Season Preview: The Battery

NORMAN, Okla. - The 2007 softball season officially got underway Tuesday as the Sooners began team practice. OU will have four weeks of preparation before competing in its opening season tournament, the Diamond Fun and Sun Classic, in Miami, Fla. (Feb. 9-11).

In preparation for the upcoming season, SoonerSports.com will preview the 2007 Oklahoma softball team under the direction of head coach Patty Gasso, who is in her 13th year at the helm of the Sooner program. The third part in the series features a brief outlook on the pitchers and catchers.

The Sooners will kick off the 2007 season at the Preseason Banquet on Friday, Feb. 2. Following a casual dinner, a highlight video will kick off the dinner along with a short preview from head coach Patty Gasso. Click here for more information.

2007 Schedule | 2007 Roster | 2006 Review

THE BATTERY
The circle will again have the biggest impact on the Sooners this season, but an experienced four-member staff returns in 2007 after struggling with not much experience last season.

“I am very pleased with our pitchers' improvement,” Gasso said. “They worked hard in the offseason and I was very encouraged in the fall as they were getting ahead early in their counts.”

Mathis returns to the circle after taking the reins of the team as freshman last year and leading the entire staff in wins and ERA (15-9, 2.24 ERA). The feisty left-handed sophomore took the fall off to undergo successful shoulder surgery and will be 100 percent by the beginning of the season in February.

“Never in my coaching career have I put all the eggs in a freshman pitcher's basket, but D.J. was huge for us last year, “ Gasso said. “She took so much from last season and it will be a huge payoff for us this year.”

Adding to the depth is two-time juco All-American Lauren Eckermann. The NJCAA leader in ERA last season brings determination and calmness to the mound and will rotate with Mathis as the top two pitchers on the staff.

Adding depth to the circle are right-handed pitchers Jadyn Smith and Morgan Hudsonpillar. Smith, a hard-working, determined junior, showed strong improvement in the fall while Hudsonpillar has also shown tremendous promise after one year in the Oklahoma program.

The Sooners also remain deep at catcher with Ogden and Vandever competing for the spot. The competition lasted through the fall and will continue as each player has pushed the other for the starting catcher spot. Both players bring benefits to the battery.

Ogden, last year's starting catcher, embraced the role last season. She brings experience with the staff and proved in the fall she can handle the position.

Vandever is extremely athletic behind the plate and is very comfortable taking charge despite her youth. Using her quick release, Vandever doesn't let too many steal on her.

“Without a doubt, this season is going to depend heavily on our pitching,” Gasso said. “We must be consistent in the battery if we want to have a successful year and achieve all of our goals.”

Review Archive
Part 1- Tuesday, Jan. 16: Outlook and Schedule
Part 2 - Wednesday, Jan. 17: Infield and Outfield
Part 4 - Friday, Jan. 19 - The Lineup

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