. The Lynx mentor is hoping his team can play at a .500 level for the campaign. The Lynx finished 19-29 in Andrews’ first season as head mentor.

Much of the success will depend on the pitching of Krystina Gomez and Kelly Nader. Gomez is from St. Charles East High School and will be thrown into the fire as a freshman hurler. "She is a hard worker and throws the ball hard with good command of her pitchers," Andrews said. "She needs to develop confidence, but I look for her to have a lot of success. Kelly Nader (7-13) returns from last season as our number two starter, and she did a good job last season, having never pitched before. We look for her to give Gomez a lot of help."

In addition to Nader, who hit .278 last season, the Lynx have five returning sophomores. Ashley Shaw (.316) is the leading hitter returning, along with Beth Smith (.283), Courtney Baumann (.235), Jennifer Clemings (.206) and Christie Frasco (.134).

"Smith is likely to be our first baseman, as she is solid in fundamentals and a good hitter," Andrews said. "I will take all of the players from Farmington I can get, as they have a very solid program. Clemings is the probable second baseman; however, she is recovering from an ankle injury and will miss two or three weeks, which gives Nicole Laylock an opportunity to show what she can do. Shortstop is a real question mark for us after losing LCHS grad Kelsey Washam for the season due to a knee injury. Tiffany Tungate will have an opportunity to see action, and Smith could possibly move to short.

"Chonita Ziegler is the leading candidate at third base, as she has shown a lot of pop in her bat. She is learning to play third, as it is a new position for her. Tungate could also play some at third. Shaw will be our catcher and should be all-conference. She is a hustler and doesn't let many balls get past. She has a chance to play at a higher level next season if she has a good year. Amber Stewart has shown a lot of promise in the early practices to be a backup for Shaw."

The Lynx mentor continued: "Nader will be in the outfield when not pitching, with other top candidates being Frasco, Maleaha Hayward and Sarah Franklin. Hayward is our centerfield leader who has shown a lot of quickness and the ability to be a slap hitter who loves to play the game. Franklin is joining us from the basketball team, so she is a little behind at this time. Baumann is our leading candidate for the DH spot, and Elizabeth Johnisee will be used as a utility player in several spots."

Andrews believes the Region 24 may be the toughest in the state. "Parkland is always tough to beat, and Lewis & Clark would most likely be a top contender; however, they are never able to get past Parkland," Andrews said. "Now Illinois Central College is in our region, which makes it even tougher."

Crystal Wurth has joined Andrews on the coaching staff this season and has been working with the pitchers. "She is going to be a great addition to our program," Andrews said.

Player	Year	Hometown
Courtney Baumann	So.	Barrington
Jennifer Clemings	So.	Troy
Christie Frasco	So.	Channahon
Kelly Nader	So.	Farmington
Ashley Shaw	So.	Rushville
Beth Smith	So.	Farmington
Krystine Gomez	Fr.	St. Charles
Chonita Ziegler	Fr.	Decatur
Maleaha Hayward	Fr.	Hennapin
Nicole Laylock	Fr.	Forsyth
Sarah Franklin	Fr.	Wellington
Kathleen Fuller	Fr.	Lexington
Tiffany Tungate	Fr.	Lincoln
Elizabeth Johnisee	Fr.	Granite City
Sara Askins	Fr.	Clinton
Amber Stewart	Fr.	Oquawka

[Bill Martinie, Lincoln College]

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