Seniors will lead Judson
With six returning seniors, one of them a three-time NCCAA All-America, Judson University women’s softball coach Becky Stenning is excited about her team’s prospects for the coming season.
Three of the six seniors, including Burlington Central grad Carrie Sensor, Palatine product Kristin Krueger and former Lake Park standout Nicole Dimiceli, have been with the program for four years and last season helped the Eagles to a 31-29 season, the first time the program has ever won 30 games.
“We have a lot of great new talent but our seniors want to go out on top,” said Stenning, now in her seventh season with the program. “They’re playing the leadership role well so far and they’ve got a lot of desire to go out on top.”
Judson’s offense revolves around Dimiceli, a versatile infielder/catcher who holds Judson career records for hits, RBI, doubles and home runs. She hit .390 last year with 14 home runs and 63 RBI and has already been named the CCAC conference player of the week and the NCCAA national player of the week this season after hitting .535 with 3 homers and 16 RBI in helping the Eagles to an 8-4 record on their spring trip to Arizona.
Sensor holds the Judson career record for runs scored and is second to Dimiceli in hits. She will play third base again this season, while Krueger, a second baseman, hit .291 last year with 15 RBI.
The other three seniors Stenning is expecting leadership from are shortstop Brittany Holm (Johnsburg), pitcher/outfielder Sam Gladen (Cary-Grove) and pitcher/SS Haley Secor (Plano).
“This group of ladies has worked really hard and I am excited for them to reap the rewards for all their hard work,” Stenning said. “They are the leaders on this team, they are loyal, and they are fun. Each has their own role and they play it well.”
Pitching-wise, the Eagles should have more depth than they’ve had in several seasons, with Gladen, Sarah Boyer (McHenry), Briane Simmons (Geneva), Katie Talbot (Downers Grove South) m Hallie Niewold (Downers Grove North) and Secor all ready to contribute. Sensor could also see some time in the circle.
“Boyer saw a lot of time last season and will be an influential part of our staff,” Stenning said. “Simmons has worked a great deal in the offseason and Niewold had some incredible innings in relief.”
Junior Concetta Lampugnano of Bartlett returns to anchor the outfield after hitting .348 with 55 RBI last season. Junior Emily England, a transfer from Illinois Central, has shown some offensive production so far this season and Stenning is expecting contributions from freshman Amanda Hart (Marengo) and junior Erin Stankus (College of DuPage transfer), among others.
“We have a really talented group this year and I’m excited.” said Stenning, whose team plays at Beloit College today and is on the road for six more games before playing its first home game March 29 against perennial CCAC power Olivet Nazarene. “They meshed and worked hard in Arizona and we haven’t hit our stride with our hitting yet.
“Each year we push forward with the goal of making it to the NAIA Tournament. Each year we make small steps on the road of success. My team works hard and knows they are supported every step of the way. I believe in these ladies and I encourage them in that sense every day. I know they can do great things and I won’t ever coach them expecting anything less than their best.”