Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Softball Opens Fall Season
September 28, 2010 | Cowgirl Softball
Sept. 28, 2010
Stillwater, Okla. — Oklahoma State's Cowgirl softball team opens the fall portion of the 2010 schedule on Wednesday afternoon by hosting Oklahoma Christian in a doubleheader starting at 5 p.m. at the Cowgirl Softball Complex. Admission is free.
Oklahoma State is coming off an NCAA Tournament regional appearance for the second-consecutive season under Rich Wieligman, entering his fifth year as head coach of the Cowgirls. OSU finished the 2010 spring season with a 44-16 record, the most wins by a Cowgirl squad since 1994.
Oklahoma State returns seven position starters from last year's team, including three infielders who garnered all-league status a year ago. Senior second-baseman Alysia Hamilton was an All-Big 12 First Team selection last season, while junior first-baseman Julie Ward and junior shortstop Chelsea Garcia were both named All-Big 12 Second Team. Meanwhile, senior third-baseman Mariah Gearhart was named All-Midwest Region for the second-straight year.
In the pitching circle, sophomore right-hander Kat Espinosa returns after an impressive rookie campaign. The Houston, Texas, native was named an All-Big 12 First Team selection as well as second-team All-Midwest Region. She finished her freshman season with a 19-6 record and a team-best 1.87 earned run average.
OSU loses two starting outfielders in four-year starters Katelyn Bright and Megan Castle. Both were integral performers for the Cowgirls. Wieligman also lost right-handed pitcher Anna Whiddon, an All-Midwest Region selection last year who compiled 63 wins over her four-year career.
Oklahoma State welcomes five newcomers to the team this season. Two hurlers — Morgan Hawkins of Houston and Simone Freeman from Australia — will join Espinosa and senior Sarah Odom on the pitching staff. Ari Morrison is an outfielder from Irvine, Calif., while Kelsea Schultz, from Pond Creek, Okla., via Northern Oklahoma College, can play both catcher and outfielder. Tarah Ettinger is a catcher from Plainfield, Ill., who was a member of the Canadian National Team during the Canada Cup 2009.
2010 Fall Schedule
Wed., Sept. 29 — Oklahoma Christian (DH at 5 pm)
Sat., Oct. 2 — Round Robin with Seminole State/Rogers State (noon)
Wed., Oct. 6 — St. Gregory's (7 pm)
Sat., Oct. 9 — at Arkansas (DH at 1 pm)
Wed., Oct. 13 — National Pro Fastpitch All-Stars (6 pm)
