Feb. 18, 2008
The George Mason softball team enters the 2008 campaign with a quality that head coach Joe Verbanic believes will enable the Patriots to make a run at the Colonial Athletic Association championship: confidence.
Verbanic, who is in his fourth season at the helm, points to the veteran senior class as well as a number of promising newcomers as the keys to a successful season.
"I think we're at a point where we can get into the CAA Tournament and make some noise," Verbanic said. "We're excited about our seniors' seasons last year, and what they can put together this season. We have a solid group of juniors and sophomores, having most of our team return, and also some good freshmen. It is exciting that we have depth, something we've never had before."
In the senior class are three student-athletes who have come to form the backbone of the Patriots' infield through their four seasons in Fairfax.
"I could not be more proud of our three seniors. Watching them grow up and suffer through some rebuilding years, and now seeing what they have accomplished and how their confidence has grown."
Kristin Dickel, the team's leading hitter with a .362 average in 2007, has solidified her place at first base.
"Kristin is a quiet leader," said Verbanic. "She really came into her own offensively last year. She played a solid defensive first base, which is something that often goes unnoticed but plays a part in the team's confidence."
Behind the plate, Lesley Hassen is a productive hitter who brings another quality to the game when she dons the catcher's mask. Hassen finished third on the team with a .295 batting average.
"Lesley is a settling influence when she is behind the plate," explained Verbanic. "She is a very good player offensively and defensively, but her biggest impact is what she brings behind the plate in helping the pitchers with the game."
The final senior is Katlyn Winter, who has seen steady improvement in her game thanks to a tireless work ethic. "Katlyn is the epitome of a hard worker, and she really sets the bar for the rest of the team," said Verbanic. "Her hard work is beginning to pay off for her."
Among the other returnees, sophomore Becky Anderson is one of the most promising young talents in the CAA. Coming off a season in which she was named to the conference's first team and all-rookie team as a utility player, Anderson led the team in runs batted in (25) and home runs (4), as well as wins (9), appearances (33), and strikeouts (74) from the pitcher's circle. Verbanic believes that, "with Becky, our team has the confidence knowing that we have a chance to compete and win every time she's in the circle."
The Patriots will see over 90 percent of its run producers return for the 2008 season, including junior Alison Bryan, who led Mason with 22 runs scored as well as 11 doubles. Right behind Bryan was classmate Kelsey Mack, as Mack's defensive contributions were as important as her 19 runs scored.
"Kelsey has been nothing but fantastic, as the anchor of our infield at shortstop," said Verbanic. "She is truly in the middle of everything."
The 2008 Patriots will feature 11 newcomers who bring a variety of talents, as well as contribute to the team's newfound depth.
"I'm waiting to see which of the newcomers will emerge," Verbanic explained. "Some of them, like Jenna Lipscomb, and Stephanie Strother for example, did some eye-catching stuff in the fall."
Mason's schedule will feature a number of early-season tournaments before opening up conference play. Three tournaments in Florida highlight the first few weeks, as well as the annual Patriot Classic and George Mason Invitational, which will be contested from Feb. 29 to Mar. 9. The Patriots open the season at Central Florida, facing top-level talent including a season-opener against Big Ten power Michigan.
"We walk right into the fire, opening against Michigan," Verbanic said. "It's exciting to play a team like that, but it will be a huge test. We can definetly compete and have a chance to win against some of the tougher teams."
Following the Patriots' homestand, the team will travel again to the Sunshine State to participate in the USF Tournament and the USF Under Armour Classic, held in Tampa and Clearwater. From there, Mason will open CAA play against Towson on Mar. 22 as it looks to make a run at the conference title.
For Verbanic and the Patriots, though, the confidence and ability to win will continue to guide the team along the winning path.
"We're going to have an opportunity to win every time we step on the field," he said. "Nothing is impossible for us this season. Our first goal is to get to the CAA Tournament, and we will go from there. We're going to get tested, but by seeing what the best competition looks like, we can learn and prepare for conference play."
