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The Pitching Staff
Nebraska's pitching staff returns intact from the 2011 season. Senior right-hander Ashley Hagemann is back as Nebraska's ace after a dominating junior season when she earned all-conference, all-region and academic All-America honors. Behind Hagemann are senior right-hander Haley Workman, sophomore right-hander Tatum Edwards and freshman right-hander Mattie Fowler. Both Workman and Edwards figure to benefit from the experience they gained last season in their first year pitching at the Division I level. With the entire staff returning and the addition of Fowler, Nebraska hopes to improve on last season's impressive totals that included ranking 30th nationally in ERA.
Nebraska's pitching staff returns intact from the 2011 season. Senior right-hander Ashley Hagemann is back as Nebraska's ace after a dominating junior season when she earned all-conference, all-region and academic All-America honors. Behind Hagemann are senior right-hander Haley Workman, sophomore right-hander Tatum Edwards and freshman right-hander Mattie Fowler. Both Workman and Edwards figure to benefit from the experience they gained last season in their first year pitching at the Division I level. With the entire staff returning and the addition of Fowler, Nebraska hopes to improve on last season's impressive totals that included ranking 30th nationally in ERA.
Hagemann took her game to another level in 2011 and this spring, she hopes to be even better. An All-America candidate, Hagemann posted a 31-13 record with a 1.75 ERA and 344 strikeouts last season. She earned first-team all-conference honors in a Big 12 Conference that featured five first- or second-team All-America pitchers. Nationally, Hagemann ranked eighth in strikeouts and 10th in victories. Hagemann also excelled against the nation's top teams, posting eight victories over ranked teams, including four wins against top-10 squads. She went 5-3 in eight starts against teams that qualified for the 2011 Women's College World Series, and Nebraska hopes she can repeat that success as the Huskers aim for a deep postseason run in 2012.
A native of Elkhorn, Neb., Hagemann also enters her final season with a chance to leave her mark on the Husker career record book. She begins the year ranked seventh in school history in strikeouts, eighth in wins and saves, ninth in innings pitched and 10th in shutouts. If she can duplicate the numbers from her junior campaign, Hagemann would become Nebraska's all-time strikeout leader, while moving into the top five in school history in wins and innings pitched.
Edwards emerged as Nebraska's No. 2 pitcher last season and she looks to continue in that role this spring. Edwards was 7-0 with a 2.40 ERA as a freshman and opponents hit just .202 against her. She was at her best in starting duty, posting a 6-0 record with a 1.82 ERA in nine starts. She allowed fewer than five hits in each of her nine starts and allowed one run or less in six of her nine starts, including two shutouts among her three complete games. Edwards hopes to duplicate that success this spring, as she figures to earn more starts with more experience under her belt and a scheduling change that will see Nebraska playing three-game conference series instead of two.
Workman saw limited action for the Huskers last season after spending her previous two seasons at Chattanooga State. She ended the year with a 3-1 record and a 2.95 ERA in 38.0 innings. Workman proved hard to hit, as opponents managed only a .203 average against her and produced just eight extra-base hits in 138 at bats. Control was Workman's biggest challenge last season, giving her an area to focus on during the offseason. She is expected to contribute to the staff as both a starter and reliever this season.
Fowler will also figure into the pitching rotation, in addition to her role as Nebraska's starting third baseman. Fowler, who had not pitched since eighth grade, pitched Canyon del Oro High School to a state title as a senior, compiling a 14-0 record with a 0.85 ERA. She added 74 strikeouts in 82.0 innings.
The Catchers
Nebraska returns both of its catchers from last season in senior Kirby Wright and freshman Taylor Edwards. The Husker pitching staff also returns in tact from last season, giving the catchers plenty of familiarity with their pitchers, aiding the development of both groups. After a record-breaking All-America freshman season, Edwards returns as the Huskers' starting catcher this spring, where she hopes to extend Nebraska's streak to four consecutive seasons having a catcher earn all-conference accolades. Wright is the Huskers' most experienced catcher and will also see time behind the plate, in addition to providing a leadership role with the pitching staff.
