2014 Preview: UMass

UMass

The Minutewomen enter 2014 after an extremely difficult 2013 season on and off the field. On the field, UMass had its first losing season since 1976. The Minutewomen got off to a rough start in non-conference play, going 2-16 to start the year, but did end the year on a better note, going 16-9 over the final 25 games. UMass struggled with its health, defense, and pitching in 2013, missing the Atlantic 10 Tournament for the first time. Then in August, long time head coach and NFCA Hall of Famer Elaine Sortino lost her battle with cancer.

Kristi Stefanoni

Long time assistant coach Kristi Stefanoni was named interim head coach and Olympian Danielle Henderson returned to Amherst as the associate coach. Stefanoni, Henderson, and new assistant Staci Ramsey have been pushing this young squad, which has the potential to be something special. UMass has a lot to prove and a lot to play for in 2014 and they should be in the mix for the title once again in May.

Caroline Raymond

Pitching: Caroline Raymond was an absolute workhorse for the Minutewomen in 2013, pitching the lion's share of innings and she will once again be counted upon to throw key innings in 2014. Raymond went 15-14 with a 3.97 ERA and 95 SO in 181.2 IP. Raymond has the potential to be one of the top pitchers in the A10, especially if she cuts down on the free passes. Freshmen Tara Klee will likely be UMass' number two pitcher and she will give Raymond some much needed rest this season. Dakota Smith-Porter and Bridget Lemire also figure to see some significant time in the circle. Sophomore Emma Mendoker will redshirt the 2014 season due to an injury.

Lindsey Webster

Offense: The great news for the Minutewomen is that most of their dynamic offense is back and poised for breakout seasons. Quianna Diaz-Patterson will lead the way for the Minutewomen, as the left-handed hitting shortstop put together another solid campaign in 2013, hitting .357 with 46 hits, 3 HR, 24 RBI, and 8 steals. Tiffany Meeks also had a breakout season, hitting .352 with 44 hits, 9 HR, and 40 RBI. Sophomore Taylor Carbone is back after a solid rookie campaign, which saw her hit .305. Speedy slappers Cyndil Matthew and Christine Della Vecchia have graduated, but the Minutewomen will still be potent at the plate and on the bases. Lindsey Webster has hit 18 HR in her career and she seems to be poised for a double digit output in 2014. Whitney Cooper missed all of last year due to injury and she is back in 2014 and is going to hit quite a few balls out of Sortino Field.

Defense: UMass' defense was it's Achilles' heel in 2013, as the Minutewomen committed 88 errors. In 2014, some players will be in different spots and the Minutewomen should be one of the better defensive squads. One of the great strengths and great challenges for Coach Stefanoni is all of the depth that she has. Sophomore Olivia Godin and Freshman Ashton Wince are competing for the catching position and they will likely split time to start the year. UMass' depth will give Coach Stefanoni many options and can allow her to make many situational choices.

Overall Prognosis: While there is a bit of an unknown surrounding this team, UMass has the potential to return to its dominating form and re-establish itself at the top of the conference. If the freshmen deliver as expected, UMass will be contending for the A10 title and an at-large bid.