Softball
2008 Season Recap
Completing its season with a 21-12 overall record – the first 20-win season since 2002 – the Clark University softball team had its share of notable accomplishments this spring. Not only did the Cougars earn regional recognition (10th) by the New England Intercollegiate Softball Coaches Association (NEISCA) poll and saw first-year hurler Sarah Carter pitch the program’s first-ever perfect game, but they also set a new mark for homeruns in a season (26) and finished fourth (10-6) in conference play for the second straight season.
The Clark bats were the story of the season as the Cougars tied for first in the league in homeruns (26) and finished second in hitting (.312), slugging percentage (.462), and on-base percentage (.375). Season highlights included a 7-3 spring week trip, a victory over NCAA tournament participant Wellesley College (5-3) and a sweep over eventual NEWMAC Champs Springfield College (3-1 & 9-1). The Cougars also honored 30-years of softball with Clark’s first-ever sport-specific anniversary celebration in April.
Lauren Blake had a stellar sophomore season, garnering her 100th career hit and earning first-team All-NEWMAC, All-NFCA and All-NEISCA honors. Senior Heather Warren was also named a NEWMAC first-team all-star and received second-team NFCA recognition. Sophomore Melissa Traft took home NEWMAC second-team honors to round out the list of Cougar recipients.
2008 Season Preview
Returning to the diamond after its most successful season in five years, the Clark University softball team does not intend to rest on its laurels. While last year’s 19-16 (9-6 NEWMAC) squad set six new school records and posted their best regular-season finish in the conference (4th) since 2002, head coach Linda Wage will look for the 2008 Cougars to approach this season one game at a time.
“It’s going to be a game-to-game focus,” said Wage, who celebrated her 300th career victory last spring. “With a young team, there’s the possibility of a lot of ups and downs, but if the group stays focused on the present and do the things they know they can do, it will build their confidence.”
With a roster comprised of 11 freshmen and sophomore, youth is certainly a characteristic of this year’s squad. However, Wage welcomes back eight letter-winners, including seven starters, to that mix. “I tell the younger players that no one is going to ask what year they’re in when they put on the uniform,” said Wage, “they’re just going to expect that you know how to play. So, go in with confidence and be ready and prepared.”
Leading the list of returning infielders are NEWMAC all-stars Lauren Blake (.464 BA, 23 RBI) and captain Heather Warren (.471 BA, 12 HR, 59 RBI). Blake, who also received all-region recognition, will return at second base, while Warren, the 2007 NCAA Division III statistical champion for RBI and All-New England honoree, will primarily play at shortstop and give Clark another quality arm on the mound.
Joanna Clark (.266 BA) and Darcy Kurashige-Elliot (.238 BA, 17 RBI) will also figure prominently in Coach Wage’s plans. A solid defensive player, Clark will handle both corners at first and third, while Kurashige-Elliot’s strong arm will also be utilized at the hot corner or left field. Alex Gauthier hopes to increase her playing time as a back-up third baseman and outfielder.
Captain Julie Parnell (.260 BA) will anchor an outfield that includes Chelsea Proulx, who will also play infield, and newcomers Marla Houghton and Heather Richards. Parnell, a steady and quick performer, will patrol center field, while Proulx, who will play multiple positions this spring, will help out at either left or right depending on game situations. Houghton, a four-year outfielder at 2007 Maine State Champion Cape Elizabeth High School, and Richards, a former captain at Glastonbury (Conn.) High, are in contention for the remaining spot.
The Cougars’ pitching staff remains intact. The ace of last year’s rotation, Melissa Traft (3.82 ERA, 11-5) should continue her strong play this spring. The sophomore standout will also add some punch to the line-up as designated player. Proulx, who saw limited time on the mound last season, will be expected to increase production this year, and Warren will add depth. Rookie Sarah Carter, a St. Peter Marian product and Worcester Telegram & Gazette All-Star, will also be counted upon to make an immediate impact in the circle as a starter and in relief.
