Softball 1/30/2019 3:05:00 PM

Bronchos Head South For Season Opener

Anxious to regain its place among the NCAA Division II elite in 2019 is a battle-tested Central Oklahoma team that features plenty of offensive firepower.

The Bronchos make their season debut this weekend in Conroe, Texas with five games at the Arkansas Tech Winter Invitational. Central will play Texas Woman's and Texas A&M International Friday, West Texas A&M and No. 20 Arkansas Tech Saturday and No. 9 Texas A&M-Commerce Sunday. Click here for the tournament website.

The Bronchos had a run of six straight national tournament appearances ended last year, but seven position starters and a starting pitcher return from that 34-22 club. Mix in several highly-touted newcomers and it's easy to see why UCO is poised to contend for the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association championship and make a deep post-season run.

"We've got a lot of veteran players on our team and look for them to lead the way this year," said head coach Cody White, who is 204-90 entering his sixth year at the helm. "We always have big expectations for our program and last year we didn't play to that level, but this group of returners is determined to fix that.

"We brought in a lot of new players and several of those will be fighting to get on the field. We're going to have great competition at several positions and that should help make everybody better."

The Bronchos look to field another potent offensive unit, with senior third baseman JoBi Heath at the forefront of the assault. A three-year starter who already ranks among UCO's career leaders in several statistical categories, Heath is one of the most feared sluggers in the conference.

Central also returns three other senior starters in outfielder Bailey Thompson, first baseman Carli Jones and infielder Casady Webb. Junior catcher Halley Randolph, sophomore outfielder Lexy Dobson and sophomore infielder Allie Eicher round out the returning position starters.

Sophomore Lauren Gibson appeared in a team-high 33 games a year ago and is the lone pitcher back, while sophomores Tori Ritz and Tori Huslig saw limited action in back-up roles.

Nine newcomers fill out the roster, with a pair of versatile transfers – sophomore Brighton Gilbert and junior Hazel Puempel – expected to provide immediate help along with some talented freshmen pitchers.

"We've got a lot of players who can be used at different positions and it may take some time to figure out exactly what we're going to do at some places," White said. "Our depth is really good at just about every position and I'm excited about what this team is capable of doing.

"I know our players are anxious to get the season started. They've been working hard all year to get ready and this group has a chance to do some special things."

Here's a position-by-position look at the Bronchos:

Catcher
Central is in good shape behind the plate with the return of junior Halley Randolph, who has started 71 games at this vital position. Randolph didn't commit an error in the field in earning honorable mention All-MIAA honors last year and has a .309 career batting average, with the Bronchos expecting another big season this spring. Sophomore letterwinner Tori Huslig provides back-up assistance, with senior Casady Webb also available if needed.

First Base
Another veteran returns to the starting lineup here as Carli Jones is set to hold down the top spot for the fourth consecutive year. Jones has started 128 games at first and is also a huge offensive threat for UCO, entering the season with a .359 career average and 98 runs batted in. Sophomore Tori Ritz started 16 games here last year in gaining valuable experience and provides quality depth.

Second Base
This is one of two infield positions that may take some time to figure out. Senior Casady Webb and sophomore Allie Eicher are set to battle for the top spot, though both could see time elsewhere. Webb, who started 39 games at second last year, could also be used at shortstop while Eicher was UCO's main designated player a year ago and may return to that role as well. Freshman McKenzie Carney provides additional depth.

Shortstop
Another spot loaded with possibilities. Sophomore Brighton Gilbert is a mid-year transfer who appears to be the front-runner, with senior Casady Webb also in the mix. Webb hit .294 with 12 doubles and 24 RBI while starting at second most of last year and is in the running for that starting spot as well.

Third Base
There's no doubt who will be holding down the fort here, with senior standout JoBi Heath back to handle the hot corner. Heath started her first two years in left field before moving to third last year and showcased superb defense while also remaining a prime offense threat, hitting .372 with 19 doubles, six homers and 46 RBI. Junior college transfer Haley Pomplun provides quality back-up assistance.

Outfield
Two returning starters and a highly-regarded transfer making a position move are expected to fill the three starting outfield spots for the Bronchos. Fleet-footed senior Bailey Thompson will be back patrolling center field, with sophomore Lexi Dobson switching from right field to left while junior newcomer Hazel Puempel looks to take over in right.

Thompson covers lots of territory in center and started all 56 games last year, earning honorable mention All-MIAA honors after hitting .353 with 10 doubles, four triples, 20 RBI and 11 stolen bases. Dobson had a solid rookie campaign, finishing with a .315 average, six doubles and 17 RBI while playing in every game. Puempel played first base at Texas Woman's the last two seasons and was a second-team All-Lone Star Conference pick both years, batting .386 with 23 doubles and 62 RBI in her career there.

Freshman Audrie Morrison will vie for playing time, with senior JoBi Heath and sophomore transfer Brighton Gilbert also available if needed.

Pitcher
Central features more pitching depth than in several years, though only one player returns in the circle from last year. Sophomore Lauren Gibson went 10-5 with two saves while appearing in a team-high 33 games and that experience should prove big dividends for the right-hander in 2019 when she will again see action as both a starter and reliever.

Junior transfer Sydney McLeod is the only other pitcher on staff with collegiate experience, though the Bronchos expect plenty of good things from freshmen Brooke Field, Abbey Rumbaugh and Bailey McKittrick. McLeod pitched in 24 games during a two-year career at Division I Nebraska and is expected to help in both starting and relief roles. McKittrick has the makings of a top-notch starter after a strong fall campaign, while Field and Rumbaugh should see action mainly in relief.

Designated Player
This may be a position by committee for Central as several players will probably see action in this role. Sophomore Allie Eicher was an honorable mention All-MIAA choice here last year after hitting .289 with eight doubles, four homers and 21 RBI and will almost certainly be used in some capacity. Sophomores Tori Ritz and Tori Huslig, junior Haley Pomplun and freshman Brooke Field also figure to be in the running for playing time.

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Players Mentioned

#25 Lauren Gibson: P/OF; 5' 7"; Redshirt Freshman; R/R

#13 JoBi Heath: IF/OF; 5' 7"; Junior; R/R

#15 Carli Jones: 1B; 5' 7"; Junior; L/R

#17 Halley Randolph: C; 5' 9"; Sophomore; R/R

#7 Casady Webb: UT; 5' 5"; Junior; R/R

#8 Lexy Dobson: OF; 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R

#10 Allie Eicher: IF; 5' 7"; Freshman; L/R

#14 Tori Huslig: C; 5' 5"; Freshman; R/R

#22 Bailey Thompson: OF; 5' 4"; Junior; L/R

#45 Tori Ritz: IF; 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R

Players Mentioned

#25 Lauren Gibson
: 5' 7"; Redshirt Freshman; R/R
: P/OF

#13 JoBi Heath
: 5' 7"; Junior; R/R
: IF/OF

#15 Carli Jones
: 5' 7"; Junior; L/R
: 1B

#17 Halley Randolph
: 5' 9"; Sophomore; R/R
: C

#7 Casady Webb
: 5' 5"; Junior; R/R
: UT

#8 Lexy Dobson
: 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R
: OF

#10 Allie Eicher
: 5' 7"; Freshman; L/R
: IF

#14 Tori Huslig
: 5' 5"; Freshman; R/R
: C

#22 Bailey Thompson
: 5' 4"; Junior; L/R
: OF

#45 Tori Ritz
: 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R
: IF