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(04/22/03 4:57am)
Still sore from being on the wrong end of a 9-0 no-hitter on Sunday, the IU softball team is going to try to regain some much-needed momentum with a double-header against the Evansville Purple Aces tonight. \nThe Hoosiers are in dire need of a sweep in their favor as they have come up on the short end of sweeps seven out of their last nine double-headers. Despite their past troubles, IU is going into this match-up with some confidence and look at it as any other game.\n"We're going into this game like any other game, and we'll get the two wins," senior Heather Suca said. "We're just itching to get these games."\nThe IU softball team is no stranger to double-headers, as this twin bill is their ninth in a row. Evansville comes into the double header with a 22-18 overall record and are currently in the midst of a three game losing streak. Junior Jamie Davison shoots a team-leading .357 batting average, five home runs, and stands at third on the team with 15 runs batted in. Sophomore Brooke Luker closely follows Davison's efforts with a .342 batting average, with 11 extra-base hits and 16 RBIs.\nEvansville also boasts a tough bullpen with sophomores Katie Markle and Casey Clutch each posting earned run averages under 2.0. Markle is the Ace's top hurler with a 1.75 ERA, a 14-9 record, and has struck out 120 batters in 152 innings of action. Clutch fills out the Evansville pitching roster with a 1.93 ERA and an even 8-8 record.\nWhile the Purple Aces have the upper hand in wins, the IU softball team is confident that it will be able to overtake Evansville's best efforts.\n"We need to sweep Evansville, I have a feeling we're going to win both games tomorrow," junior Valerie White said. "Everyone's going to do their part, and as long as everyone do that, we'll be okay."\nSenior Stormy Hanson continues to pace the Hoosier offensive cause with a .392 batting average, a .784 slugging percentage and has taken a trip around the bases 11 times this season. Junior Abby Stark is the only Hoosier other than Hanson with a batting average higher than .300, with .302, two home runs and 20 RBIs. While Hanson and Stark lead IU in batting averages, they are not the only Hoosiers swinging the bat, as White and freshman Lauren Hines are both hitting higher than .290, including five home runs and 31 RBIs between them.\nJunior Heather Stillians remains as the IU mainstay on the mound with a 2.90 ERA, 72 strike outs, and a 7-14 overall record. Sophomore Katie Witham follows Stillians' efforts with a 3.31 ERA, a 5-11 record and has added 48 strike outs of her own.\nWith all of their recent troubles gaining a win, the Hoosiers had a little difficulty putting their past hardships behind them.\n"It's pretty difficult, as a whole we've gotten over it," Stillians said. "We need to win, and we need to come out strong. And we can't let games keep us down"
(04/18/03 5:10am)
After securing its first win in 10 tries, the Hoosier softball team will try to add to the momentum with two double-headers this weekend. The Hoosiers will start out the weekend at home against the Ball State Cardinals Saturday and will return to Big Ten play with a match-up against the No. 24 Iowa Hawkeyes Sunday.\nThe Cardinals are coming into Saturday's contest with a 9-19-1 record. Senior Katie Shea stands as BSU's offensive leader with a .419 batting average along with 13 runs batted in and three home runs. While Shea leads the team in batting average, senior Ruth Hjelmeland has the most home runs for Ball State with five and has 21 RBIs and a .317 average. Freshman Quincy Duran is the Cardinal's top pitcher with a 3.36 earned run average and a 5-11 record. \nWhile Ball State is coming into the game with less-than-spectacular credentials, coach Sara Hayes is confident the Hoosiers can add to their win total, but they are certainly not going to simply look past them.\n"Ball State is going to allow us to loosen up. Hopefully we can get a couple of wins from them," Hayes said. "They play in a good conference, so they're going to be weathered and they will go for it, just like Kentucky did."\nAfter the Cardinal homestand, the Hoosiers will be heading to Iowa City, Iowa, to face the Hawkeyes. Iowa is coming into the weekend with an impressive 29-9 record paired with a 7-2 record in the Big Ten, good for second place in the conference. Senior Kristin Johnson is the Hawkeyes' offensive leader with a .376 batting average and a team-leading 20 stolen bases. Four players are currently in a tie for the Hawkeye home run lead with five.\nOne of the Hawkeyes' strongest accolades is base running as they have already stolen 53 bases this season. While Iowa's baserunning is formidable, IU has tweaked their defense for the occasion.\n"(The Hawkeyes) have quick runners, they're very aggressive on the bases, and we have been practicing for that," senior Heather Suca said. "We've been working on not giving up extra bases and being ready for their runners."\nThe Hoosiers are coming into the weekend with a game that belies their sub-.500 record. Four of IU's last six losses have been by two runs or less and have had five contests go into extra innings. \nSenior Stormy Hanson is the Hoosier offensive mainstay with a .400 batting average, nine home runs, 26 RBIs and a .744 slugging percentage. Freshman Lauren Hines has been consistently following up Hanson's efforts with a .306 batting average, 19 RBIs, and hit her third home run of the year in Wednesday's match-up against Kentucky.\nJunior Heather Stillians has paced the IU pitcher's mound throughout the season with a 2.72 ERA, a 7-12 record and has amassed 72 strike outs to date. Sophomore Katie Witham backs up Stillians in the Hoosier bullpen and is fresh off a win in the second game against Kentucky. Witham holds a 3.13 ERA and has taken 46 strike outs of her own.\nWhile playing a top 25 in-conference rival on their own turf is going to be a hard task, the Hoosier softball team is simply looking at this weekend as simply what it is: just another set of games.\n"It's going to be the same as every other weekend," junior Kristine Dugan said. "We're just going to improve upon our game and try to get a couple of wins"
(04/17/03 5:41am)
The IU softball team came into Wednesday's double-header with an 0-10 Big Ten record and an eight-game skid with six of those games going by two runs or less. Luckily for the Hoosiers, the Kentucky Wildcats came into Bloomington with an eight-game slide of their own.\nEach team was able to break both of their losing streaks Wednesday with Kentucky winning the first game 9-5, and IU taking the second contest 4-2. The second game had a very interesting ending.\nBecause of waning light after the long first game, the second contest was called in the middle of the sixth inning after Kentucky had amassed two runs to tie the game. Following the rules of softball, both of the Wildcats' runs were wiped out and the fifth inning score was adopted, giving IU the 4-2 win. While the game's ending left a sour taste in the mouths of the Kentucky players and fans, the Hoosiers were confident they would have taken the game had it run its full course.\n"We would have like to have completed it, but a win is a win," junior Valerie White said. "I think we would have scored a run in this (sixth) inning that didn't get completed, and I think we would have held them for the seventh."\nPrior to the game's truncated end, IU's match-up with Kentucky was a close game throughout. With two outs in the top of the first, Kentucky began the scoring with a two-run home run by freshman Lori Melchi. IU would wait until the third inning to answer the Wildcats' call with a four-run inning of its own. \nWith only one out and runners on first and second, White stepped up to the plate and handed the Wildcats a double, scoring both runners and tying the game at two runs apiece. Senior Stormy Hanson added a single of her own, scoring White. Eventually Hanson crossed the plate which gave IU a 4-2 lead that stood until the top of the sixth inning.\nWith two outs and two runners on base, senior Nikki Jones hit a shot to the centerfield wall, scoring both runners. Trying to turn a stand-up triple into an inside-the-park home run, Jones was caught at the plate to end the inning. Just before the Hoosiers stepped back to the plate, the umpire called the game because of darkness, giving IU the win.