For the first time in the history of the program, the Shawnee State University Softball Team is coming off of consecutive losing seasons.  The Bears posted a 19-20 record in 2002 followed by a 14-15 campaign in 2003.  Despite its recent struggles, the program boasts an overall record of 422-177 since its inception in 1989.  Coach Ralph Cole, who has been at the helm since 1992, has a career record of 370-135.   

All-Conference honorees Keri Bennett, Nikki Moore, and Rhonda Sacks highlight the returning players from last year’s team.  Megan Felts, an All-Conference selection in 2002, returns to the team after a year away from softball.  Tara Walker and Kristi Barka also return from last season. 

Rhonda Sacks, a junior pitcher, has a career record of 18-19 despite an ERA of just 1.74.  She has ranked in the top 10 of the American Mideast Conference ERA leaders each of the last two seasons.   

Keri Bennett, the team’s lone senior, has a career batting average of .301.  She has collected 95 hits in 107 career games, and has been out of the starting line-up just twice in her career.  She led the AMC in stolen base percentage as a sophomore swiping 11 bases on 11 attempts. 

Nikki Moore, a sophomore infielder, led the team with a .305 average last season.  She played in 7 games in 2002 before a season-ending injury, and will therefore be looked upon to provide veteran leadership both on and off the field.   

Megan Felts led the 2002 squad with 8 homeruns and 29 RBI.  Her 8 homeruns ranked 3^rd in the American Mideast Conference.  Megan will likely be asked to handle some of the pitching duties this season. 

In addition to the returning players, the Bears welcome 7 newcomers to the squad this season, all of whom will be expected to contribute significantly this season.  Kat van den Broek, a senior from Holland, will likely handle the catching duties.  Britney Bayless, an all-conference junior college transfer, will play in the middle infield along with Moore.  Rachel Staley will be the team’s second starting pitcher.  She earned all-state honors at Wheelersburg High School.  Ashley Adkins,an all-conference performer form Groveport, appears to have nailed down the starting spot in center field while fellow freshman Kendra Hull will likely get the nod at first base.  Freshmen Tia Walling and Lindsey Greenslate will battle sophomore Tara Walker for the starting position in left field.   

Shawnee State opens the season at home in the Shawnee State University Spring Invitational.  SSU plays in the opening game of the three-day event on March 12.  The Bears play St. Vincent College at 11:00 a.m. at Doctor Singleton Park.