Ohio Wesleyan University | Battling Bishop Athletics

2009 Season Preview

Ohio Wesleyan head coach Cassie Cunningham and her Battling Bishop squad turned in a successful 2008 season, finishing second in the North Coast Athletic Conference title chase, just a single game away from the league championship.

This year, Cunningham can field a lineup that includes 4 returning all-conference selections as the Bishops look to improve on last year’s 17-21 overall record.

“We think we’re really strong, and should contend for the title,” Cunningham said. “The experience our juniors have had the last 2 years has been amazing. We’ve taken our knocks and overcome adversity, and that’s made us stronger. I don’t see why this year shouldn’t be our best thus far.”

Junior Rachel Seibel (Johnstown/Johnstown-Monroe) returns as the Bishops’ No. 1 pitcher. Seibel was named NCAC Pitcher of the Year in 2008 after leading the league in strikeouts (181), earned run average (1.39) and opponent batting average (.196).

Freshman Lauren McIntire (Marysville/Buckeye Valley) and freshman Britt Rhea (Mount Vernon), both all-conference picks in high school, will look to contribute immediately.

First base could go to either of a pair of returning all-conference selections.

Sophomore Tara VanVranken (North Canton/Massillon Jackson) was a first-team all-conference pick in 2008, batting .313 and knocking in 17 runs. VanVranken played either leftfield or rightfield for most of the 2008 season, batting .348 as an outfielder.

Junior Emily Bradley (Columbus/Upper Arlington), who split time between first base and second base on the way to honorable mention all-conference laurels in 2008, batted .309 and tied for second in the conference in stolen bases (16).

Junior Devon Walker (Baltimore/Watkins Memorial) also split time at second base last year.

Junior Sarah Cook (Sidney/Fairlawn) took over the shortstop position last season and batted a team-leading .326 with 15 RBI. Cook is versatile enough to have played all 3 outfield positions and could end up back in the outfield in 2009.

Sophomore Kaylie Titus (East Hampton, N.Y.), who missed the entire 2008 season with a knee injury, could help in the middle infield, along with freshman Ashley Allen (Richwood/North Union), an honorable mention all-conference pick in high school; freshman Jackie Kolovich (Newton Falls/Warren Kennedy), a 3-time all-conference pick in high school; and freshman Abby Walsh (Millville, Mass./Blackstone-Millville), who was a conference Player of the Year pick in high school.

Junior Rita Cook (Sidney/Fairlawn) played every inning at third base last season, ranking second on the team in doubles (8) and knocking in 15 runs.

Junior Krystle Skaziak (Dublin/Scioto) was a fixture in centerfield last year, winning honorable mention all-conference honors after sharing the league lead in triples (3).

Along with Sarah Cook, VanVranken, and Walker, others who could see action at the corner outfield positions include versatile junior Amanda Sanders (Lima/Bath), who split time between shortstop and the outfield last year and was an all-conference pick as an outfielder in 2007; sophomore Kayla Gordon (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville); and Walsh.

Catching will be Ohio Wesleyan’s question mark this season.

Sophomore Sarah Truchan (Westfield Center/Brunswick) is the Bishops’ most experienced receiver, having caught in a handful of games last year.

Freshman Nikka Bonamase (Canfield/Youngstown Ursuline), a 2-time all-region pick in high school; and sophomore Katelyn Dodson (Raleigh, N.C./Sanderson), a transfer from North Carolina-Greensboro, will challenge for the starting spot. Truchan and Bonamase also could see time in the outfield.

The Bishops open their season with a trip to Fort Myers, Florida, where they face a schedule of 10 games during a week-long stay. Ohio Wesleyan opens the northern portion of its schedule against perennial power Muskingum on March 18, then faces a weekend trip to regional foes Albion and Alma. The Bishops’ home opener against Case Reserve follows on March 29. The NCAC schedule opens on April 1 against Kenyon, and the NCAC tournament is scheduled for May 1-2.

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