\nAided by a strong wind running out of the park, the first game of the double-header was a high scoring contest. The Wildcats managed to score in every inning save the fourth including a four-run sixth inning to secure the 9-5 win.\nWhile the Wildcats spread their attack out, IU scored each of its runs in the fourth and fifth innings. In the top of the fourth, freshman Lauren Hines hit a two-run shot to begin IU scoring.\nAfter already amassing two runs in the fifth inning and having a runner on third, junior Heather Stillians hit a double down the left field line to score IU's fifth run of the game. \nThe Hoosiers are happy to end the skid, but coach Sara Hayes was confident the team could have swept the Wildcats if the first game was played with more energy. \n"I don't think we carried the energy that we've had in the last couple of weeks through to today, which was disappointing," Hayes said. "But I think we showed some resiliency in the way that we came back in the second game." \nFinally capturing a win will certainly ease the strain on IU's psyche after dropping such a large amount of close games, but the team is aware that tough in-conference opponents are in the horizon.\n"It feels good to come out victorious, finally," sophomore Katie Witham said. "We've been struggling a little bit, but I think we still need to pick it up and when we get to the Big Ten, we especially need to pick it up because the competition is definitely high"
(04/16/03 5:33am)
For years, watching "Breaking Away" was the only way, short of attending the Little 500, to enjoy its true sights and sounds. Now there's another option.\nThe 2003 Little 500 will be brought to viewers across the country by HDNet in high definition sound and a movie theater-like 16:9 aspect ratio. Technical aspects aside, HDNet's broadcast of the event will also bring more national exposure to both IU and HDNet as a company. \n"It's really exciting for us, we've seen over the years that when big things happen to the race, such as with 'Breaking Away,' success brings success," IUSF Director Jonathan Purvis said. "It allows us to do our job better and to connect more people to the University. It's good for us to get national exposure and it's good for them to get more attention to their network."\nHDNet's motives in bringing the Little 500 to national exposure come from many factors. Most professional sports are already tied to existing contracts and HDNet spokeswoman Sherry Yeaman said there is a desire to bring a wider variety of programs to audiences.\nOf course, IU Alumnus and HDNet co-founder, president and chairman Mark Cuban may have also helped Little 5's cause. \n"We're a family-need network and we want to have as much variety and quality of programming on our network," Yeaman said. "So we show things that may not make national television in order to appeal to a wider audience." \nThe Little 500 was first introduced into the national scope with the 1979 movie "Breaking Away", which amassed five Academy Award nominations, a Golden Globe and an Oscar for best screenplay. Bolstered by the movie's success, the Little 500 went on to be covered by CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and the Outdoor Life Channel in following years. After such success in the normal television format, both IUSF directors and HDNet representatives are confident the race will be successful with its completely different experience and its new-found sound and color.\n"If there is a pack of cyclists you could see 25 as opposed to maybe 12-15 on a normal television," Yeaman said. "You can also see expressions on athletes' faces, the sweat on their brow, you can see faces of the people in the stands; it's all in focus. I would say it's more of an experience than actually being there."\nIn contrast to Yeaman's thoughts, IUSF Assistant Director Alex Ihnen said he believes the best experience is to be at the race in the flesh, but he is also a strong supporter of the Little 500's jump to high-definition format.\n"Nothing beats it live, as Lance Armstrong said back in '97, it's the coolest event in sports and every fan should see it," Ihnen said. "What's great about HDTV is that it is as close to the excitement as it can be without being there."\nTo add to the experience, HDNet's presentation of the race will be in 1080i HD, which is the highest-quality format of high-definition television. The race will be broadcast live along with a one hour package at 7 p.m. April 25, featuring previews of the men's race along with highlights from the women's Little 500.\nHowever, IUSF representatives are quick to point out that the truncated format of the women's race is not due to its importance, but because of other concerns such as cost.\n"It's a matter of programming time that they have," Purvis said. "They simply weren't able to cover two events."\nThe HDNet organization isn't the only one with money issues, as most college students don't have a HDTV. Such students need not worry, as both Yogi's and the Bloomington City Grill have HDTVs and will be showing the event.\nWith all of the excitement the Little 500 weekend typically brings to Bloomington, having national exposure only adds to the enthusiasm.\n"I think it's awesome, it's a breakthrough," Ihnen said. "There's a remarkable difference between HDTV and normal television and to have it cover the premiere amateur cycling event of the country in the highest quality is unbelievable"
(04/14/03 6:09am)
Still winless in the Big Ten after six conference tries, with four of those losses coming by two runs or less, the Hoosiers were desperate to finally get a conference win after nearly two years of trying.\nUnfortunately, IU could not come through and dropped four more against Northwestern and Illinois this weekend. Yet again three of these games came by two runs or less adding to the team's frustration and leaving it tired after so many close losses.\n"Emotionally, we're drained because we've left our full heart out on the field," coach Sara Hayes said. "Everybody's into the games, and we're playing hard and excited about it, and we're doing great, great things for Indiana softball."\nIn the second game of Sunday's double-header against Illinois, senior Stormy Hanson was ready from the beginning when she sent a solo home run with two out over the left fielder's head to place the score at 1-0 IU. Unfortunately, the Hoosiers could not extend their lead in the top of the first.\nIU displayed great defense at just the right time, as Illinois managed to load the bases in each of the first, second, and sixth innings, but the Illini were unable to convert in each of these opportunities.\nDespite shutting down three great scoring opportunities, the Illini managed to strike in the third. With one out and a runner on first, an Illini hitter sent a ground ball straight to sophomore second baseman Ashley Griffiths. Griffiths looked poised to turn a double play to end the inning but dropped the ball while tagging out an Illinois runner, placing runners on first and second. Junior Sarah Baumgartner amassed a RBI single and advanced to second on the throw to home. With both runners in scoring position, junior second baseman Katie O'Connell sent the ball over the left field fence to place the score at 4-1 Illinois.\nIn the top of the fourth, senior Heather Suca began the inning by reaching first on an error and advanced to second when Hanson was hit by a pitch. Junior Abby Stark then hit a strong single that would have loaded the bases, but Suca stopped at third while Hanson thought she could get another base out of the hit, allowing Hanson to be tagged out at second. With runners at the corners, Stark tried to steal second but was caught. While Suca managed to score, the fifth inning could have been much more lucrative for the Hoosiers, but Illinois kept the IU rally at only one run.\nWith the game hanging in the balance, Griffiths led off the final inning with a double and junior Kristine Dugan reached first on a fielding error to place two runners on the bases with no outs. Junior Valerie White bunted and reached first but was unable to advance Hoosier runners. Hanson then struck out to end the game and gave Illinois the 4-2 win.\nIn the first game of the doubleheader, Illinois managed to add another close one to the Hoosier loss column with a final score of 3-1. IU's only run came in the fifth inning after freshman Lauren Hines led off with a triple and scored with a successful squeeze play by junior Heather Stillians.