Infield a question for softball
There are many question marks about the infield for CMU's softball team this year.
The question marks are not due to a lack of talent, however.
Instead, Head Coach Margo Jonker will have to make decisions on who to play and where to play them.
Jonker sees so many talents at each position that it's hard to pick who to go with.
"Our starting lineup is going to come down to offensive production because there are numerous people who can get the job done defensively," Jonker said.
The infield questions begin with filling the void left behind at third base by the graduation of Dawn Thompson.
Last season's starting second baseman Kim Burke is looking to move over and fill the gap.
"Kim Burke has moved back to her home (third base). She is quick, has a good arm and is a gutsy player. She's just the type of player you want at that position," Jonker said.
Burke, a sophomore from Mount Pleasant, started 52 games last season at second base, while hitting .278 and fielding .976 to earn an All-Mid-American Conference second team selection.
With Burke moving over, that leaves second base up for grabs.
The three candidates are junior Summer Zeitler, freshman Jennifer Skuta and sophomore Amy Morrison.
Neither Zeitler nor Morrison saw much action last year as Zeitler started only five games and Morrison started 24.
Zeitler was the projected starter last season before an injury that set her back.
"We had anticipated starting (Zeitler) last year. Now she's back at second and comes in with experience," Jonker said.
Skuta is a redshirt freshman from Pinconning and will challenge Zeitler.
"Jennifer Skuta has quickness, power and range-all the physical tools," Jonker said.
At shortstop, the Chippewas return an All-MAC first-teamer, Hope Robertshaw, who's natural position is first base.
Robertshaw hit .303, while starting all 55 games at short in her freshman season and could play either shortstop or first base this season.
Freshman Becky Manson, who may see time behind the plate, will also get a chance at shortstop depending on how much Robertshaw plays first.
The Chippewas return two-year starter Sharon Blower at first base for her junior season.
Last season Blower hit .236 and fielded .981 in 44 starts.
"Sharon Blower did an excellent job of digging the ball out of the dirt defensively," Jonker said.
Besides Robertshaw, freshmen Devon Burzinski and Wendy Stephens will also challenge at first base.
In the coming weeks, Jonker will start to answer the infield questions and gain more of a firm grasp on who will be where.
CMU opens its season this weekend with the NFCA Leadoff Classic Tournament in Columbus, Ga.
