By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director
SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University softball team enters the 2016 season with a new look, as the Bearcats will have to replace seven of their top eight hitters from a year ago. Another change is the return of Head Coach Damian Williams, back with the team following a leave of absence in 2015.
Williams is entering his 17th season with the Bearcats. He has earned a 320-265 (.547) overall record and has Willamette to a 237-171 (.580) mark in the Northwest Conference.
The top returning hitter this season is second baseman Ashley Pender (Sr., 2B, Reno, NV/North Valleys HS). Last year, Pender hit .378 while playing in 36 games with 36 starts. She pounded out nine doubles, one triple and one home run. She led the team with 28 RBIs and scored 18 runs. She was 11 of 11 on stolen bases. Pender also led the team with 60 assists on defense.
Other key returning hitters include Danielle Saunders (So., OF, Salem, OR/McNary HS) and Mallory Asaro (Jr., SS, Rocklin, CA/Rocklin HS). Saunders batted .250 while playing in 23 games with 18 starts. Asaro hit .246 and played in 27 games (24 starts). Saunders scored 12 runs, while Asaro crossed the plate 10 times. Asaro also connected for four doubles.
Carrie Fox (So., OF, Dupont, WA/Steilacoom HS) saw limited plate appearances in 2015, but batted .353 (6 of 17) with 12 runs scored. She played in 19 games and made five starts.
Three pitchers are back for the Bearcats this spring. Jade Smith (Jr., P, Chico, CA/Chico HS) leads the way. She led the team with 24 appearances, 18 starts and 12 complete games last season. She recorded one solo shutout and one shared shutout. Smith recorded a 12-8 record and a 3.04 earned run average, while striking out 51 batters in 126 2/3 innings.
In two seasons, Smith has achieved a 2.62 ERA in 258 2/3 innings. She has struck out 101 batters.
Victoria Bradshaw (Sr., P, Discovery Bay, CA/Liberty HS) pitched in 14 games with four starts. She registered 15 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings. Makayla Hari (Jr., P, Salem, OR/Blanchet Catholic HS) went to the circle five times and pitched 6 2/3 innings.
The Bearcats will open the season by hosting University of Puget Sound in a four-game Northwest Conference series on Saturday, Feb. 27 and Sunday, Feb. 28. First pitch at the WU Softball Field is set for 12 p.m. (PST) each day.