\nThe team said that with one or two innings taken out of every game this weekend, they are playing very well.\n"We're right there, we just need that one key hit or something to go our way," Suca said. "We're playing well with the exception of a couple of bad innings this weekend."\nAfter such a high scoring 6-0 match-up Friday, IU decided to step up its defensive, limiting the Northwestern Wildcats to only two runs. However, two runs was all Northwestern would need to overtake the Hoosiers. With the bases loaded and no outs in the sixth inning, IU looked like it was finally going to get a win, but the Wildcats managed to work out of the jam and take the game 2-1. \nThe first game of the weekend against Northwestern was a different story than the Illini match-ups because the Wildcats jumped out to a 6-0 lead after only two and a third innings. IU then put the clamps down and prevented Northwestern from adding any more runs, but came up short with only three runs of its own to come up a 6-3 loss.\nCompared to being out-scored 24-8 against Northwestern and Illinois last year, this weekend's losses can be looked upon with a positive light.\n"I think it was a great weekend, very frustrating, but we get better and better every single day," Stillians said. "We just have to keep fighting. It's going to come"
(04/14/03 6:07am)
Still winless in the Big Ten after six conference tries, with four of those losses coming by two runs or less, the Hoosiers were desperate to finally get a conference win after nearly two years of trying.\nUnfortunately, IU could not come through and dropped four more against Northwestern and Illinois this weekend. Yet again three of these games came by two runs or less adding to the team's frustration and leaving it tired after so many close losses.\n"Emotionally, we're drained because we've left our full heart out on the field," coach Sara Hayes said. "Everybody's into the games, and we're playing hard and excited about it, and we're doing great, great things for Indiana softball."\nIn the second game of Sunday's double-header against Illinois, senior Stormy Hanson was ready from the beginning when she sent a solo home run with two out over the left fielder's head to place the score at 1-0 IU. Unfortunately, the Hoosiers could not extend their lead in the top of the first.\nIU displayed great defense at just the right time, as Illinois managed to load the bases in each of the first, second, and sixth innings, but the Illini were unable to convert in each of these opportunities.\nDespite shutting down three great scoring opportunities, the Illini managed to strike in the third. With one out and a runner on first, an Illini hitter sent a ground ball straight to sophomore second baseman Ashley Griffiths. Griffiths looked poised to turn a double play to end the inning but dropped the ball while tagging out an Illinois runner, placing runners on first and second. Junior Sarah Baumgartner amassed a RBI single and advanced to second on the throw to home. With both runners in scoring position, junior second baseman Katie O'Connell sent the ball over the left field fence to place the score at 4-1 Illinois.\nIn the top of the fourth, senior Heather Suca began the inning by reaching first on an error and advanced to second when Hanson was hit by a pitch. Junior Abby Stark then hit a strong single that would have loaded the bases, but Suca stopped at third while Hanson thought she could get another base out of the hit, allowing Hanson to be tagged out at second. With runners at the corners, Stark tried to steal second but was caught. While Suca managed to score, the fifth inning could have been much more lucrative for the Hoosiers, but Illinois kept the IU rally at only one run.\nWith the game hanging in the balance, Griffiths led off the final inning with a double and junior Kristine Dugan reached first on a fielding error to place two runners on the bases with no outs. Junior Valerie White bunted and reached first but was unable to advance Hoosier runners. Hanson then struck out to end the game and gave Illinois the 4-2 win.\nIn the first game of the doubleheader, Illinois managed to add another close one to the Hoosier loss column with a final score of 3-1. IU's only run came in the fifth inning after freshman Lauren Hines led off with a triple and scored with a successful squeeze play by junior Heather Stillians.\nThe team said that with one or two innings taken out of every game this weekend, they are playing very well.\n"We're right there, we just need that one key hit or something to go our way," Suca said. "We're playing well with the exception of a couple of bad innings this weekend."\nAfter such a high scoring 6-0 match-up Friday, IU decided to step up its defensive, limiting the Northwestern Wildcats to only two runs. However, two runs was all Northwestern would need to overtake the Hoosiers. With the bases loaded and no outs in the sixth inning, IU looked like it was finally going to get a win, but the Wildcats managed to work out of the jam and take the game 2-1. \nThe first game of the weekend against Northwestern was a different story than the Illini match-ups because the Wildcats jumped out to a 6-0 lead after only two and a third innings. IU then put the clamps down and prevented Northwestern from adding any more runs, but came up short with only three runs of its own to come up a 6-3 loss.\nCompared to being out-scored 24-8 against Northwestern and Illinois last year, this weekend's losses can be looked upon with a positive light.\n"I think it was a great weekend, very frustrating, but we get better and better every single day," Stillians said. "We just have to keep fighting. It's going to come"
(04/11/03 5:30am)
Coming within one pitch of snapping a two-year conference losing streak is something that can be disheartening to any team. But the Hoosiers will have a chance to rectify their demons as Northwestern rolls into Bloomington for Friday and Saturday games before IU plays a doubleheader against Illinois Sunday.\nNorthwestern stands at 21-11 (3-5 Big Ten), including a recent sweep at the expense of the No. 20 Ohio State Buckeyes. The Wildcats have amassed five wins over ranked opponents this season, including a victory against California, the defending national champions.\nNorthwestern's main offensive weapon is sophomore Erin Mobley. Mobley comes into the game sporting a team-leading .375 batting average and a .587 slugging percentage. She was also named the Big Ten Softball Player of the Week and stands behind only one other conference player in triples this season.\nIllinois boasts its own bag of tricks, with a 25-8 (3-3) and a No. 24 ranking in last week's USA Today poll. Junior Amanda Fortune paces Illinois on the mound with a 1.29 ERA and a 16-5 record while freshman Rachelle Coriddi adds a .350 batting average in 120 tries at the plate to the Illini offensive cause.\nWith such tough opponents coming into Bloomington this weekend, the Hoosiers will certainly have to bring their best game to the IU softball field. With all of the accolades this weekend's opponents bring, the Hoosiers are coming into the weekend with confidence and an extra day of practice thanks to a canceled contest against the Louisville Cardinals on Wednesday.\n"We've had a week of solid practices, and we got an extra day of practice," senior Heather Suca said. "We all know we can pull out some wins this weekend, and we know these are beatable teams."\nDespite a 0-6 conference record, the Hoosiers are far from out-gunned coming into this weekend. Three of those losses came by two runs or less. Last weekend's tough losses actually gave the team a new zeal to play harder, players said.\n"It's an inspiration, we battled extremely hard, we're comfortable with ourselves as a team and individually," junior Heather Stillians said. "Everybody seems to have come together; it's like a big family."\nSenior Stormy Hanson has consistently paced IU's offensive attack and is the current leader in 12 offensive categories. Hanson also stands among the top five in the conference in five offensive categories.\nFreshman slugger Lauren Hines adds a little power of her own with a .318 batting average and a .471 slugging percentage. Stillians remains as the Hoosier mainstay on the mound with a 2.42 ERA and a 7-9 record.\nGoing winless in conference games can be tough on the morale of any team, but coach Sara Hayes said she is happy with the play the Hoosiers have shown as of late.\n"The team has raised their level of intensity and focus," Hayes said. "They're playing at a level now that they have to in order to compete in the Big Ten"
