McNeese State University - Log Yearbook (Lake Charles, LA)

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198 Softball )

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OUT 23456 7690 R THE HEAT IS ON at the McNeese vs. the Univer- sity of Texas-Arlington game where the Pokes are struggling to hold their own field. Shown to the left are: Jeff Gremil- lion, Ricky Bolmarcich, Charley Phillips, Coach Tony Robichaux, Shon Shelton, and the game’s umpire. Baseball Schedule ‘88 FEBRUARY Barry Cniversity SE Louisiana Grambling wee St. Thomas, Fla. Forida International Centenary North Texas LSd Spring Hill South Alabama MARCH OSE Rice Lamar Grambling Nicholls State Tulane Texas-Arlington Prairie View AGM Southern Nicholls State LSU UsL MAY Southwest Texas Southeastern La. Sam Houston State Miami Northeast La. Stephen F. Austin Baseball 197

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RES EEEEEROEA® EERE ERE EH eB ae Se cme SG Rs Slugging it out cNeese Softball, as with many other sports this season, is un- dergoing a series of changes. New coaches and an updated team will be put to the test on the field this year. Head coach Rose Ruffino is facing her first year in charge of the team; and Julie Mancuso, also in her first year of coaching McNeese ball, will assist her. Five starters from last season are re- turning, leaving four positions to be filled. The most critical position left open is that on the pitcher's mound. Only one member of the team has pre- vious college pitching experience, there- fore Coach Ruffino’s concern is devel- oping a starter and an able relief squad. However, Coach Ruffino does not have to worry about five positions because outfielder Joy Gambino, shortstop Cher- amie Boynes, outfielder Amy Herbert, catcher Cindy Mickel, and the first base- man Heide Fontenot have plans to re- turn. Gambino was chosen second team all-Southland Conference last season while Herbert and Boynes received hon- orable mentions. Herbert was also the team’s top hitter with a .338 batting average, 12 RBI’s and a home run. The all-new coaching staff and young team, facing unfavorable odds, opened the season against Louisiana Tech on February 21. The Cowgirls began slowly with some upsetting defeats. However, as the season progressed, the turn- around game came when the team al- most defeated UTA, the top team in the conference, losing the last inning. Though they were defeated, the team morale felt a much-needed boost. The Cowgirls went on to win their next three games, including a double- header sweep of arch-rival USL and a win over conference opponents North Texas State. “The pitchers are coming around for us,’ stated Coach Ruffino. The team closed the season with the conference tournament on April 30 in Natchitoches. Even though the team may not have reached the top this sea- son, they have certainly built a strong foundation upon which they can rely for a better next season. CHERAMIE BOYNES prepares to put a stop to a Sam Houston play- ers base-winning intentions. LEFT FIELDER Leigh King makes careful plans before successfully stealing a base. CAROLINE SHANNON smashes a hit into right field. ) Softball 199