2003 Softball Season Preview Entering his 20th year at the helm of the Long Beach State softball team, Pete Manarino will soon accomplish what only a handful of Division I softball coaches have ever done: Win 700 or more games in their career. By far the most prolific head coach at The Beach, Manarino has guided teams to five NCAA World Series, 13 Regionals, and three Big West titles. For Manarino, the 2003 season will focus on what he feels is a realistic goal, at making a run for the program's sixth World Series appearance behind a very youthful and talented team.
This season, Manarino expects a continuous effort offensively and defensively from his team. "Defensively, year after year we are solid," said Manarino. Last season, LBSU was tops with Northridge and Pacific in the league in Fielding Percentage (.970). "Offensively, we need to be consistent and make things happen. We must score runs and continually put pressure on our opponents all the time."
"The key is staying healthy," emphasized Manarino. "We have a very consistent make-up on this team with 12 returners and five newcomers. I like this team, and I am looking forward to this being a good year."
Manarino stresses that the tone and complexion of a team begins on the mound. Returning to the fold will be 20-game winner and sophomore Meredith Cervenka. "We expect Meredith to continue her success," said Manarino. Cervenka, last season, recorded 151 strikeouts, second most in a single season, and a 1.48 ERA. For her efforts, Cervenka was named second team All-Big West and second team All-West Region.
Rounding out the one-two punch will be junior Lindsey Knoff. "Lindsey had her best Fall ever," said Manarino. "We are looking forward to her being more consistent." A 14-game winner last season, Knoff recorded 102 strikeouts, eighth highest total in a single season.
Supporting Cervenka and Knoff from time-to-time will be Melissa Backstrom and Colleen Burdick. Backstrom, who made nine appearances last season, will contribute more, while Burdick, Manarino feels, "will bring experience to the staff from the JC level." Burdick was a standout player for two seasons at Fullerton College, and helped guide her team to two consecutive league and regional championships (2001-02). She earned All-State, All-American, and Player of the Year honors in 2002. Burdick set the school record for home runs and strikeouts as a pitcher in 2002. She earned first-team all-conference honors both years, and was named MVP of the Orange Conference last year.
Replacing Nicole Spencer at first base will be freshman Melanie McCauley. "She had a great fall," commented Manarino. "She was very consistent." A graduate of Crescenta Valley HS, McCauley helped her team to four straight Pacific League championships and was named all-league all four years. She also set the team record for most hits in a single season her senior year. Manarino also added that Burdick will see some playing time at first base as well.
The familiar face at second base will be junior Cassie Preece. "A very solid defensive player," according to Manarino, Preece tallied 93 putouts and 77 assists at the bag last season for a .966 fielding percentage. Manarino will also platoon Panita Thanatharn and Tiffanie Wedell as well at second this season.
The staple at shortstop this season will be junior Jamie Farnworth. "We are looking for Jamie to provide more vocal leadership at the position," said Manarino. Farnworth played and started all 58 games last season, and her 116 assists were second best on the team. She hit .253 with 21 runs.
Rounding out the corners at third base will be senior tri-captain, Tina McCarty. "Tina is a good defensive player," commented Manarino. "As one of our captains, she will bring leadership to the infield." Manarino will also feature freshman Riki Paredes. Paredes helped lead her team to four Sierra League championships (1999-2002), and earned all-league honors her junior and senior years. She was named all-county and All-CIF her senior year. Manarino will also platoon Melanie McCauley at third as well.
Manarino will primarily use junior transfer Roxanne Staniorski (San Jose State) behind the plate. "Rocky is an excellent catcher, with an excellent arm," said Manarino. Staniorski, who will share some playing time with Thorp behind the plate, played two seasons for the Spartans, and was named second-team All-WAC two years in a row. She was also named the WAC Defensive Freshman of the Year. Lindsay Marksbury will also see time behind the plate as well.
Patrolling left field will be junior tri-captain, Arleigh Thorp. One of the most offensively productive players last season, Thorp was named to both the All-Big West and All-West Region second teams as a sophomore. She played and started in 58 games, and led the 49ers with a .303 batting average. Her 12 doubles led the team and were the fourth highest single season total in the program's history (7th most in the league). Thorp also led Long Beach State with 25 RBI and 56 hits (t-9th in the BWC), and crossed home plate 28 times.
Manarino will also shift Thanatharn and Borcich in left field as well.
Replacing Natalie Walker in center field will be sophomore Lauren Johnson. "This will be her first time in that position," said Manarino. "She has great range, a good arm, and a good feel for the position. We need her to stay healthy this season." Manarino expects Tiffanie Wedell to see some playing time in center field as well. Wedell helped lead her high school team to back-to-back Miramonte League championships (2000-01). She was a 2002 all-infield (San Gabriel Valley) selection and a 2002 first team infield (Miramonte League) selection. A 2002 Defensive Player of the Year, Wedell was also a two-time all-outfield (Miramonte League) from 1999-2000.
Rounding out right field, Manarino will platoon between three players: Darcey Brown, Borcich, and Burdick.
With the right pieces in place, the 2003 Long Beach State softball team can be a very exciting team to watch. The mark of this team will be tested with a very tough non-conference schedule. LBSU will face teams like Oklahoma, Stanford, Georgia, Texas A&M, Arizona, and Florida State. "It's always been my philosophy to play tough teams in non-conference," said Manarino. After a month of tournaments on the road, the 49ers return home for the conference opener versus UC Riverside. "Again this league is going to be tough," stressed Manarino. "Anybody can beat anybody on any given day. We are going to have to work hard day in and day out."
|
