Sept. 28, 2004
ATLANTA – The Georgia Tech softball team pushed its record to 3-0 this fall with a 9-2 victory over Central Alabama Community College this Saturday afternoon at Glenn Field.
Sophomore Kristina Hull connected on her first collegiate home run this fall with a blast over the scoreboard. Also homering for the Jackets, was sophomore transfer Daisy Paez with a two-run shot. Freshman Stephanie Butler drove in the go ahead run for Tech with a two-out slap single to plate senior Kirin Kumar who reached base on a single.
“The highlight to me was our enthusiasm,” said head coach Ehren Earleywine. “I’m not a cheerleading coach, but in my opinion enthusiasm breeds communication. If this team can embrace communication especially on defense, we’ll be in good shape.
“Our offensive execution showed promise at times, but there are still a couple of players that need to get up to speed. To me offense isn’t just hitting and being fast. I dont know how many times I have left a game looking at the stats where we had less hits than the other team, but scored more runs. Unfortunately, I’ve been on the flip side of that more than once as well. Either way, offense can be generated by executing, especially with this group. Our tremendous speed combined with players who can execute, run the bases smart and handle the bat will result in high scoring affairs for us this spring.
“Timely hitting is crucial as well. Stephanie Butler came up with a two-out single with the bases loaded to put us ahead 2-1. She has a knack for being in the middle of the action when it counts.
“Christine Sheridan continues to shine in all aspects of the game. She is always on base, communicates extremely well on defense, and most importantly understands our plays and how to execute them.
“Caitlin Lever played well too. She plays the short game better each week and is also adapting to play execution very well. She will be a difference maker this spring.
“Lauren Schlechte led us on defense behind the plate. She has emerged this year as a leader and has made huge strides mechanically behind the plate as well. Her vocal direction makes a big difference for us defensively.
“Our pitchers [Jessica Sallinger, Sarah Wood, Whitney Humphreys] threw well and continue to improve weekly.
“Overall, they have showed me that we can run, hit for power, play good defense, and pitch. It hasn’t been consistent, but I expect that at this time of the year. When it all finally comes together, it will be interesting to see just how good this group can be.”