(04/07/03 5:27am)
The Hoosier softball team came within one pitch of winning its first Big Ten match-up since April 28, 2001. Unfortunately, that pitch was sent over the left field wall for a two-run homer that sent the game into extra innings and eventually led to a 4-3 IU loss. \nPrior to the pitch heard around the conference, the Hoosier softball team played through a tough four-game home stint against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday and Saturday along with a double-header against Wisconsin on Sunday. \nSunday's second game was a largely defensive battle, leaving both teams scoreless until the sixth inning. The Hoosiers struck first when junior Valerie White led off with a double and moved to third with a single by senior Heather Suca, placing runners at the corners. White eventually scored on a wild pitch. Then junior Abby Stark stepped up to the plate and belted a two-run shot over the right field fence to place the score at 3-0 IU.\nWisconsin struck back in the bottom of the sixth with a run of its own and the inning that will likely be burned into the minds of the Hoosiers began. In the bottom of the seventh, the deuces were wild with Badger sophomore Boo Gillette at the plate and a runner on first. Facing two outs, a two run deficit, and a 2-2 count, Gillette sent the pitch well over the left field wall and sent the game into extra innings.\nTwo innings later, Gillette would haunt IU again. With two runners in scoring position and only one out, freshman pitcher Megan Roark sought to intentionally walk Gillette, and on the second pitch, Roark overthrew senior catcher Stormy Hanson. Despite the inactivity of Wisconsin's runner on third, Hanson anticipated a play at home, and misfired, allowing the Badger runner to strike the final blow and keeping the Hoosiers winless in conference play for the last two seasons.\nEven though the team came up short in the end, both players and coaches were happy with the effort they put forth.\n"It was amazing, I'm so proud of the team," Stark said. "Obviously, I'm disappointed with the outcome, but I'm so happy because the team is playing more together and everyone's out and really trying to win."\nSunday's first game was a different story with Wisconsin scoring in each of the first three innings, including a back-breaking four-run jaunt in the top of the third. IU's lone run came in the bottom of the first when Hanson blasted her eighth home run of the year over the center field fence.\nIU threatened to make it a game in the bottom of the sixth when Suca led off the inning with a single and advanced to second on another single by Hanson. Freshman Lauren Hines managed to load the bases with a soft grounder that was bobbled by Wisconsin's shortstop. Facing two outs and a field full of Hoosiers, IU couldn't convert on the opportunity and fell 6-1.\nFriday and Saturday's games against the Gophers saw the sheer dominance of a single Minnesota pitcher, junior Piper Marten. Pitching a complete game on Friday and acting as reliever on Saturday, Marten compiled 26 strike outs, and allowed only one hit in 12 and a half innings of action. Granted, the one hit was a home run by IU slugger Hanson, but Marten displayed an unbelievable amount of pitching control.\nDespite Marten's dominance, coach Sara Hayes was pleased with the Hoosier effort against the Gophers. \n"We outplayed them in both games, but one player (Marten) beat us," Hayes said. "Our effort in both games is exactly what we are looking for. We just have to make more plays."\nIU struck first in Saturday's game with a run in the top of the second and would carry the lead until the bottom of the fourth when the Gophers tied the game at a run apiece. Minnesota sealed the victory with a run in the bottom of the seventh, winning the hard-fought contest 2-1.\nFriday brought another defensive match-up to the Hoosier softball field with the wind running high and ominous clouds threatening the game. Minnesota's Marten struck out 16 batters in the contest, and it wasn't until the bottom of the seventh when Hanson broke the no-hitter with a home run. Minnesota could only score three runs in two innings, but it was enough to take the game from IU.\nResponding to the loss, Hanson was happy with the game IU displayed.\n"Overall, we came out ready to play and our defense was good, our pitching was good, but we just didn't hit much," Hanson said. \nDespite losing four tough games in a row, the Hoosier softball team is coming into the rest of the season with a new-found confidence. Hayes is not completely convinced the team will respond to this weekend in a positive manner, but she is confident the team will have credence in its abilities.\n"Hopefully the team will come away with a new belief in themselves and in the team and knowing they're doing great things, and the pride in the program and how far they've come"
(04/04/03 5:41am)
Coming off of a sweep of Wright State and pulling the team record back to .500, the Hoosier softball team is heading into this weekend's four-game home stand with some steam. Sitting at 14-14 overall and an 0-2 conference record, IU is poised to rectify some of the hardships from last year's 13-31 campaign. \nWith over 20 games left in the season, IU has already surpassed last season's win total. However the team is certainly not dwelling on this landmark.\n"It feels good (to have overtaken the 2002 win total), but I expected this team to come out and win more games than last season," junior Valerie White said.\nWith two Big Ten rivals coming into Bloomington this weekend, the Hoosier softball team is going to need more than momentum to overtake their adversaries. Provided that the weather agrees with the team, IU is slated to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday and Saturday along with a double-header against the Wisconsin Badgers on Sunday. \nThe Golden Gophers are coming into Friday and Saturday's match-ups with a 20-10-1 overall record and a winless 0-2 record in the Big Ten. IU is certainly not taking its match-up against the Gophers lightly.\n"On the pitching staff, (junior) Piper Marten has 141 strike outs in 106 innings, and that is pretty big," coach Sara Hayes said. "She's going to be tough on the mound. Their hitters are pretty powerful, and they're solid defensively."\nFlanking Marten's prowess on the mound is senior Jordanne Nygren, who is Minnesota's main weapon at the plate with a .374 batting average along with eight home runs and a .744 slugging percentage.\nOnce the Gophers leave Bloomington, IU is certainly not out of the woods with a double-header against Wisconsin on Sunday. The Badgers enter the weekend with an 11-14 overall record and an 0-2 conference record. \nDespite their sub-.500 record, the Wisconsin Badgers are not without their merits. Sophomore Boo Gillette is Wisconsin's top hitter with a .284 batting average, a .433 slugging percentage, and two home runs. Senior hurler Andrea Kirchberg is coming into the weekend with an impressive 0.92 earned run average along with 186 strike outs in only 129 innings of action.\nSenior Stormy Hanson continues to pace the Hoosier softball team with a .419 batting average and has belted six home runs. Hanson also sports an .814 slugging percentage and 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts. Following up Hanson's efforts is freshman Lauren Hines who comes into the weekend with a .355 batting average and 17 RBIs. \nComing into the weekend on a two-game tear has brought confidence to the Hoosier softball team, but IU's confidence is tempered with the reality that there are some things to work on. \n"We're making sure we're covering all of our holes," junior Heather Stillians said. "Staying confident and making sure we're being consistent on the field is important for our game."\nWith such a teeming amount of rodents pouring into Bloomington this weekend, Hayes is expecting the Hoosiers to come into the match-ups with swinging bats and strong pitching.\n"We need to continue to hit if we are going to be successful this weekend," Hayes said. "And we need leadership on the mound."\nSaturday's match with the Gophers is also the aptly-named "T-Shirt Day" where the first 100 fans in attendance will walk away with free T-shirts.
