Lady Wolverines look to build upon success in '07

SWITZ CITY -- The 2008 White River Valley softball team front row (from left) includes Kaci Fulk, Tasha Baker, Miranda Dupire, Jenna Rollins, Breanna Fox and Alicia Tally. The back row (from left) Rachel Mowery, Stephanie Fougerousse, DeLaney Sanders and Tayler Kail. Not pictured are Crystal Patterson and Haylee Holtsclaw. (Submitted photo).

"We have an advantage going into this season because I know the players better and they know what to expect from the coaching staff," Fougerousse said. "We only have two freshmen coming out this season, so our numbers are a little down, but the core of our team from last season returns and we have improved on our fundamentals."

The Lady Wolverines saw their improbable season come to an end last year with a heart-breaking 1-0 15-inning loss to Clay City in the championship game of the Class A Sectional. Two of their five losses came against the sectional champs as they dropped another extra inning thriller in the regular season, 3-2 in 12 innings.

One player responsible for the 19 wins, was Stephanie Fougerousse. Now a sophomore, the daughter of the head coach registered all 19 wins for the Wolverines inside the circle a season ago. She struck out 280 batters in 183 innings of work.

Fougerousse also made her counterparts cringe when she stepped in the batters box as she lead the Wolverines with a blistering .530 average and left the yard 10 times.

According to the elder Fougerousse, the big bat for the Wolverines is surrounded by other weapons in the form a very quick lead-off hitter (freshman Jenna Rollins) and No. 3 hitter Tayler Kail, who was second on the team in batting last season with an average of .476.

"Stephanie has a great bat and is a threat for the long ball," said Ruan. ""If teams decide to try and pitch around her, we very well could be starting the inning off with runners at first and second with great speed with Jenna (Rollins) at second."

"Jenna will be our starting right fielder," Fougerousse added. "She will add tremendous speed to our team and has a very strong arm."

Joining the speedy freshman in the outfield will be sophomore Miranda Dupire and fellow freshman Breanna Fox.

"Miranda (Dupire) is returning and will start in center field. She gets to the ball quickly and made some game-saving catches for us last season."

"Breanna (Fox) will start in left field and may see some time behind the plate. She is very strong and has a good work ethic."

Kaci Fulk (shortstop) and Tasha Baker (second base) will be up in the middle on the infield, providing defense behind the younger Fougerousse, while on the corners will be Rachel Mowery (third base) and DeLaney Sanders (third base).

Fulk turned some heads with her defensive effort in the sectional last season and Fougerousse is expecting more of the season out of her starting shortstop.

"We are hoping Kaci (Fulk) plays every game this season like she did last year in the sectional. That was her best effort defensively," said Fougerousse."

Rounding out the starting line-up will be sophomores Kail and Alicia Tally. Kail was the starting catcher last season, but will start this season recovering from a knee injury sustained during basketball season. Tally will fill the void for Kail behind the plate.

"Alicia played outfield and shortstop for us last season but will start out catching until Tayler comes back. She has a strong arm and won the Greene County League as a catcher last summer," said Fougerousse.

With all the returning starters at her disposal, Fougerousse is expecting to take the team to the next level this season.

"Our goal this season is to win the sectional. We came so close last season and we have our core players returning," she said.

The Lady Wolverines will begin their season Tuesday against Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference foe Shakamak at home.

2008

White River Valley

Softball Schedule

2008

WRV Softball Roster

Coach: Ruan Fougerousse (Second season, 19-5)

Assistant coach: Jeff Kail