Miami's 2002 softball team enters the season with a greater knowledge and sense of confidence than it did in 2001. These RedHawks still feel the sting from last season, when a few key injuries were the difference between another substandard season and what could have been the team's first Mid-American Conference Tournament appearance in 19 years. The passing of another year of unmet expectations will serve to stoke the fires of each and every member of this year's team and provide the extra motivation needed to get it to the post-season.

Though improvement under fourth-year head coach Angie Jacobs has been gradual, it also has been noticeable. For the second season in a row the team's win total increased from the previous year, as it notched 18 victories in 2001 after a 16-win campaign in 2000.

Also encouraging is the fact that Miami returns at least 75 percent of its 2001 production in each of the categories of hits, runs and runs batted in.

"It was very evident this fall that these athletes were practicing with a greater sense of purpose than ever before. Add to that leadership and experience, and you will find success at the end of the day," Jacobs said. "Our goal is to finish in the top three of our division and be the second team in Miami history to make the MAC Tournament."

THE PITCHERS
The pitching has a somewhat new look, with freshman southpaw Jackie Poggendorf, an Arizona native who comes to Oxford with impressive credentials, taking over the No. 1 spot in the rotation. She finished her high school career with a 0.76 earned run average, was a two-time all-region selection, and made honorable mention all-state as a senior.

"Jackie can hit her spots and challenge hitters with her rise and curve," Jacobs said.

A knee injury leaves senior Abbey Arnold's role heading into the season uncertain. Miami's all-time strikeout leader, entering the season with 429 career whiffs, Arnold is looking to contribute any way she can .

"Abbey has been a mainstay in our lineup since her freshman year," Jacobs said. "We are looking for her leadership to help guide our freshmen in the circle."

Another change involves Abbey's twin sister, Amber, who primarily will be used as a reliever.

"Amber has done a great job for us as a starter, but we feel she will be most effective as a reliever, where she can show the opposition a different look in the later innings," Jacobs said.

Also coming out of the bullpen is freshman Kristy Wells, a member of the all-state first team her last two years at Newton High School in Troy, Ohio.

"This is the most depth and talent Miami has had in my four years," Jacobs said. "I feel we finally have the arms we need to finish games consistently."

THE CATCHERS
Miami returns two players who are more than capable of handling the starting catching duties. Junior Erin Kucera gets the nod, with senior Nicki Pelfrey, who is coming off shoulder surgery, filling the role of backup. Pelfrey is slated to be the starting third baseman.

Kucera may only have a .224 lifetime batting average, but that does not tell the whole story.

"Erin has really developed her game in the last year and is a true leader behind the plate," Jacobs said. "Her ability to work the pitchers and her confidence and calm demeanor behind the plate have earned her the trust of our pitching staff."

Though mainly a third baseman, freshman Keri McCready has enough experience donning the tools of ignorance that she can spell either Kucera or Pelfrey whenever necessary.

THE INFIELD
Four returning starters fill this area, though one (Pelfrey) is moving from behind the plate to the hot corner and another is coming in from the outfield. As a whole, this year's infielders are among the most athletic players on the roster.

Junior Angie Gerber, a second-team all-MAC selection, anchors the infield from her first base position. Last season she ranked first on the team in on-base percentage (.401), tied for the team lead in total bases (60), was second in average (.341) and hits (44), and shared the runner-up spot in RBIs (19) with the departed Kristi Mortaloni.

"I am excited for Angie this year as she is coming back stronger than ever," Jacobs said. "I look for Angie to rewrite the Miami record book in several offensive categories. She can single-handedly win a game for us with her bat."

Though she struggled at the plate in her inaugural campaign, sophomore Jessica Zogaib gave the Red and White a spark at the bottom of the lineup and stellar defense at second base. She was the only RedHawk whose OBP (.306) was at least 100 points higher than her batting average (.176), a result of the team-leading 17 walks she drew.

"Jess is the most athletic player I've ever coached. She makes plays that you think are impossible," Jacobs said. "She is working on becoming an all-around threat at the plate."

After a freshman campaign spent primarily in the outfield, sophomore Jacque Molinaro moves to shortstop, and Jacobs expects her to have a breakout year.

"Jacque is just an exceptional player," Jacobs said. "We look for her to continue to develop into the complete player she is capable of becoming on both sides of the ball."

Making the switch from catcher to third is Pelfrey, who Jacobs refers to as "the ultimate utility player."

Miami's top run-producer a year ago (18 runs, 23 RBIs), she also led the team in hits (46), ranked second in slugging percentage (.392) and was third in average (.301) and on-base percentage (.363).

"Nicki excels in many areas of the game," Jacobs said. "She is a fiery competitor who is looked at with great respect."

McCready also will see some time at third when Pelfrey is catching.

THE OUTFIELD
This position group is receiving a bit of a shake-up as well, with two new starters this season. Jacobs should feel pretty good about the one returner, however.

Senior Keri Brisnehan, the fourth member of the Red and White to gain all-region honors and the seventh to twice be named all-MAC, will patrol center field while looking to improve her .308 career batting average, third highest in the history of the program. She came back strong from a broken hand that sidelined her for a month last season to post a team-best .350 average and steal eight bases, second most on the club.

"Keri is an exceptional leader. She is very hungry," Jacobs said. "In her mind, we have some unfinished business to take care of, and she has set out to take care of it her senior year."

Moving from shortstop to left this season is sophomore Jamie Carey. Her 11 sacrifice bunts in 2001 topped the club, while her 10 walks and seven swipes were both third most on the team.

"Jamie has really developed into an all-around player. She can hit with power from both sides of the plate and is very experienced at 'slapping' from the left side," Jacobs said. "She has so many weapons that she is one of the toughest if not the toughest out we have."

Freshman Peri Zakin, whom Jacobs calls "one of the most consistent hitters and bunters on the team," is the third outfielder.

Sophomore Maggie Cousins and freshman Samantha Hammer also will vie for playing time in the outfield.

DESIGNATED PLAYERS
Freshamn Sarah Buffie steps right in as the RedHawks' everyday designated player, with sophomore Anna Weinstein getting spot starts there as well as assuming many of the pinch-hitting duties.

THE SCHEDULE
Challenging does not begin to describe the docket Miami has lined up. Five teams - Virginia Tech, California, Virginia, Kansas and Bowling Green - it faces were ranked in regional top 10 polls at the end of last season.

The RedHawks fly all over the map, playing 19 of their first 20 games in a total of five tournaments, with a matchup against Syracuse in Palo Alto, Calif., sandwiched between the Softball NIT in San Jose and the Capital Classic Tournament in Sacramento. The early-season schedule also is highlighted by tournaments in Chapel Hill, N.C., Corpus Christi, Texas and Dayton, Ohio.

Add to that 26 MAC games and doubleheaders against Wright State and Dayton, and the RedHawks have a schedule at which most teams would cower.

"I believe the stronger the schedule, the stronger we will become," Jacobs said. "I am hoping we see all obstacles as challenges, challenges we can meet and ultimately overcome."