It’s been all smooth sailing for The University of Tampa’s softball team the past few seasons.
Their recent records have been 33-10 in 2013, 37-8 in 2012 and 33-9 in 2011. Along with having outstanding success these past three years, they have created a pattern that they hope to break.
Having lost in the NCAA South Regional for three consecutive seasons, Coach Leslie Kanter hopes to get the team over this hurdle.
“Our weakness is our hitting,” Kanter said. “We have the pitching and the defense. If we can hit a little better than we did last year, I think we will make it to the next step.”
The Spartans, ranked 15th in the nation, had their season ended by Valdosta State, who was ranked third.
It is typical for a coach to set far-reaching goals for an upcoming season and to have high hopes. What she did not mention was that she already had five players who had at least 87 at bats and a .300 batting average or better.
Shortstop Kayleen Boatwright led the team with a .342 average during her sophomore season.
A major part of the Spartans’ consistent success has to do with Kanter’s high expectations and ability to create a specific list of what she wants to accomplish. In terms of this season, she believes the sky’s the limit.
“We want to win the conference and make it to the postseason, which would happen if we win the conference,” Kanter said. “We have never made it out to Nationals. I am not going to set a goal of winning Nationals, but I am going to set a goal of getting there.”
Kanter has a nice foundation of veteran leaders on the team. She has four seniors: Katlyn Raatz, Karlyn Buker, Kayla Cox and Chelsea Brooks.
“I feel like we are great on the field. Off of the field, we get along and get together for team bonding,” Raatz said. “We never have any problems when we are on the field. We like to work hard, and we want to come together [as a team] and win.”
As for Buker, her leadership will be heavily relied on to carry the team to new heights.
“I think the team looks at me as a leader. I try to be there for everybody, help everybody and keep them in line sometimes. I am glad that I am finally a senior and I can finally step up and be that leader. With some good guidance, we can be a really good team this year,” Buker said.
As for Kayla Cox, she was named the National Pitcher of the Year by Daktronics after winning 25 games and posting a 0.74 ERA last season. She is looking to have another strong season on the pitching mound.
Chelsea Brooks, the other remaining senior, never struck out after appearing in 16 games.
Kanter emphasized the importance of excelling against major rivals. “Every conference game is a key game, but Saint Leo [University] and Rollins [College] are always big rivals of ours and its always a great turnout, competition and great game.”
In the 2014 Sunshine State Conference Preseason Softball Poll, the Spartans were chosen to win the conference this year by a narrow margin over defending champion and rival Saint Leo University. They were given 58 first place votes, while Saint Leo was given 57.
Kanter believes that health will be a factor that determines their placement in the standings.
“If everyone stays healthy, we will end up in the top two or three, but we will definitely make a great effort to win it all,” Kanter said.
While it is unlikely that the Spartans, like any other team, will be free of injuries during the 2014 campaign, they surely have a nice amount of players that are capable of stepping up.
Boatwright, who had a .342 batting average, also led the team in runs scored with 29 and hits with 50 in 2013.
First baseman Meagan Burke, a junior, blasted five home runs, drove in 31 runs and hit for a .342 average. Kanter holds high expectations for the new starting third basemen freshman Bre Setree.
“She is a big, strong kid, and I expect a lot of out her,” Kanter said.
These are just a few names on the roster. When looking at the 2013 statistics, results show that this team relies on many different players to contribute.
The team opens the season against Lindenwood University in the Eckerd Tournament on Feb. 7 at 4:30 p.m.
Greg Praver can be reached at gregory.praver@spartans.ut.edu.