By Becky Johns
For The State News
As the MSU softball team prepares for a new season, players and coaches are keeping one objective in mind: "Play the game, not the jersey."
MSU head coach Jacquie Joseph said the philosophy of focusing on its own game, not the opponent's, is what keeps the players working toward a common goal. She also stresses the importance of constant improvement.
"I want to get better every game we play," Joseph said. "If we stay focused on the process, everything else usually takes care of itself."
As senior outfielder Elizabeth Peterson begins her fourth season at MSU, she looks forward to the first game and seeing how the team comes together on the field.
"We all really get along this year and I think we'll really be playing as a team," she said.
Senior catcher Amy Szawara said the team has a lot of potential and the players have bonded. They are focused on playing as a whole, she said.
Szawara said the team's goals are to have one error or less per game and focus on hitting and defense. Most importantly, she hopes they can "get up for every game the same way and be ready to go out and play hard every time."
MSU returns 15 players from the 2005 season, including 10 starters.
"Our strength is, by far, our experience," Joseph said. "We have a lot of girls back."
The Spartans lost two key starters from last season, when they finished 25-27-1. Janette Hurtado, who played second base and shortstop, started all 53 games in 2005. Outfielder Victoria Morache had led the team with .316 batting average and 48 hits last season.
Joseph said this year's squad is solid.
"Our only weaknesses are that we're a little thin on the mound and we're a little weak due to some injuries," she said. "But, both have potential to, and will mostly likely, get better."
Despite these factors, Joseph said the team could be a great contender in the Big Ten.
"This year, I think any one of eight teams could win it," she said. "And we are definitely one of them. It's that good of a conference."
MSU's opening week includes the Holiday Inn Express Pirate Classic in Greenville, N.C. starting today at 1 p.m. and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Leadoff Classic on Feb. 24-26 in Columbus, Ga.
"Look for us in the (Women's College) World Series," Joseph said. "I think we'll be there."
Here's a breakdown of the team:
• Pitchers: juniors Jackie Noble and Rachel Turney, sophomores Abby Lincoln and Lesley Noel and freshman Megan Hair.
• Catchers: senior Amy Szawara, junior Dana Rosenblatt, sophomore Caitlin Mahoney and freshman Kara Weigle.
• Infield: junior Dayna Feenstra and senior Elizabeth Peterson at first base; junior Nicole Mercado and freshman Gina Mondo on second base; Darhower and sophomore Traci Nicosia at shortstop; Darhower, Mahoney and Nicosia will play third base.
• Outfielders: Peterson, juniors Erin Harvey and Mercado, and sophomores Nicosia and Jessica LeFevre.
