Season Preview: The Lineup

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 LINEUP
The potent Oklahoma offense returns for more in 2007 as the young squad was an offensive juggernaut last season, topping all Big 12 schools in nine different offensive categories while finishing 10th in the country with a team batting average of .311.

Head coach Patty Gasso's biggest hurdle with the lineup will be trying to make room in the lineup for all of the bats she has on the team.

“It's a good problem to have, but I've got a powerful group of hitters who need to get time in the lineup, “ Gasso said. “We only have nine spots in the lineup but an entire team that is very solid offensively.”

Two-time All-American Dickson returns in her role as the leadoff hitter and offensive spark for the Sooner lineup. The speedy lefty slapper claimed the Big 12 batting title last season with a .449 batting average, which also ranked fifth in the country, and topped all other conference players in runs scored, hits and on-base percentage.

Senior Amber Spaulding had a breakout season in the No. 2 spot last season and brings athleticism and speed to the lineup. Spaulding could also move further down the lineup because of the power she brings to the plate as the left fielder finished second on the team with eight home runs last season.

Most likely, powerful freshman Amber Flores will be slated to fill the void at the No. 3 spot left behind by former All-American Kristin Vesely. The rookie showed her talent in fall camp and will make any pitcher pay for a mistake made at the plate.

Ricketts returns in her role in the clean up spot. Ricketts led the entire squad in RBI last year and ranked 30th in the country with her 51 RBI in 2006.

“I am really excited about the combination of Flores and Ricketts in the lineup,” Gasso said. “The potential between those two power hitters could be a great contribution to our lineup this season.”

Mariee Mena and Savannah Long will bring their experience to the heart of the lineup. Mena is a veteran senior who is a true, pure hitter at the plate and knows what to expect because of her experience. Gasso believes Long is the most improved athlete on the team as the athletic junior had a strong 2006, hitting at a .297 hitting percentage and recording 12 doubles. Additionally, sophomore Traci Dickenson will also vye for time in the lineup.

Similar to last season, the latter part of the lineup will be extremely competitive as the freshmen look to make a name for themselves while competing for time against veteran starters. Veteran leaders Jamie Fox, Susan Ogden and Stacia Aleman will be back in the mix as Gasso believes she needs all three in the lineup with their experience.

Fox returns for her senior season after working hard to rehab her shoulder in the offseason. She has the potential to bring more power to the lineup with her powerful bat. Aleman moved into a starting role in the latter part of the season while Gasso has been very impressed with Ogden and the way she elevated her game last season.

In addition to Flores, the freshmen class should also have a huge impact on this year's lineup. Iver McDonald will bring more speed to the lineup as Gasso calls her one of the quickest to ever play for the OU program. Her speed puts pressure on the defense and the rookie will also be called upon for pinch running situations.

Lindsey Vandever rounds out the rookie group as the extremely athletic catcher has been compared to former Sooner All-Americans Heather Scaglione and Ashli Barret. Her powerful bat could be a huge force for the Sooners this season.

Review Archive
Part 1- Tuesday, Jan. 16: Outlook and Schedule
Part 2 - Wednesday, Jan. 17: Infield and Outfield
Part 3 - Thursday, Jan. 18: The Battery

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors