Heading into the 2013 season, St. Catherine University Head Softball Coach Madge Makowske is hoping an experienced squad that had one of its most successful outings in recent history last season will be able to climb up the standings in the always-competitive Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC).
 
In a 2012 season where the Wildcat softball team improved from 7-30-1 in 2011 to its first 18-win season since 2006, the Wildcats dropped 16 games that were decided by two runs or less. This year, Makowske is hoping her team can capitalize on opportunities to win more games and develop confidence as a contender in the MIAC.
 
“We have high expectations going into the season,” said Makowske, who is now the longest-tenured head softball coach in the MIAC, entering her 18th season at the helm of the Wildcat program.
 
“We are looking to turn the close-game losses into wins this season and finish in the upper half of the conference.”
 
Despite finishing 10th in the MIAC last season, the Wildcats ranked third in multiple hitting categories including batting average (.310), slugging percentage (.418), on base percentage (.362), hits (348) and RBI (168).
 
This year, Makowske hopes the returning veteran core of players and incoming talent will help all of the pieces come together for the Wildcats and turn those impressive numbers into conference wins.
 
Among those experienced returners is two-time All-MIAC pick Alyssa Luedtke (Spring Lake Park, Minn.) who is back for her third season as the Wildcats' leading offensive weapon. As a sophomore last season, Luedtke was second in the MIAC in batting average (.487) and hits (63) and also led the team in at bats (135), runs (30), total bases (108), slugging percentage (.578) and on base percentage (.578).
 
All-MIAC Honorable Mention selection Jenna Brady (Greenfield, Minn.) will again be dangerous for the Wildcats offensively as she put up an impressive 40 hits, 22 runs and 20 RBI during her sophomore campaign and had a .336 batting average. 

Also returning is a core group of seniors that helped lead last year's dramatic turnaround and boasts impressive numbers on the field and leadership experience off the field.
 
“We have an excellent group of seniors – all of whom are stepping forward for the team in different leadership roles,” said Makowske. “The seniors are a cohesive group and their bond is driving a great chemistry within the team.”
 
Among those seniors is infielder Shae Elliott (Richfield, Minn.) who was second on the team behind Luedtke in almost every hitting category. Elliott ranked 25th in the MIAC in batting average (.353) and boasted 42 hits, 24 RBI, 63 total bases and a .529 slugging percentage.
 
Senior Cassie Rooney (Plymouth, Minn.) – who was also a standout as a member of the Wildcat hockey team in years past – returns after a 2012 season where she posted 24 hits and 12 RBI to help the Wildcat team offensively.
 
Though the Wildcats lost starters Jessica Kniefel and Kaitlyn Frank to graduation, Makowske said the incoming group of players will add to the team's depth on offense and in pitching.
 
“We are always excited to watch how the new first-year student-athletes will compliment the existing talent,” said Makowske.
 
Particularly, Lindsey Klein (Shoreview, Minn.) and Becky Hanson (Brookfield, Wis.) should add to the pitching group and help balance out the dynamic Wildcat offense.
 
The Wildcat squad will have its first test on a regulation field since the fall alumni game during a spring break trip to Clermont, Fla., for the National Training Center Spring Games which Makowske believes will prepare her team for a tough MIAC schedule in April.
 
“The spring trip exposes the team to a number of different offensive and defensive looks and prepares us to enter tough MIAC play,” said Makowske. “We are hoping to come out strong and build on each game to propel us to our greatest goals.”

The Wildcats were selected to finish 10th in this year's MIAC Pre-Season Coaches' Poll that was released Feb. 6. 

Before heading out on its spring trip on March 22, the St. Catherine team will open its season indoors against Bethany Lutheran College for a non-conference doubleheader tomorrow at the Vadnais Heights Dome in Vadnais Heights, Minn. The first game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.
 
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