(03/28/03 5:48am)
Coming off of two straight extra-inning wins, including a 15-9 eighth inning rout of the Indiana State Sycamores, the IU softball team is poised for the start of the Big Ten season. The Hoosiers are entering the contest with wins in five out of the last seven games and four players batting .300 or higher. But, beginning the conference season with a doubleheader against the nationally ranked Ohio State Buckeyes will certainly be no easy task.\nOSU is coming into the game with a seemingly unimpressive 15-10 record. But eight of the team's games were against top 25 teams, including three contests against teams ranked in the top ten. Senior infielder Kristine Himes is the offensive leader of the Buckeyes with a .319 batting average, a .736 slugging average and seven home runs. Himes was also named the Big Ten player of the week two weeks ago. \nOn the mound, senior Katie Chain is OSU's main hurler with a 1.21 ERA and a 6-5 record, while amassing 92 strike outs along the way. Ohio State is currently ranked No. 16 in the nation and has been ranked in the top 25 all season long.\nWith all of the Buckeyes' accolades, IU coach Sara Hayes said she respects her upcoming opponents from Columbus.\n"Being nationally ranked, they are obviously a very well coached ball team," Hayes said. "They have a lot of great players, including both pitchers and hitters."\nEven though OSU is coming into the game with a high ranking, the softball team feels that it is ready for the challenge. The Hoosiers sit at 12-12 in non-conference play including a 4-0 record in extra-inning contests. \nSenior Stormy Hanson and freshman Lauren Hines are the leaders of the IU offensive attack, batting .400 apiece with 19 and 17 RBIs respectively. Hanson also sports a .747 slugging percentage with 15 extra-base hits including a team-leading four home runs. Hines and Hanson aren't alone in the Hoosier batting box with juniors Valerie White and Abby Stark each batting over .300 and adding 19 RBIs and two home runs between them to IU's cause.\nJunior Heather Stillians leads IU's pitching staff with a 2.37 ERA, a 6-6 record and 45 strikeouts in 71 innings of action. Sophomore Katie Witham follows up Stillian's attack with a 2.47 ERA including 32 strikeouts of her own.\nWith a highly touted in-conference rival on the horizon, IU plans to stick to Hoosier softball rather than tweaking its game for the occasion.\n"We're not changing anything for this game," Hanson said. "We're doing what we do and we're going to play our game."\nAfter a rocky 4-7 start, the Hoosiers have managed to hit their stride in time for the Big Ten season with an 8-6 record this month as opposed to an 8-12 showing in March last season. With such improvement over last season and a stable of capable hitters, IU is confident looking ahead at the Big Ten season.\n"I have a really good feeling about this season," White said. "We've been fluctuating a lot, but we have finally found a way to get up and play good softball"
(03/24/03 6:00am)
While numerous classmates were enjoying spring break, the IU softball team was hard at work with a doubleheader last Tuesday and playing host to the Hoosier Classic for four more games last weekend. The Hoosier record remained essentially untouched by splitting six games and finishing the week with a 10-12 record.\nIU's most recent game against the Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Jaguars had the Hoosiers unable to create runs and dropping the contest 6-1. They amassed just as many errors as hits with five. The Jaguars started a barrage right off the bat by scoring three runs off of three hits from three Hoosier errors in the top of the first. IUPUI junior Brandy Moser led off with a double to right field and was driven in by two consecutive Hoosier throwing errors after a single by junior Jennifer Owens. A walk, another error, and a run later, IU's sophomore starting pitcher Katie Witham was pulled from the game after only two-thirds of an inning of action. Junior Heather Stillians then replaced Witham on the mound and closed out the inning. IUPUI's three runs in the first were all they needed to defeat the Hoosiers.\nPoor pitching plagued the Hoosiers throughout the game and IU coach Sara Hayes attributed the IUPUI loss to the mound.\n"We were here and ready to go," Hayes said. "We just didn't adjust well to their pitching, and we need to be ready on the mound, but they just weren't ready to go."\nHowever IU did manage to strike back with a run in the bottom of the first after senior Heather Suca hit a double to center and was driven in with a single by Stillians for IU's lone RBI. \nThe Jaguars stuck again in each of the third, fourth and fifth innings. In the top of the third, Jaguar sophomore Megan Crist stole second and third after reaching first with a bunt. Crist then reached home on a throwing error by IU junior Abby Stark when Stark tried to prevent third her from stealing third. IUPUI's final run came from a home run in the fifth to close out the scoring. \nIU's best chance of cutting into the Jaguar lead came in the bottom of the fifth when junior Valerie White singled to left field with two outs. Suca then managed to reach first after an error by the Jaguar catcher, driving White to third base. With runners at the corners, IU's main offensive weapon, senior Stormy Hanson, came to the plate. Unfortunately Hanson struck out, stranding White and Suca to end the inning.\nDespite the loss the Hoosiers are looking at the weekend as a learning experience to improve their game.\n"We just need to come out, and we all need to each do what we can to get better," White said. "Every game we learn something."\nPrior to the IUPUI game, the Hoosiers dropped a 6-5 heartbreaker against Detroit. Stark led the IU offense with three hits and one RBI with White and Stillians adding two hits and a RBI each to the Hoosier cause. \nDespite splitting a set of games against smaller schools, IU has learned that they cannot stop playing for any amount of time.\n"You can't take any team for granted, you've got to go out there and show up for the first inning and all the way through," Suca said. "You can't give up for any inning, because once you give up one, you're done."\nSaturday proved to be the most lucrative day for the Hoosiers with IU securing two straight shutouts against the teams that would defeat them on Sunday. Saturday was also the first time since 1996 that the Hoosier softball team has won two games in the same day and was also the first IU shutouts for the season. IU's first bout with Detroit led to a 5-0 blast with Hanson amassing three RBI's and three hits. The IUPUI game was a 6-0 Hoosier win that featured a balanced IU attack with six different players finishing the game with at least one hit.\nTuesday was the beginning of the Spring Break jaunt for the Hoosiers that saw IU split a doubleheader with Bradley. The first game had the Hoosiers fall 5-4 with IU rebounding with a 10-4 win later that evening.\nOverall Hayes is pleased with IU's showing over the past week, but she is also quick to say that there is work to be done with the softball team.\n"We have to be tougher, we're taking baby steps," Hayes said. "But we're getting better and preparing for the Big Ten season"
(03/10/03 6:00am)
The IU softball team displayed impressive pitching throughout the weekend, allowing only nine earned runs and striking out 23 batters in 27 innings of action. Overall Hoosier opponents could only muster a .200 batting average, proving that IU has real firepower on the pitcher's mound. \nIU coach Sara Hayes was pleased with the team's showing both on and off the mound for the weekend.\n"We came ready to play today," Hayes said. "Both pitchers did a great job on the mound. During the entire weekend we were very pleased with the way that our players implemented the things that we put in practice this week -- defensively, on the mound, and in the defense of Indiana softball." \nThe University of Central Florida Golden Knights struck first in Sunday's final game with a two-run shot by senior pitcher Dottie Cupp in the bottom of the second. Cupp pitched a complete game, allowing four hits and three strike outs. UCF then added another run the next inning with a solo home run by sophomore outfielder Jania Shinhoster to place the Golden Knights on top 3-0. IU waited until the fourth inning to answer back to UCF's long balls. Senior catcher Stormy Hanson led off with a single and proceeded to steal second base. Hanson was driven in with a single by freshman infielder Lauren Hines to create IU's only run. The Golden Knights landed its final blow in the bottom of the fourth to place the final score at 4-1. \nSunday's opener against Cansius proved to be more lucrative for the Hoosiers, with IU amassing five runs off of five hits to coast to a 5-2 victory. IU started scoring in a poor defensive showing in the second inning that began with senior Heather Suca being hit by a pitch and reaching second with a sacrifice bunt. IU senior outfielder Katie Joy struck out, but managed to reach first because of a wild pitch. Joy then reached second after a throwing error by Cansius sophomore catcher Rebecca Murphy, and Suca managed to reach home plate to place the score at 1-0 IU. The Golden Griffins answered with two runs in the top of the third to give Cansius a 2-1 lead. IU waited until the sixth inning to unleash a four-run tear full of singles and stolen bases. Freshman outfielder Abby Page was walked to begin the inning and proceeded to steal second base. Page was then driven in with a single by junior Valerie White who added a stolen base of her own. Hanson drove White in with a single and stole second base. Hanson reached third on a passed ball and reached home with yet another single by Hines.\nDespite the split, the team was content with its defensive showing.\n"Our defense was really good today," White said. "People made some really good plays, but we need to string it together in the future."\nSaturday's matchup against Stony Brook was an extra-inning defensive battle that IU eventually stole 2-1. Junior pitcher Heather Stillians displayed her throwing skill by pitching the complete game and allowing only four hits and one home run. IU more than doubled Stony Brook's hit total with nine but left 10 runners on base. The Seawolves' lone run came in the sixth inning with a solo shot by sophomore infielder Colleen McCarthy. IU's scoring came in the fifth inning when Hines drove in Suca. IU waited until the bottom of the eighth to close out the game with an RBI by Stark.\nThe Hoosiers opened the weekend at the wrong end of a 3-0 shutout against Furman Friday night. Furman began its scoring in the third inning with two hits including one double. The Paladins then added to their lead with a run in the fifth. \n"It was really a tale of two pitchers, and we didn't necessarily adjust well to either," Hayes said after Friday's games. "They were very different as the pitcher from Furman threw hard and had a nice drop and curve, while Stony Brook's pitcher kept us off balance with off-speed pitches. Our pitchers gave us the opportunity to hang in there both games."\nOverall, the team is happy with this weekend's showing on the field.\n"We did really well this weekend, we made a lot of improvements, we're working on little things and improving steadily," Witham said.\nThe Hoosier softball team is set to begin its home season with a double-header against Illinois State Tuesday.
