University of Memphis Athletics
2011 Preview: Infield
Feb 01, 2011 | Softball
Feb. 1, 2011
Memphis, Tenn. – In their pursuit of reaching the program’s first NCAA Tournament berth, the 2011 Tigers Softball squad will lean on a wealth of experience and depth within the infield.
Expected to lead the charge, are returning starters Jessica Phillips (first base), Alyssa Palmieri (second base) and Heather Mott (shortstop).
Amongst the trio, the Tigers return six letter-winning seasons; experience that head coach Windy Thees looks to lean on throughout the 2011 campaign.
“We have some depth throughout the infield and that could be big for us down the stretch,” Thees stated. “We return three starters from last season, and we look for some newcomers to be able to contribute immediately if needed.”
At first base, Jessica Phillips, a Chattanooga, Tenn. native, has logged 80 starts during her two-year collegiate career and looks to step up as a team leader this season.
“Being a junior, I am one of the older girls on the field now, so I feel that I can help some of our younger players from an experience stand point,” Phillips said.
Providing depth at the position will come from a pair of freshmen. Southaven, Miss. native Libby Goranson, who lettered six-years as a starter at Southaven High School, and Australian product Ellen Roberts, who led her Australian national squad to three-consecutive championships.
While she is primarily the team’s designated player, senior Kailey Kassner can fill in at first in addition to her role as a backup catcher. Her biggest contribution will come with the bat, where she has been hitting with confidence and power in the preseason.
The middle infield will be anchored by a pair of Florida natives, junior Alyssa Palmieri (second base) and senior Heather Mott (shortstop). Palmieri and Mott combined for a total of 78 starts last season, and expect to pick up right where they left off.
“This season, we have several girls with experience coming back,” Mott said. “As far as leadership and just knowing what to do in certain situations, I feel that we can sure up the group.”
Sophomores Shanna Brown and Morgan Mosby will be vying for increased playing time in the infield throughout the 2011 campaign.
At third base, questions about who will take the field for the Tigers are still unanswered.
Senior Maddie McKinley, a 2010 C-USA all-tournament selection, may make the transition to outfield to aid in replacing 2010 graduate Leigh Rowan.
With McKinley’s position change pending, the Tigers have used preseason camp to prepare third base candidates Cheyenne Mascarenas and Ijiah Hargrove.
Mascarenas, a sophomore, saw time at the hot corner in 17 games last season, while Hargrove, a true freshman, joins the Tigers after becoming one of the most decorated players in Harrison Central High School (MS) softball history.
“At this point, we really don’t know who will be starting at third, it is a day-to-day competition. One thing is for sure, they are fighting for third base and the competition is heating up,” infield coach Julie Meyer stated. “They go back and forth, one day Cheyenne will be the front runner and the next it’s Ijiah. They are really pushing each other to become better every single day."