Edwards burst onto the scene last year, when she made a case for being the country's top freshman and the nation's best catcher. Despite battling an injury over the final third of last season, Edwards batted .356 with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs. She led all freshmen nationally in home runs and RBIs in 2011 and set the Husker freshman home run record and the Big 12 Conference freshman RBI record. Edwards also set an NCAA record with a home run in six consecutive games and ranked seventh nationally in RBIs and 13th in home runs. For her efforts, she was named a third-team All-American and was one of only two catchers and the nation's only freshman tabbed as one of 25 finalists for the USA Softball Player-of-the-Year award.
Edwards is also a stellar defensive catcher, as she boasts a strong arm that limits running opportunities for opposing teams. Edwards developed a great rapport with ace Ashley Hagemann last season and together, the duo is expected to be one of the nation's top batteries this season. Individually, Edwards will look to become Nebraska's seventh two-time All-American this spring and despite her sophomore status, she needs only 10 home runs to climb into the top five on the Husker career home run chart.
Despite playing behind a different all-conference catcher in each of her first three seasons, Wright has been an invaluable member of the team during her career. Her work in game action and bullpen sessions helped pave the way for Hagemann to post one of the best pitching seasons in school history last year. A selfless player, Wright has spent countless hours in the bullpen working with each of Nebraska's pitchers, while also mentoring Taylor Edwards and helping her to an outstanding freshman season.
On the field, Wright is a more than capable catcher. She has started 32 games in her career and appeared in 21 more. Wright is a solid defensive catcher and offensively, she owns a .330 on-base percentage over the past two seasons. Wright is expected to see more action behind the plate this spring and is slated to be behind the plate when freshman Mattie Fowler pitches and Edwards slides into Fowler's spot at third base.
The Infield
The infield is the only position where Nebraska must replace significant contributors from last season, as the outfield, catchers and pitching staff all return every player from 2011. Gone are Julie Brechtel, Nebraska's starting second baseman the past four seasons, and Heidi Foland, the Huskers' starting third baseman three of the last four years. Senior Ashley Guile returns this spring after moving into Nebraska's starting first base role last spring. Junior Gabby Banda is also back, returning for her third season as a starter. Banda was NU's starting third baseman as a freshman and started at third last season. With Banda and Guile returning, newcomers Courtney Breault and Mattie Fowler are the top contenders for open starting jobs at second and third base, respectively.
Guile adjusted well to first base last season and will start at the position again this spring. She committed only three errors at first last season and with a new second baseman beside her this spring, Guile will take on the added responsibility of correctly aligning the right-side of the Husker infield.
Offensively, Guile is a proven producer in the middle of the Nebraska lineup. She was a first-team all-conference performer as a sophomore and was one of 50 players named to the USA Softball Preseason Player-of-the-Year watch list as a junior. Guile boasts a .308 career batting average that ranks 17th in school history, and she owns a .432 on-base percentage fueled by 79 walks (sixth in school history) and 22 hit-by-pitches (third). Guile has also been a run producer, driving in 83 runs in her career, including 35 with two outs.
Banda will settle into her second season as the Huskers' starting shortstop this spring. Banda was solid all season long at short last season and was outstanding as she gained experience at the position, ending the year on a career-long 20-game errorless streak. Banda also has experience at third base, knowledge that will help her work alongside a new third baseman this spring.
At the plate, Banda made tremendous strides as a sophomore and is expected to give Nebraska a strong bat at the bottom of the order. Banda experimented with batting left-handed for the first half of last season, before settling on batting right-handed, her natural side. She raised her batting average .080 from her freshman season and led the Huskers with 10 doubles. After an offseason focused on her right-handed swing, Banda showed improved power during the fall, homering three times in eight games.