(02/25/03 4:29am)
Inheriting a program with a dismal 13-31-1 record in 2002, including a winless 0-17 conference record, is no easy task, but new softball coach Sara Hayes said she is confident she can bring change to the ailing program. With IU recently pulling off a seven run extra inning tear, Hayes might be on the right track.\nDespite a relatively unspectacular 4-6 record early in the 2003 campaign, Hayes said she can help turn the program into a national contender.\n"I bring a lot of enthusiasm and good vision. I take a lot of pride in the things that I work on and the results that I produce," Hayes said. "I intend to raise the level of competition, to be top ten of the country and to eventually contend for the national title."\nSenior Co-Big Ten Player of the Week Stormy Hanson said she has faith in her coach's lofty goals.\n"I definitely think that within the next few years, this program will be in the top 25," Hanson said. "With the recruits and the way that they're reteaching us to play the game, I believe this program will do a complete 180 in the next few years."\nHayes' claims may not be so far-fetched, as she has already orchestrated a softball program turnaround within the last two years. Her previous position as head coach at Northern Iowa brought her into a program that could only muster a sub-.500 performance prior to her tenure. \nHer accolades do not end on the field, as she also brings impressive recruiting skills and a knack for raising awareness of the Hoosier program. While at UNI, Hayes landed the top recruit in the Panthers' history and also began the "Panther Prowl," which raised alumni support for the softball team. \nHayes is also credited with an avid desire to teach others the game of softball and drive them to reach higher levels through a grounded 'one day at a time' approach.\n"She brings a lot of fun and a lot of enthusiasm about softball," Hanson said. "She teaches us to work hard and to cherish every moment and play one game at a time and to practice one day at a time."\nWith full support from staff and players alike, Hayes is sure her lofty aspirations can be accomplished with her coaching style, she said.\n"As a coach, I am determined to excel," Hayes said. "I reach for the stars and I find a way to grab them. I envision the best for everybody and also for myself, and I find a way to make that happen"
(02/21/03 6:19am)
Coming off a strong 3-2 tournament, including an 8-3 victory over San Jose State, the Hoosier softball team faces a five game weekend in Tampa, Fla. The South Florida Tournament pits IU against Maryland and Hofstra Friday and then Seton Hall and the hosting South Florida Bulls Saturday. The Hoosiers' final game is against Radford Sunday.\nThe biggest challenge for the Hoosiers will come from the hosting USF. The Bulls are hot coming into this weekend's tourney, securing a 5-game winning streak, and an 11-4 overall record. Two of USF's wins came at the expense of No. 8 Oklahoma and No.17 Notre Dame. \n"South Florida is always a good team, and they should provide a real challenge for us," senior outfielder Katie Joy said. "We need to continue to play well and play hard if we want to compete."\nAlong with USF's accolades, other teams within the tournament should provide challenges for IU. While the Pride of Hofstra is coming into the weekend with a losing 2-3 record, one of its wins was against the Fighting Irish. The Seton Hall game will be the season opener for the Pirates after an impressive 29-17 record in 2002. Seton Hall is largely intact after last season and should be a formidable opponent for IU. Radford is coming into the tournament winless with an 0-3 record.\nDespite capable opponents, coach Sara Hayes said she is confident the Hoosiers can compete.\n"The win against Bowling Green was a testament to the skills of our team," Hayes said. "We're sticking to the same lineup, and we have a fabulous defense."\nLed by senior catcher Stormy Hanson, the Hoosiers won't go into the weekend unprepared. Hanson is currently batting .625 with one home run, two triples and three doubles after five games. Complimenting Hanson's batting prowess is junior outfielder Abby Stark, sporting a .312 batting average, two doubles and a home run of her own.\n"Stormy is hitting extremely well for us, and Abby Stark is at the seventh spot in the lineup, where we need power, and she is coming through," Hayes said. \nIU's entire offense has come through for the Hoosiers in their last outing against Bowling Green with eight of nine batters getting a hit. IU also scored 24 runs in the team's first five games, while the Hoosiers took 12 games to reach that landmark in each of the last two seasons. Along with IU's success in the batter's box, sophomore pitcher Katie Witham has kept opposing batters guessing, giving up only 12 hits and four runs (0 earned) in 16 innings of work.\nTeam unity is also a plus for the Hoosiers.\n"I definitely expect a great showing for this weekend," sophomore infielder Ashley Griffiths said. "It's so nice. Our team is so close, and we're prepared for anything."\nBecause of the rigors of the winter weather, teams from the north have to take massive away trips, and IU is not exempt. The Hoosiers must play their first 20 games in away tournaments. Despite spending such a long time on hostile fields, the IU softball team is confident it can play well away from Bloomington.\n"We're used to playing away from home early in the season," Joy said. "It's just great to get back on the dirt and grass to play some softball. We just need to keep playing well"
(02/10/03 5:41am)
It was a balmy 16 degrees outside and a line of scantily-clad divers was forming in front of a pool and over 100 spectators. Led by IU junior Brad Snyder, wearing a Cow costume and a multi-colored clown wig, more than 20 people went for a swim into the icy pool for the aptly-named "Polar Bear Plunge." This sort of crazy activity ran rampant throughout the 2003 Spirit of Sport. \nBeginning at 5 p.m. Friday and finishing off at 3 a.m. Saturday, this year's SOS drew over 4,000 spectators, participants and volunteers to the School of Health, Physical Recreation and Education building. Preliminary results say the 2003 SOS raised over $10,000 for the Indiana Special Olympics in 50 events ranging from an Oreo cookie stacking competition to a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.\nThe Polar Bear Plunge was the kick-off to the 10-hour event. Polar Bear Plunge participants included Recreational Sports Directors Kathryn Bayless and Jacqueline Puterbaugh and even members of the IU Police Department.\n"It feels great to have taken the Polar Bear Plunge, and it's all for a good cause," said, IUPD Sgt. David Rhodes, while running to the heated HPER.\nAnother major event for this year's SOS was the celebrity auction, which managed to raise over $3,500. Two plane tickets to anywhere in the United States raised the most money at $575 in the auction.\nOver 100 Special Olympians also showcased their skills in front of screaming fans in basketball and unified volleyball exhibitions. Bleachers were packed with fans as eight Special Olympics Indiana teams battled on the HPER basketball courts. \n"We had our Special Olympics teams competing and we had cheer crowds and they were great," said Executive Director of Special Olympics Indiana Dennis Schmidt. "They were enthused and they saw what sports is all about -- that sports are for everybody."\nSchmidt, who is retiring from his position after this year, has been working with the Special Olympics Indiana organization for 29 years and was quick to express gratitude for the Spirit of Sport.\n"(The SOS) has promoted our program amongst the students here at IU," Schmidt said. "The students then go out into the community, not only here in Bloomington, but throughout the state of Indiana and throughout the world carrying that message with them."