Erin Cross and Mandi Pike are returning catchers for the 2008 season. Pike, a junior, is coming back strong and excited after a recent knee surgery; Cross is a sophomore with a strong arm and great respect from her teammates. They are sure to be players to watch for this season, not only behind the plate but also great leaders off the field.
Coach Duvall and Coach Cochrane are very excited about having a large pitching staff this year. Newcomer Lacy Robinson from Huntersville, North Carolina is going to be a great asset to have on the mound for the Cavs this year. She is a strong pitcher who will be sure to surprise many hitters in the conference. Shelby English is also coming back this season after having surgery on her right shoulder that caused her to miss last season. She has great movement and has been working very hard to be successful in the spring. Rachel Stowe, a sophomore from Belmont, North Carolina, is not only a strong right-handed pitcher but also brings fielding and hitting skills to the team.
The Lady Cavalier’s outfield will prove to be really strong with seniors Mary Montgomery from Bristol, Tennessee and Brittany Burns from Charlotte, North Carolina. Both players have earned All-Conference awards and are not only excellent defensively but will also aid our team offensively. Two freshmen Tiffany Davis and Cayla Starnes will also see playing time this year in the outfield. They both are very hard working, which has been very beneficial for them in the off-season.
As for the infield, it too will be very strong this year defensively. Juniors Amy Vogel and Amber Summerow, both starters from last year will play third and second for Montreat. Vogel hails from Hays, North Carolina and is coming off the preseason after a shoulder surgery, but is very eager to get started. Summerow, from Lenior, North Carolina, will not only be an asset for Montreat at second base, she will possibly be a lead off hitter. Newcomers to the Lady Cavalier infield include Tosha Johnson from Morganton, North Carolina, Morgan Mills from Waynesville, North Carolina, and Jamie Poling from Rocky Point, North Carolina. Mills and Johnson will both be playing third for us this year. Both are very hard workers and are very tough softball players. Poling, with a phenomenal arm, will be playing her first season at Montreat as a shortstop.
“These ladies have worked very hard in the preseason and I am very proud of them for that. We have a tough schedule this year, but we feel like we have the talent to overcome many of our opponents and really surprise some teams in our conference,” added a proud Coach Duvall.