Last season’s version of the Lady Colonel softball team that went 14-48 overall and 4-23 in the Southland Conference was building for the future. The future is here. Off to a 2-2 start this year, the Lady Colonels and fourth-year head coach Pattie Holthaus have added a big recruiting class to a young team that gained lots of experience last season.
“Last year was kind of a rebuilding process,” Holthaus said. “I thought we got a lot of experience. Most of our conference games were pretty close, I think an extra year of learning and growing is going to make a difference.”
Lady Colonel sophomores Duffi Matherne and Kayci Keller will be the backbone of the Nicholls pitching staff.
Matherne, who played first base in addition to pitching last year, will be used mostly as a pitcher for this year’s team.
“I know I have to step up this year because we have some new players,” Matherne said. “We expect to do a whole lot better this season.”
Keller, who is currently battling a leg injury, is scheduled to be ready to play when Southland Conference action starts on Feb. 28 against McNeese in Thibodaux.
Last year Keller, who also saw time as a position player in 2000, struck out 87 batters and finished with a 3.59 earned-run average in 115 innings.
“I think we are going to shock a lot of people,” Keller said. “The only way for us to go is up.”
To go with Matherne and Keller, a trio of freshmen will add to the mix of Lady Colonel hurlers.
Christina Hanson of Walker, Fallon Cancienne of Luling and Lori Blanco a product of Morgan City will look to add depth to the staff.
“I am pleased with out pitching staff,” Holthaus said. “We know what we have in Duffi and Kayci, but I am also impressed with our youngsters. I think if we get Kayci healthy by conference, pitching will be our strong suit.”
Lori Duplechain, of Katy, Texas, has seen the most time behind the plate early, with Lynette Kokemor, from Chalmette, Thibodaux native Amy Pitre, and Jennifer Sladky all vying for playing time.
“Right now we’re trying to get some consistency out of the catching position,” Holthaus said.
“Whoever has the ability to threaten runners and is hot at the plate is going to play.”
Returning junior Kyna Boyer, a native of Paradis, and Alvin Junior College transfer Shauna Emola will most likely play up the middle for Nicholls.
At second base last season, Boyer hit .245 in 53 games and added eight stolen bases.
Emola, who will see time at shortstop and possibly play some third base, was named to the honorable mention all-region team last season at Alivin JC and was her team’s defensive MVP.
When Emola plays third, returning sophomore Jill Chabert from Larose, will take over at short.
Last season Chabert played in all 61 games for the Lady Colonels and can play every position with the exception of catcher.
Stephanie Sasser, a transfer from Louisiana College who was named to the second-team all-Louisiana, will see time at both third base and in the outfield as will Sara Stoufflet, a native of Bourg.
Senior returnee Nicole Stewart will see time at first base along with Sladky and possibly Matherne. Stewart played catcher for the Lady Colonel last season.
“We have a lot of options in the infield,” Holthaus said. “We have some experience back and I’m really excited about our newcomers.”
In the outfield, the Lady Colonels will also use a mixture of newcomers and veterans.
Returning junior Monica Hebert of Marrero, and returning sophomore Lauren Russell, of Austin, Texas will patrol the outfield along with Okaloosa-Walton College transfer Julie Rodriguez. Rodriguez may also play some first base.
Freshmen Kristi Blanchard also from Bourg, Sarah Eads and Jennifer Ortego along with Chabert and Sasser may all see time in the outfield.
“We have a lot more utility players, back-up and depth this year than we ever have before,” Holthaus said.
