Even with just five starters returning, the University of Tampa’s softball team is still poised to be one of the best in the Sunshine State Conference.
In a recent SSC preseason poll voted for by the conference’s softball coaches and sports information directors, Tampa was ranked second behind Rollins College.
Both the Spartans and the Tars received nine first place votes apiece, but the Tars edged out the Spartans by just four overall points. Barry rounded out the top three teams. UT concluded the 2011 season in second place, coming in behind Rollins again.
The Spartans were also included in the 2012 NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) Division II Preseason Poll coming in at No. 19. This poll is voted on by 16 NCAA Division II head coaches, two representing each of the eight NCAA regions.
This is only the second time in UT softball history that the Spartans have earned a preseason ranking. The only other time occurred in 2009 when the team was ranked No. 10.
The Spartans wrapped up last season with a No. 23 ranking after making 12 consecutive appearances in the weekly poll throughout the season.Rollins is the only other team representing the SSC in the NFCA poll, nabbing the No. 10 rank.
“Rollins is our rival. No matter where they are ranked, we want to beat them,” said head coach Leslie Kanter.
Of the five starters returning this season, three were named to the All-SSC team last season. Senior Deanna Henriott, named the first-team all-conference pitcher, led the league last season with 281 strikeouts.
She also pitched two no-hitters and a perfect game.
She finished her record-breaking season third in the nation in ERA (0.71) and fourth in lowest hits allowed (101). She also had 13 shutouts and had a career-high 16 strikeouts against Florida Tech.
Even with her record setting season, Henriott doesn’t feel there’s any pressure to duplicate her performance.
“I’m just going to go out there and doing my thing.”
Third baseman Susan Jallo was also named to the first-team All-SSC after batting .320 with 28 RBI and 40 runs.
“She’s a great leader,” Kanter said of the senior. “She plays with a lot of heart.”
Also returning is Becky Vyzas, who was second-team All-SSC last season. She led the Spartans with a .353 batting average and set a program record with nine home runs and 34 RBI in 2011. Kanter believes that 2012 will be an even bigger year for the catcher.
Joining the Spartans is pitcher Kayla Cox. The sophomore transferred from North Carolina State University where she appeared in 34 games.
“Pitching is definitely our strength this season,” Vyzas said.
Kanter added, “Our pitching staff is the strongest it’s ever been.”
As for the team’s goals, they are quite simple. “We went far last year, but not far enough,” the coach explained. “We want to win regions and then go on to win the national title.”
Vyzas joked, “I want a nice ring on my bony fingers.”
The Spartans’ season starts on Feb. 10 against Lindenwood University as part of the Eckerd College Spring Invitational.
The Spartans’ first home appearance will be a set of back-to-back games against Lindenwood on Feb. 15. starting at 6 p.m.
Analisa Trstensky can be reached at atrstensky@spartans.ut.edu.