Oct. 5, 2009

Fort Wayne, IN - New IPFW head softball coach Amy Tudor got her first taste of Mastodon softball this fall, and the team came away with an even 2-2 record during their first forays under the new coach.

"The fall was, and still is being used as a learning time for the team," said Tudor. "We were able to inform them of our expectations for what we wanted to gain out of the fall."

In those quartet of games, IPFW fell to 2009 Mid-American Conference champion Ball State 3-2, and 4-2, and topped Indiana Tech in two, 2-0 and 7-4. "From day one, we have made strides in all areas of our game," said Tudor, who most recently coached at Belmont University. "We are more polished, and will continue to become more seasoned as the year progresses. A bright spot came as we out-hit both of our opponents, which is the area that needed, and still needs, the most improvement. Since our pitching staff was the strongest asset coming in from the 2009 season, their strides were not as noticeable; however, they are beginning to understand the importance of improving their spin and locations."

The pitching staff, under the leadership of new pitching coach Mandee Luers, returns all three pitchers from the staff that had a team ERA of 2.63. Leading the staff will be sophomore Courtney Cronin, who finished the season with a 1.85 ERA, going 9-7 with 108 strikeouts in 124.2 innings of work en route to earning All-Summit League Second Team honors. Also back for the staff is junior Rachel Staschuk, who had a hard-luck record of 4-10, allowing an ERA of just 2.49 in her 17 appearances, while pitching a shutout and striking out 54 in 92.2 innings. Junior Amanda Olender also returns, as the New Jersey native has the most career wins among the trio with 10, and has a school-record-tying three saves over her two seasons in Fort Wayne.

"We still have to improve defensively on our reaction to the ball after being hit," said the former Western Kentucky standout. "We also need to improve on our first three steps. Offensively we have to produce runs and we have to have a short game along with a power game. Our staff will keep us in games, we just have to do our part at the plate. The home side of the scoreboard has to light up in order for us to produce wins."

Returning to help light up the home side of the scoreboard are the players with the top four batting averages on the team from last year, including returning seven of the eight field position players. Kristina Karpun, a catcher, returns after leading the team with a .280 batting average, after a standout .331 average during her freshman campaign two years ago. Staschuk, who also doubles as a pitcher, also batted .280 in her time in the field. The pair, who were Summer League Softball teammates in Canada, each also hit a trio of home runs to tie for second on the team in the category.

The player that led the team in home runs is sophomore infielder Cassie Wolfe, who hit five bombs over the course of the year, while driving in a team-best 17 runs and scoring 16 times. Kaylee Faurote returns to the outfield after batting .267 last year with 14 runs, and drawing 14 walks.

"The girls are eager to learn the game, and to ask questions on how to get better," said Tudor. "They are all aware of the demands that have to be met in order to turn this program around. The team understands how high my expectations are for them in all they do, from the weight room, to the field, and in the classroom. Hopefully they learned this fall that I am not happy, and will not accept a sub-par effort. I want 100% from them, or nothing at all."

"I am looking forward to teaching them the game," noted the head coach. "We are creating an atmosphere that fosters competition and growth in order to produce the ultimate payback - respect. When you are respected, you have a sense of pride and self-worth, which makes all of the shuttles, gassers, and early-morning workouts worth it. I want the team to enjoy this season, and be proud to be part of the IPFW softball team, and look back at this season as a great moment in their lives."

The Mastodons open their 2010 season on February 19 and 20, when the team travels to compete in the Memphis University’s Blues City Classic which will feature Memphis, Appalachian State, Indiana State, and McNeese State.

~Dons~