January 15, 1998
For Immediate Release
Contact: Judy Willson, SID
505.562.4309 or 356-4755

(Portales, N.M.) --- Great Expectations will be the title on the 1998 Eastern New Mexico University softball season. Under second-year head coach Hollie Chadwick, the Zias had a very productive fall with their first fully recruited team, including an exhibition win over NCAA Division I New Mexico State in Las Cruces. The Zias, 1-36 in their inaugural season, should prove to be more athletic this season.

Leading the way on the field will be senior first baseman Jennifer Doolittle (Aurora, Colo.). Doolittle was a first team NFCA All-South Central Region selection in the Zias first season. She set high marks last season in hitting with a .427 batting average, 11 doubles, 7 triples, and 7 home runs. This season Doolittle will concentrate on first base instead of splitting time as a pitcher.

"Jenn is a team leader on and off the field," said Chadwick. "We expect her to tear up the Lone Star Conference. We hope to see even more out of her this season, since she will be focusing on playing one position."

Six others return for the Zias - senior Brandi Thomas (Clovis), junior Mystee Sarracino (Hobbs), and sophomores Katie Ellsworth (Albuquerque), Angel Gutierrez (Albuquerque), Kiki Robles (Hobbs) and Julie Smith (Albuquerque). Thomas, second on the team in hitting last season, was the starting catcher last season following a knee injury to Sarracino. She will move to second base this season. From the plate, Thomas is expected to keep putting the ball in play. Sarracino received a medical redshirt last season after a knee injury sidelined her two weeks into the season. She has recovered well and with her fiery attitude will see time not only as a catcher but at third base.

Ellsworth split time at second base and center field last season. She had a great fall and continues to improve in the outfield. Gutierrez split time with Doolittle between first base and pitcher last season. She continues to improve her pitching and will see time as a designated player because of her hitting skills. Robles sat out last season. She will see work at second base and shortstop. She made great strides during the fall and will contribute as a solid role player. Smith will start the season in March when she finishes her junior season as the Zia basketball team's starting point guard. Last year she was a second team all-Lone Star Conference-South Division pick at second base in her shortened season. She will make major contributions when she joins the team.

Ten newcomers will be working to make their presence in the Zia program felt throughout the LSC. Casi Madison (Midland, Texas) is a junior college transfer from Hill Junior College. Madison brings a quick, strong arm to the Zia outfield and left-handed hitting and good speed to the plate. Sarah Boatright (Glendale, Ariz.) is transferring from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs at the semester. Boatright is an excellent outfielder/shortstop because of her quickness and agility and could play either position.

Eight freshmen made ENMU their school of choice following graduation from high school in 1997. Sarah Rempp (Greeley, Colo.) is expected to start right away at either catcher, shortstop or third base. Rempp is a mentally sound player that shows great quickness at shortstop and can call a good game from behind the plate. Erica Sussex (Farmington) and Sara Warner (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) will also be jockeying for playing time at third base. Sussex, a good contact hitter, can also catch and continues to gain confidence with each game. Warner will also be used a the Zias' top reliever during the late innings. Also battling for playing time in the infield will be hard working Rachel Settles (Bloomfield). Settles is working on improving her defensive skills and being a solid contact hitter. Kim Paschall (Midland, Texas) is working hard for a spot in the outfield. She shows good defensive skills and is a switch hitter.

Suzy Seitzinger (Bloomfield), Angela Garner (Mesquite, Texas) and Jennifer Harrer (Albuquerque) bring more depth to the Zia pitching corp this season. Seitzinger, who will also see time in the outfield, brings more speed and pop to the staff. Garner brings a variety to the staff with good breaking pitches and slower, but effective, speed. Harrer suffered a broken nose in the fall and is expected to start throwing again in January. She is a hard thrower and hits her spots well.

The Zias face a tough non-conference field at New Mexico, Southern Colorado, and Emporia State in preparation for Lone Star Conference-South Division action. The Zias were picked sixth in the LSC Preseason Poll with no place to go but up.