Second base will feature a new face for Nebraska this season, in either Breault or senior Nikki Haget. Breault enters the program with a wealth of experience at the position, as she spent the past two years as Arkansas' starting second baseman. In two years with the Razorbacks, Breault produced a .272 batting average with 14 doubles, nine home runs and 51 RBIs. Her numbers dipped last season as she dealt with a shoulder injury that eventually required surgery. When she was healthy, Breault was named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 2010. Breault's recovery from offseason surgery may limit her availability early in the season, although she is expected to return at full strength.
In her absence, Haget - a high school infielder and Nebraska's starting center fielder the past two seasons - is expected to fill in for Breault at second base. The Huskers' leadoff hitter the past two seasons and an all-conference selection in 2010, Haget will be in Nebraska's lineup either at second base or in center field.
At third base, Fowler is expected to be Nebraska's everyday starter despite her freshman status. A talented player, Fowler boasts the athleticism to play either third or short, while she also brings outstanding offensive potential to the table. As a high school senior last spring, Fowler batted .569 with 17 home runs, 22 doubles and 91 RBIs while leading Canyon del Oro to a state championship. Her 91 RBIs were an Arizona high school record. For her efforts, Fowler was named a first-team high school All-American and the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year. Fowler will also pitch for the Huskers this spring, and when she's in the circle, sophomore Taylor Edwards will occupy third base.
While Nebraska possesses plenty of talent on the infield, the Huskers do lack some depth. The top candidates to play on the infield in the event of an injury are a host of players from other positions. Haget is the top backup at second base and sophomore Kylee Muir is the backup at first base, with Edwards figuring into the rotation at third. Other candidates for playing time on the infield will come from other positions, with Haget and classmate Madison Drake each having infield experience from their high school careers.
The Outfield
The outfield is expected to be Nebraska's most competitive position this season. As many as six players could compete for the three starting positions, including five players with starting experience and one talented newcomer. The group of contenders also features three returning all-conference performers in senior Nikki Haget, junior Brooke Thomason and sophomore Tatum Edwards. Senior Madison Drake and junior Megan Southworth also return after splitting time as Nebraska's starting left fielder last season, and freshman Jordan Bettiol made a big push for playing time during the fall season.
The Outfield
The outfield is expected to be Nebraska's most competitive position this season. As many as six players could compete for the three starting positions, including five players with starting experience and one talented newcomer. The group of contenders also features three returning all-conference performers in senior Nikki Haget, junior Brooke Thomason and sophomore Tatum Edwards. Senior Madison Drake and junior Megan Southworth also return after splitting time as Nebraska's starting left fielder last season, and freshman Jordan Bettiol made a big push for playing time during the fall season.
Haget is Nebraska's most experienced outfielder, having started 111 games over the past two seasons. She is arguably the Huskers' best defensive outfielder, and her speed allows her to cover a lot of ground in center. In addition to entering her third season as Nebraska's starting center fielder, Haget could also see time on the infield, especially early in the season as junior Courtney Breault, the projected starter at second base, recovers from offseason surgery.
Regardless of where she plays, Haget will certainly be in the lineup and is expected to be Nebraska's leadoff hitter for the third consecutive season. Haget has done an excellent job setting the table for an explosive Husker offense the past two years, earning all-conference accolades as a sophomore. She boasts a .343 career batting average that ranks sixth in school history, and she also leads all current Huskers with 30 career stolen bases and 101 runs scored. She crossed home plate 51 times last season and is bidding to become only the second Husker ever to score 50 runs in back-to-back seasons.
In right field, Thomason is entering her third season as the starter. She has started 106 games in the outfield in her career and has excelled both offensively and defensively, earning both all-conference and all-region recognition. Defensively, Thomason has committed only four errors in two seasons and possesses arguably the strongest arm of any Husker outfielder.