With the departure of Lauren Ackein behind the plate, Coach Wage will turn to Julie Murray, a three-time Southern Worcester County All-Star, and Katherine Tutela, who led the Wahconah (Mass.) Regional High School team in hitting and RBI, to handle the catching chores. Although youth could be a problem, Wage is confident that the team has the chemistry and work ethic to compete.
“We have a large sophomore contingent that had tremendous amounts of playing time last year,” she said, “and they have developed during the off-season and are more confident this spring. “In addition, we have great senior leadership.”
While Clark will face stiff non-conference opponents, Wage knows the team will need to be more consistent on defense and more potent at the plate if they want success in the NEWMAC. “We’re focused with a long term goal,” she said. “Last year, we were able to beat every team in the conference at least once. “We’d really like to build on that and put some complete doubleheaders together.”
About the program
The Clark University softball program prides itself on the student-athlete experience. Head Coach Linda Wage believes in a competitive athletic program coupled with a quality education. “We strive for excellence and commitment on the field and in the classroom, and are optimistic those experiences will shape our student-athletes for the future. With hard work and a positive attitude, Clark softball will continue to excel in academia and athletics.”
The Cougars have gained regional and national recognition with a record of 258-161 (.616) in the past 13 years and seven postseason appearances – including a 31-11 mark, a first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament and a national ranking (22nd) in 1999. A two-time Conference Coach of the Year (1996, 1999), Wage has developed scores of all-stars, including twice named NFCA First Team All-America Jen Scavone ’05 – Clark’s first-ever professional softball player and only Division III player to compete in the professional league – the 2007 NCAA Statistical Champion for RBI Heather Warren, the team’s first-ever national player of the week, a combined 63 NFCA and NEISCA All-New England selections, and 29 All-NEWMAC recipients.
The Cougars have returned to such success in the past two years. Last spring, Clark not only captured its first 20-win season since 2002, but also earned regional recognition (10th) by the New England Intercollegiate Softball Coaches Association (NEISCA) poll. They also set a new mark for homeruns in a season (26) and finished fourth (10-6) in conference play for the second straight season. In 2006, Coach Wage notched her 300th career-victory, while the squad set six new school records. Despite a squad of 10-newcomers that year, the Cougars had beaten every NEWMAC team at least once entering the double-elimination conference tournament.
Recent Highlights
• Sarah Carter ‘11 pitched the program’s first-ever perfect game in five-inning 9-0 win over Worcester State.
• Lauren Blake ’10 named to NEWMAC first-team, NFCA first-team, NEISA first- team, ECAC first-team.
• Heather Warren ’08 and Melissa Traft ‘10 received NEWMAC first-team and second-team honors, respectively. Warren also garnered NFCA All-Region second team accolades.
• Posted big wins over eventual NEWMAC Champs Springfield College (3-1 & 9-1) and then nationally ranked Wellesley College (5-3) during regular season.
• Team set new mark for homeruns (26) in a season; tied for first in league in homers.
• In 2007, Heather Warren ’08 named the NCAA Division III statistical softball champion for RBI (59) and Clark’s first-ever NFCA National Player of the Week.
For more information about Clark University Softball, please contact head coach Linda
Wage at (508) 793-7637 or by email at lwage@clarku.edu
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Additional Resources
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| Recent Results |
| Apr 26 |
vs #6 Smith
NEWMAC Tournament
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W 3-1
Recap
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| Apr 26 |
vs #3 Springfield
NEWMAC Tournament
at Wellesley
View Bracket | Tournament Web Site
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L 4-9
Recap
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| Apr 23 |
vs #5 Babson
NEWMAC Tournament
at Wellesley
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L 2-3 (10)
Recap
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| Apr 19 |
at Babson*
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W 6-5
Recap
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| Upcoming Schedule | Full Schedule |
| Mar 1 |
vs TBA
March 1-5
Spring Break Trip
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TBA
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| Mar 17 |
at Bridgewater State (DH)
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3:00 PM
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| Mar 21 |
at Wellesley *(DH)
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12:00 PM
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| Mar 25 |
vs Brandeis (DH)
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3:00 PM
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