\nMajor event winners included senior Ronnie Hanson in the men's division in the swim meet and senior Rebecca Adams took the 3-point competition. Team event champions include the Alpha Chi Omega sorority in 6-on-6 volleyball, Camp Flight in the men's division and Teter C in the women's division of 3-on-3 basketball, and Forrest 4B in the Wild West Skills Challenge.\nThe success of this year's SOS was the result of hard work from numerous volunteers. Seventy-five men and women worked for six months to bring the SOS into fruition, and their labors are not unappreciated.\n"The SOS staff was putting in over ten volunteer hours a week in programming for this event," said Assistant Director for IU Recreational Sports Joanne Orrange. "It's really touching to see the student involvement, commitment, and passion that they have to run this and put on a great event."\nTen hours and well over $10,000 later, the 2003 Spirit of Sport truly captured the "spirit of sport" in Schmidt's eyes.\n"Sports not only brings joy to the hearts of the athletes, it also brings joy to the hearts of the fans too," Schmidt said. "That's what the Special Olympics are all about, it brings joy to everyone and this year's Spirit of Sport truly captured it"
(02/07/03 5:55am)
It's early in the morning, and still the mechanical bull strives to throw its unwitting victim from the saddle. But, this is no scene from some seedy western bar, it is instead what will be a common scene during the 2003 Spirit of Sport.\nThis year's SOS will feature a western motif, complete with a mechanical bull, western decorations and a contest testing the "Wild West Skills" of its participants. \n"(It is) consisting of four land events and four aquatic events," said Assistant Director of Special Events for Recreational Sports Joanne Orrange. "The big land events include a mechanical bull ride and tractor-tricycle pull, and the aquatic events include kayaking and underwater ring retrieval."\nSpirit of Sport is an annual event that began in 1976, combining a multitude of activities to raise money for the Indiana chapter of the Special Olympics. This year's Spirit of Sport will test the eyelids of many of its volunteers, as the event begins at 5 p.m. tonight and will go on until 3 a.m. Saturday. \nBut the volunteers will certainly not be falling asleep from boredom. With over 50 events gracing the halls and gyms of the HPER this weekend including a slam dunk and benchpress competitions, club sport demonstrations and dance workshops, both participants and volunteers will have plenty to do. \nFamilies will also have no problem finding their share of fun with 13 scheduled events including face painting, swimming and miniature golf.\nWith such plethora of events crammed into 11 short hours, all the fun will be for a good cause. All proceeds from this year's Spirit of Sport will be going to the Special Olympics. Since its inception 27 years ago, IU's Spirit of Sport has raised over $277,500. Last year's Spirit of Sport raised $17,000 of its own, however organizers said they are confident 2002's total will be exceeded.\n"We're hoping to raise over $20,000 this year for the Special Olympics," Orrange said. "With this year's events, we are confident that we can raise that much money."\nOther fund-raising events include a celebrity collectibles auction and the "Polar Bear Plunge," which will challenge its contestants to raise at least $50 in pledges in order to take a plunge in a frigid pool outside of the HPER.\n"We have an autographed poster of the IU men's basketball team, an autographed Muhammad Ali Wheaties box and all types of things that will hopefully target all different types of populations," said Spirit of Sport Operations Vice President Shannon Smith.\nWhile all the proceeds will be given to the Special Olympics, the Olympians won't just be accepting a check. The Special Olympians will also be showcasing their skills in basketball and volleyball. SOS officials said these events will remind spectators what the event is all about.\n"The Spirit of Sport enables (the Special Olympics) to host the local areas and the funding we provide is able to filter down to different counties that are able to start up new Special Olympic programs or get new equipment," Orrange said.\nAll the fun will come with a price as 75 men and women have been working since September putting this year's event together. \n"This is going to be an incredible event this year," said Spirit of Sport President Beth Gillis. "The staff has worked really hard and we have plenty of events for people to have fun"
(01/27/03 5:43am)
Forty years, 11 trips to the college cup championship, five national titles and one more year to go.\nMen's soccer coach Jerry Yeagley has decided to call it quits after the upcoming 2003 season. Yeagley has amassed an impressive 527-98-40 overall record and has never had a losing season in 30 years of NCAA play. \n"It's nothing that just popped up overnight," Yeagley said in an interview with the Soccer Times Web site. "There are no extenuating circumstances. My health is good. We've got a great young team. My passion is as great as it's ever been. I've got a dream job that I love going to every day, but next year will be 41 years."\nWith just 17 more wins, coach Yeagley would overtake former San Francisco coach Stephen Negoesco as the all-time winningest collegiate soccer coach. \nHowever, former players Ryan Mack and Pat Noonan weren't optimistic that IU could amass 17 wins in only one season, yet Noonan sees this as a testament to Yeagley's integrity.\n"He could stay two more seasons, and easily become the winningest coach ever, but he wanted to stay with his family," Noonan said.\nPreparing his team for college play is not Yeagley's only virtue as a soccer coach. Yeagley's coaching prowess has also prepared his players for competition in professional soccer leagues.\n"He's one of the best soccer coaches in the United States," Mack said. "Playing under him gives you a view of what top soccer coaches want, so I know exactly what will be expected of me in the major leagues." \nIU has sent a total of 18 players to Major League Soccer since its inception in 1995. Former Hoosiers Mack, Noonan and John Swann were all drafted to the MLS after last season.\nAccording to former players, Yeagley's leadership goes above and beyond the soccer field.\n"Without him, I wouldn't be the person I am, either on the field or off the field. I wouldn't be where I am without his guidance," Noonan said.\nYeagley had unprecedented success in the Big Ten along with IU's postseason accolades. The Hoosiers amassed nine Big Ten championships, one shared and eight outright out of 12 tries and is the winningest active coach in the NCAA. Yeagley has also been inducted Pennsylvania Athletic Hall of Fame and the United States Soccer Federation Hall of Fame in 1988 and 1989. \nSoccertimes.com reported that Yeagley recommended assistant coach Mike Freitag to be elevated to head coach after his departure. Freitag brings 11 seasons of assistant coach experience under Yeagley. Freitag also played under Yeagley from 1976-79 and competed professionally for the San Diego Sockers of the North American Soccer League and the Denver Avalanche of the Major Indoor Soccer League. \nDespite continued success within the last few seasons, Yeagley's decision to leave was taken with little shock from players.\n"I've heard rumors throughout my career about his intent to leave. After he went 22-0 in 1997, some people thought he would go, but he carried through," Mack said. "I think it's a good decision, he's proved that he's one of the greatest and he's shown his ability as a coach."\nIU athletic officials reported Yeagley was out of town Sunday and could not be reached for comment.