Offensively, Thomason brings a big bat to the middle of the Husker order. She boasts a .320 career batting average that ranks 13th in school history and a .550 slugging percentage that ranks sixth. She is Nebraska's active leader with 19 career home runs and is only the second Husker ever to homer at least eight times as both a freshman and sophomore. Thomason has also driven in more than 30 runs each of the last two seasons, while last year, her plate discipline improved as she drew 10 more walks than her freshman season and increased her on-base percentage 33 points to .410.
The battle for the final outfield spot is expected to continue until opening day and possibly even into the early stages of the season. Southworth started 29 games in left field last season and is the Huskers' most experienced outfielder behind Haget and Thomason. Southworth is a solid defensive outfielder who did not commit an error in left field last season, despite only switching to the position a year earlier. Offensively, Southworth is a .252 career hitter with four doubles and six RBIs. She has also been Nebraska's most reliable pinch hitter during her career, batting .278 in that role.
Drake found a home in the Husker outfield last year and is looking to retain the starting job she earned in the second half of last season. She entered the program as an infielder and pitched some for the Huskers in the 2010 season. Last year, Drake found a home in the outfield and started 25 games, including 22 in left field. While starting each of Nebraska's final 17 games a year ago, Drake produced one double, three home runs, six RBIs and nine runs scored. On the year, Drake posted a .484 slugging percentage, recording four home runs and two doubles in only 62 at bats.
Edwards could also see time in left field. She made only five starts at the position last season, but the coaching staff is intent on keeping Edwards' powerful bat in the lineup. In addition to working in the outfield and at pitcher, Edwards is also a candidate to be the Huskers' designated player, where she earned 40 starts last season. Regardless of her position, Edwards' bat is sure to be in the lineup after she batted .285 with eight doubles, 14 home runs and 42 RBIs during an all-conference freshman season. Her 14 home runs were the second-highest total by a freshman in school history, and she was the Huskers' leading hitter in conference play.
The lone newcomer to the outfield is Bettiol, who is expected to immediately challenge for a starting spot despite the returning talent around her. A talented athlete, Bettiol is just beginning to tap into her softball potential, as she didn't go out for the sport until her sophomore year of high school. She is a natural fit for the outfield as she possesses great speed and range. Offensively, Bettiol has the ability to bat at the top or bottom of the Husker order. She made a big impression in the Huskers' fall season, when she started all eight games in center field and batted second in the lineup. During the fall, Bettiol led Nebraska with a .545 batting average, 12 hits and five doubles, while adding eight RBIs.
Designated Player
Although several players could ultimately compete for playing time as the designated player in addition to their work at other positions, the top two candidates to be Nebraska's primary designated player this spring are sophomores Tatum Edwards and Kylee Muir. Edwards started 40 games as Nebraska's designated player last season, while Muir earned four starts at the position.
Also a pitcher and outfielder, Edwards excelled as Nebraska's designated player last season. She batted .285 on the year with eight doubles, 14 home runs, 33 runs scored and 42 RBIs while earning second-team all-conference recognition. She ranked sixth in the Big 12 Conference and 55th nationally in home runs as a freshman and was a clutch hitter, batting .400 with runners in scoring position and two outs. She excelled during the conference season, when she faced a first- or second-team All-America pitcher in 10 of her 18 games. During the league slate, Edwards led Nebraska with a .283 average, two doubles, five home runs, 11 RBIs, eight runs scored and a .604 slugging percentage. Regardless if she earns at bats as the designated player or at another position, Edwards will bat in the middle of the Husker lineup.
Muir saw her first action against Division I pitching in a limited role last season. She earned only 14 at bats and recorded two hits and two RBIs. A powerful left-handed hitter, Muir boasts plenty of offensive potential and after countless hours in the batting cages last summer, she took the first steps toward reaching her potential during the Huskers' fall season. Muir appeared in six games last fall, batting .529 with one double, three home runs and 11 RBIs in only 17 at bats. She reached base at a .600 clip and slugged 1.118. With her continued work over the winter, Muir has put herself in a position to earn playing time as Nebraska's designated player this spring.