Defense, pitching hurt Bears Good, young nucleus bodes well for 2008

If the goal of any Division I program is the advance to postseason play, the University of Maine softball team fell short this season.

One year after setting a school record for most wins in a season (35) and wining the America East regular season title, the Black Bears finished the 2007 campaign at 24-26 overall, 9-11 in America East including Sunday’s season-ending 5-4 loss to Binghamton.

It was the first time they had missed the America East playoffs since 2001.

“I think it was a disappointing season for us, especially with the high expectations because of how we did last year,” said head coach Stacey Sullivan, who wrapped up her second season.

The Black Bears did, however, learn they have a lot to build on, including the play of several freshmen and sophomore Ashley Waters, who solidified her status as one of the top players in America East.

Maine started out strong, going 14-8 during its southern trip, but struggled with several losing streaks during conference play. The losses coincided with a stretch in which the Black Bears were forced to play home games on the road because of poor weather and field conditions.

“I think morale plays a lot into things,” Sullivan said. “We had those weeks when we had to flip games and that was tough. We were on the road for 12 straight weekends which was just exhausting. … I’d say we peaked too soon.”

Although Maine’s offense was improved this season, its pitching and defense did not. Jenna Balent, the 2006 America East Rookie of the Year, struggled to a 9-11 record with a 5.12 earned run average. Freshman Christine McGivney looked sharp at times but didn’t perform as expected (7-10, 3.68), while Jessica Ghazali (8-5, 3.68) had some of those same struggles.

“We never had consistency as a staff,” Sullivan said.

The offense was a bright spot with an overall team batting average of .282, an improvement over last year’s .255.

Freshman Alexis Souhlaris led the Bears with a .362 batting average and set UMaine’s single-season stolen base record with 30. Waters hit .348 with team highs of 29 RBIs and 56 hits.

Freshman designated hitter Whitney Spangler improved during the season, winding up with a .308 batting average. She will be the Bears’ catcher next season.

Other top offensive performers included seniors Kristie Hawkins of Portland (.296, 24 RBIs), Kate Joseph of Northeast Harbor (.290), and Tara Vilardo (.288).

Maine’s defense, however, committed a league-leading 84 errors. The Bears had been among the league’s top defensive teams in recent years.

“That’s disappointing for me because defense is something we work on every day in practice,” Sullivan said.

But Sullivan sees a lot of promise in next year’s incoming group, which includes Bucksport pitcher-infielder Terren Hall, Winslow infielder Brynne Davis, and Brewer pitcher Jordan McLain, who was to attend the University of Southern Maine but changed her mind and is considered an invited walk-on, as is Davis.

Other players expected for next year include lefthanded power hitter Kali Burnham of Ontario and 6-foot first baseman Kirstin Allen of Doylestown, Pa.

“I’m really excited about next year’s incoming class,” said Sullivan. “There’s a lot of talent coming in, and I think they’re going to force the returning players to step up.”