Softball leaves for Georgia

By By Drew Davison (Contact)

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

The Kansas softball team left for Athens, Ga. today to compete in this weekend's NCAA Regional competition. Their first game is against Georgia Tech, the ACC Champion, on Friday at 4 p.m.

Georgia Tech ranks third in the nation in stolen bases, behind the Big 12’s Texas A&M; and Baylor.

“We got to keep them off the bases,” coach Tracy Bunge said.

Bunge said Elle Pottorf, freshman catcher, has a very good idea what to expect from the Yellow Jackets after facing the Aggies and Bears in conference play.

The Aggies stole quite a few bases against the ‘Hawks early this season. But two weeks later, when KU faced Baylor, they kept the Bears in check. Bunge said Pottorf had a severe hand injury when KU played A&M; and Pottorf took it personally when the Aggies ran frequently against her. But Bunge said the Aggie coaches were impressed with how many runners Pottorf was able to throw down.

“Elle has a high confidence level right now,” Bunge said. She said Pottorf had solidified the catching position for Kansas this year.

Pottorf is ready for anything the Jackets do.

“I know they love to run on any situation,” she said.

Pottorf said she takes a lot of pride in her defense because it is her strongest area. Although she has been swinging the bat well lately, Pottorf feels her strongest asset is still defense.

Pottorf said she had a really good year.

“It is hard to get used to the travel,” she said.

Pottorf’s great freshman season may have come as a bit of a surprise. She missed her final high school season because of an injury to her shoulder. She said she was playing shortstop, replacing an injured teammate, when she popped her shoulder out of place.

Pottorf is looking forward to competing in the NCAA Regionals.

“Every part of our game is hot,” she said.

Another unsung hero for the ‘Hawks this year on the field is in the field. Destiny Frankenstein, junior shortstop, has had an incredible run of errorless games in the field down the stretch.

“I’m more relaxed and focused on the field,” she said.

Experience has also been the key to great fielding this year. Frankenstein has worked well with Nettie Fierros, junior third baseman, and Jessica Moppin, junior second baseman.

“We’re doing the little things right,” Frankenstein said.

The entire infield, including Nicole Washburn, sophomore first baseman, has been playing together for the past two years, which has built chemistry on the field. Bunge said the defense has been steady.

Bunge said at the beginning of the year the team needed to be consistent, and they have been, for the most part, in every aspect of the game.

It seems to have paid off because they’re heading to Georgia for the NCAA Regionals.

Catcher plays central role

Pottorf started playing softball when she was 8 years old.

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