Season Outlook

The Lady Bulldog Softball program will enter the 2001 season reloaded and ready for another run at the NAIA World Series.  Union finished last season with a 53-6 record, the Transouth Conference title and a third place finish in the Region XI Tournament.  The Lady Bulldogs lost three position players and one pitcher but have added key recruits to fill those positions.

Returning for her junior season, Rachel Murray will once again be the ace of this staff.  Monica Coe, also a junior, will solidify the pitching staff and also be used in the outfield for Union.  Returning senior, Lori Neal, will start at first base in the 2001 season and will platoon with senior Jennifer Sabourin, who will see time at first and behind the plate.  Senior, Michelle Gardner, will again be at second base for the Lady Bulldogs and also will be looked to as the offensive catalyst for this Union team.   The outfield will remain much the same as last season with seniors Chrissy Allardin and Molly Thomas, and junior, Christina French all returning.     

Head coach Brian Dunn has added some top players to place in a team that finished the season ranked # 5 in the NAIA.  Transfers from Crowder College, sophomore Johnna Porter and junior Brandi Park will play third and shortstop, respectively.  Junior transfer, Ame Clapsaddle will spend most of her time behind the plate for Union and will add some RBI pop to the line-up.  Liz Travis, sophomore transfer from Florida College, will play outfield for the Lady Bulldogs.  And finally, freshman Leah Gronberg will be the #2 pitcher in Union's very powerful rotation and will see playing time in the outfield.

The Lady Bulldogs will look to defend their TranSouth conference title for the third consecutive season.  This is a good team with good depth and will be a serious contender for a trip back to the NAIA World Series in Decatur, Alabama, their previous trip coming in 1999.