Jan. 23, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. -- The 2008 softball season has already started for the University of Oklahoma softball team as the 2007 Big 12 Postseason Champions have been busy practicing at Marita Hynes Field preparing for their season opener against UCLA in the Freeway Series Tournament (Feb. 8-10) in Westwood and Fullerton, Calif.

In preparation for the upcoming season, SoonerSports.com will preview the 2008 Oklahoma softball team under the direction of head coach Patty Gasso, who enters her 14th at the helm of the Sooner program. 

Wednesday's final part in the series will preview Oklahoma's battery.   

Oklahoma, picked second by the coaches in the Big 12 preseason poll, will kick off its 2008 season at the Meet the Sooners Banquet on Friday, Feb. 1. Following a casual dinner, a highlight video will kick off the dinner along with a short preview from head coach Patty Gasso.

Schedule | Roster | Tickets

THE BATTERY
As is the case for any collegiate softball team, OU's pitching will have the biggest impact on the Sooners this season.  However, if the Sooner staff continues from where it left off last year then Gasso and the Sooners should be excited about another strong year.

Top Returners Pos. B/T  Name Ht. Year  2007 Stats RHP R/R Lauren Eckermann 5-9 Sr. 1.66 ERA, 37-5, 259 Strikeouts LHP L/L D.J. Mathis 5-6 Jr. 2.60 ERA, 12-3, Held opponents to a .238 clip C R/R Lindsey Vandever 5-6 So. Threw out 15 of 29 base stealers

All four members of the Oklahoma pitching staff return for the 2008 season with senior Lauren Eckermann leading the way.  The Big 12 Co-Pitcher of the Year owned a 1.66 ERA last season and a 37-5 record while tallying 259 strikeouts in 274.1 innings.  Additionally, junior lefty D.J. Mathis returns healthy and looking to provide a strong one-two punch for the Sooners after notching a 2.60 ERA last season.

Player to Watch Lauren Eckermann | Sr. | RHP Eckermann became OU's first Big 12 Pitcher of the Year last season as the third-team All-American recorded a school-record 37 wins and made 48 appearances in the circle last season while throwing 274.1 innings of work.

Adding depth is senior Jadyn Smith and Morgan Hudsonpillar.  Both right-handers saw limited action in 2007, but each had very strong outings in the fall and are much improved from last season.

"We are going to need solid outings every time out this season," Gasso said.  "It is imperative that we have a one-two punch this season and we don't rely on one pitcher and I'm extremely confident that this four-member class can get it done.  Lauren sat out most of the fall with a finger injury and I believe it was a blessing in disguise.  The rest of our staff saw a lot more action and really showed significant improvement."

Calling the shots for the pitchers will be sophomore catcher Lindsey Vandever.  The sophomore had an impressive freshman season as she threw out 15 of 29 base stealers from behind the plate, showing off her quick release that Gasso was so drawn to.

In addition to Vandever, Ogden will also be available if Vandever can't play.  Ogden, OU's do-everything All-American, started at catcher in 2006 and gave relief to Vandever last season.

"I'm extremely excited about the challenges ahead of us this spring, including how our pitchers and our freshmen respond," Gasso said. "We have a squad that has a lot of experience this season and I think our defense could be a key factor in our success."

Season Preview Schedule:
Monday: Outlook and Lineup
Tuesday: Infield and Outfield
Wednesday: The Battery