(01/26/03 9:09pm)
40 years, 11 trips to the college cup championship, 5 national titles, and one more year to go. Men's soccer coach Jerry Yeagley has decided to call it quits after the 2003 season. \n"It's nothing that just popped up overnight," Yeagley said in an interview with soccertimes.com. "There are no extenuating circumstances. My health is good. We've got a great young team. My passion is as great as it's ever been. I've got a dream job that I love going to every day, but next year will be 41 years."\nYeagley, one of the greatest in soccer coaching history, has amassed an impressive 527-98-40 overall record. With just 17 more wins, coach Yeagley will overtake Stephen Negoesco as the all-time winningest soccer coach. \nYeagley's coaching prowess has prepared his players for competition in professional soccer leagues.\n"He's one of the best soccer coaches in the United States," said former player Ryan Mack, who was taken in the third round of the Major League Soccer draft this year. "Playing under him gives you a view what top soccer coaches want, so I know exactly what will be expected of me in the major leagues."\nSoccertimes.com also reported that Yeagley recommended assistant coach Mike Freitag to be elevated to head coach after his departure. \nPlayer respect for Yeagley spans over soccer and life in general.\n"Without him, I wouldn't be the person I am, either on the field or off the field. I wouldn't be where I am without his guidance," former player Pat Noonan said.\nSee Monday's Indiana Daily Student newspaper for the full story.
(12/12/02 5:30am)
Coming off of a dismal 8-20 last season and a ninth place finish in the Big Ten, the Hoosier volleyball squad had a lot of rebuilding to do. Yet 20 wins, three All-Big Ten team members and a NCAA Tournament bid later, the IU reconstruction came through with flying colors.\n"Right after last year, we started lifting and conditioning the next week and working towards turning everything around," senior libero Hillary Toivonen said. "We knew we had the talent. It just took the commitment from everyone, and it finally paid off."\nBolstered by impressive play throughout the season, IU tied the previous season's win total in just 10 games, finished with a 20-12 overall record and earned its first NCAA Tournament bid since 1999.\nJunior middle blocker Melissa Brewer was named to the All-Big Ten conference team with 470 season kills with an impressive 3.76 kills per game average and a team-leading .312 hitting percentage. Brewer also added 127 block assists, good for third on IU's all-time season list. \nSophomore outside hitter Christina Archibald and sophomore middle blocker Katie Pollom were also selected as conference honorable mentions. Archibald finished the 2002 campaign with 555 total kills, breaking Anne Eastman's 1994 record of 539. Archibald stood at third in the conference with 4.31 kills per game and finished second on the Hoosier squad with 310 digs. Pollom added 3.42 kills per game of her own and led IU with 148 total blocks. Sophomore setter Victoria Zimmerman paced IU's impressive hitting by logging a Hoosier single-season record 1,765 assists, placing her among the nation's top 10 in that category.\n"Victoria Zimmerman truly broke out after limited play last year. Katie Pollom also had a great year and really stepped up," coach Katie Weismiller said. "Christina (Archibald) and Melissa (Brewer) were expected to have great seasons, and they didn't let us down." \nHoosier players weren't alone in surpassing career milestones. Weismiller surpassed Ann Lawver as IU's winningest coach with a 159-155 overall record with the Hoosiers. Weismiller fittingly surpassed Lawver's win total in a match against Purdue, Nov. 29. \nThe end of the 2002 season also marks the finish of Toivonen's illustrious career at IU. As a four-year starter, Toivonen began her career as an all-around player, standing in the top three in both kills and digs for her sophomore and junior seasons. The libero rule change put her into a purely defensive position that only left her moonlighting in as an attacker during later matches of the season. Toivonen finished with 1,295 career digs list, and surpassing current IU assistant coach Cydryce Carter for second all-time earlier this year. Standing as the only Hoosier to previously experience an NCAA Tournament selection, Toivonen was still elated when she saw IU's name flash on the screen.\n"Everyone just went crazy," Toivonen said. "It's the most unbelievable feeling. It's like everything has been paid off and everything is done, and it makes everything worth it."\nWhile the 2002 bid was a breakout season for the IU squad, the Hoosiers will enter next season largely intact as Toivonen is the only player graduating. Pollom said this season was just the beginning.\n"We set out with a common goal to gain respect and to prove that we are a great team," Pollom said. "It was a great turnaround from last year, but this season was just the beginning"
(12/02/02 4:15am)
Thanksgiving weekend was an eventful one for the women's volleyball team. They posted their first 20 win season since 1999. This season placed head coach Katie Weismiller as IU's most successful coach with 159 career wins, and placing IU squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble with a 10-10 Big Ten record and 20-12 overall.\nSitting at 10-9 in the Big Ten, the Nov. 30 match against Illinois was crucial for a guaranteed NCAA Tournament bid, but after the Hoosiers fell in four games their fate would be in the hands of the selection committee.\nEarly in the first game, Illlinois blew the game open with a 9-1 run to put the score at 14-6. IU clawed back to a two point deficit to place the score at 29-27, but a kill by llini's junior middle blocker Lisa Argabright closed out game one.\nEarly in game two IU sped to an 8-2 lead, but the Illini proved they had some horsepower of their own by posting an 11-1 run making the score 24-16. Illinois then coasted to a 30-21 win, placing the match at 2-0.\nIU regrouped at halftime and blasted out to a 10-3 lead and defeated the Illini 30-18. The Hoosiers controlled game three's hitting by posting an impressive .316 hitting percentage, to Illini's .067.\nComing into game four, the Hoosiers' momentum during game three's lopsided victory had shifted in the visitor's favor. Illinois led 8-3 early in the game and managed to keep IU at bay by winning the game 30-26 and the match 3-1.\n"Illinois recorded 20 blocks in four games," Weismiller said. "You have to give them credit. They got off to a fast start in game one and kept the pressure on throughout the match."\nThe Illini also managed to keep balls alive with long stanzas throughout the match.\n"They were scrappy at times, keeping balls up and in play, and blocking a lot," sophomore middle blocker Katie Pollom said. "We just tried to terminate every opportunity we could."\nSenior libero/outside hitter Hillary Toivonen started the match at the outside hitter position posting five kills and 11 digs while the team groomed sophomore Beth Heimann for the purely defensive libero position. Sophomore outside hitter Chirstina Archibald's ten kills moved her into a tie with Anne Eastman's 1994 record for single season kills honors with 539.\nSaturday's loss placed the Hoosiers in a three-way tie with Michigan and Northwestern for sixth place in the Big Ten. The tie could hurt IU's chances; the Big Ten is expected to earn six or seven tournament bids. As the only team of three with 20 wins along with decisive wins against both the Wolverines and Wildcats, Weismiller said they have a chance.\n"(An NCAA tournament decision) is in somebody else's hands now," Weismiller said. "We'll keep our fingers crossed. That's about all we can do right now."\nThe Nov. 29 sweeping 3-0 match against Purdue had IU in top form. The Hoosiers came out of the gate with a 20-12 lead in game one and never looked back, winning 30-23.\nGame two was highly contested with neither team leading by more than four points. With the teams knotted at 23-23, IU managed to put together a three point mini-run to take a 26-23 advantage. Pollom spiked home an end to the tight game with a final score of 30-28.\nThe final game of the match was another battle for the Hoosiers, starting out with a 17-14 deficit until IU managed to tie the game at 17 apiece. Again tied at 24, the Hoosiers stifled the opponents with a six point run to win the game 30-24 and sweeping the match 3-0.\nArchibald posted a match-high 16 kills while junior outside hitter Monique Pritz added nine kills of her own along with five block assists and a .500 hitting percentage.\nThe weekend's split also marked the end for Toivonen's home career, but she said she remains hopeful for a postseason run.\n"It's tough to go out with a loss, but I'm hopeful it's not over yet," Toivonen said. "I have received such great support at Indiana University, and it's been a wonderful career. I really appreciate the time I have spent with my teammates"