Beth Walters

Norah Gillam

After a disappointing sixth-place NCAC finish in 2002, the Tiger softball team returns 11 letterwinners, including eight starters. Head Coach Becky Hall believes the Tigers have what it takes to make it back to the top of the conference again.

Among several key returning players for the Tigers is the team's lone senior and one of the best offensive players in the NCAC, centerfielder Beth Walters (Westerville, Ohio/DeSales). Last season, Walters led the team in several offensive categories and was named first-team All-NCAC and All-Great Lakes Region. Also back after an outstanding 2002 is sophomore Norah Gillam (Canfield, Ohio/Canfield), the NCACs Newcomer of the Year and a third-team All-Great Lakes Region selection a year ago. Gillam, who played several different positions in 2002, will add depth to the pitching rotation and will bat in the middle of the lineup after hitting .304 last year.

The key element, and strong suit, for the 2003 squad is depth. Among some of the talented rookies are freshmen Katelyn Beddow (Lexington, Ohio/Ashland), who will see time at third base and middle infielderKelly Sasavicz (Massillon, Ohio/Washington). Also playing in their first season at Wittenberg are junior transfer Katie Gildow (Bellefontaine, Ohio/Bellefontaine)and sophomore Ashley Lands (Dover, Ohio/Dover).

Things get started for the Tigers in Fort Myers, Fla. this week. Wittenberg will play 10 games in five days as part of the Gene Cusic Tournament.