Feb. 14, 2008

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - You'll have to excuse the Lewis University softball team if they appear to have a chip on their shoulders this season. The Flyers feel they have some unfinished business to take care of.

After putting together a remarkable regular-season run in 2007, which included a school-record 20-game win streak, the Flyers made a premature exit from postseason play and had to sit and watch as rival Southern Illinois Edwardsville played on to capture the Division II national championship.

"SIUE had a spectacular run, and they deserved to win," said Flyers' head coach George DiMatteo, who brings a 796-404-6 career record into his 25th season at Lewis. "They peaked at the right time and carried the momentum all the way through.

"We beat SIUE during the regular season, and I think that shows how close we are to being one of the elite teams in the nation."

The Flyers lost three starters from last season's 34-14 squad, but they returned all three of their all-region players and added more depth to a pitching staff which ranked second in the league in earned run average last season. On offense, 22 of the team's 25 home runs last season were hit by players who remain on the roster in 2008.

"I can tell you we are a better team this season," said DiMatteo. "We have a good strong pitching staff, and our offense is deeper."

The Flyers' pitching staff appears to be as strong as it has been in some time. Returning starters Courtney Lyons and Julie Wingerter, both juniors, head the staff, while sophomore Jenna Howard and freshman Diana Pickrum provide the depth few teams possess.

"Our pitching staff is the strongest part of our team," said DiMatteo. "All four of our pitchers have good movement and are smart on the mound. I wouldn't hesitate using any of the four. We have the deepest staff in the GLVC."

Lyons, an All-GLVC and all-region pick for the first time in her career, emerged as the ace of Lewis staff last season, posting a 15-6 record with a 1.89 ERA. She struck out 104 batters and pitched nine complete games with four shutouts, holding opponents to a combined .224 batting average. In conference games only, Lyons was one of just six pitchers in the GLVC to post an ERA under 2.00.

"Courtney is a power pitcher," said DiMatteo. "She possesses an excellent change-up, screwball and curve. She is a strikeout pitcher, and she doesn't get rattled. She has great mental toughness. Courtney also is a solid hitter."

Wingerter battled through an ankle injury most of last season, and fell short of her 14-8 record and 1.73 ERA posted as a freshman. But still she still registered a 9-6 record with a 2.67 ERA. She struck out 85 batters, threw nine complete games and was second on the team with 105 innings pitched.

"Julie is 100 percent back from her ankle injury, and as a result, all her pitches are working better than ever" said DiMatteo. "She has a great rise-ball and a better changeup. We're going to see numbers from Julie like we saw her freshman season."

Howard went 6-1 with a 2.41 ERA during her freshman season, and figures to show even more improvement as a sophomore.

"Jenna is a hard thrower with a great curve ball," said DiMatteo. "She has better command and a higher confidence this season."

Pickrum was a Daily Southtown and Daily Star all-area selection during her prep career at Oak Forest High School. As a senior she dominated, posting a 23-4 record with 13 shutouts and a 0.76 ERA.

"Diana brings a wealth of experience from travel ball and high school," said DiMatteo. "Her drop pitch is best, but she also has an amazing change, probably the best change-up on the team."

Aiding the Flyers' pitchers this season is first-year assistant coach Kerri Watt, a former St. Francis standout.

"We're very excited to have Kerri with us this season," said DiMatteo. "She has a great knowledge of pitching and is an excellent communicator. Kerri is not only great at teaching the pitchers, but she also helps our catchers understand the game from a pitcher's perspective."

The Flyers' infield features two returners on the left side and new starters on the right. Junior Michelle Yudys fields the hot corner for the Flyers. She started all but one game at third last season, posting an impressive .978 fielding percentage and 90 assists in 180 chances. Freshman Stephanie Trapp will also see time at third. Trapp was an all-conference and all-area prep player and hit .334 as a senior.

"Michelle is a slick fielder, and she is working hard on offense," said DiMatteo. "Trapp also is a good defensive player with a cannon for an arm, and she has potential to be a productive hitter."

Junior slugger Kelly Dianis returns to play shortstop for Lewis. Dianis, an all-conference and all-region selection led Lewis in just about every offensive category in 2007, despite missing the first 15 games of the campaign to finish basketball season.

In 99 at-bats, Dianis recorded team bests (among starters) with a .354 batting average and eight home runs while striking out just four times. Her .697 slugging percentage set a Lewis single-season record, topping the .693 mark she set in 2006. With 16 home runs through her first two seasons at Lewis, Dianis enters 2008 three homers shy of the Lewis career record.

"Kelly is a leader on this team," said DiMatteo. "She is a sturdy defensive player, and she has a ton of power with the bat. I expect her to keep doing the things she is capable of doing."

Sophomore Kara Harmatys will back-up Dianis at short. Harmatys filled in wonderfully for Dianis at the start of last season while Dianis completed the basketball schedule. Harmatys was among the team leaders with six doubles.

"We knew Kara was a great defensive player," said DiMatteo. "But she also proved to be a consistent hitter. If she is hitting, we'll have a spot for her in the lineup."

The Flyers look to replace four-year starter Beth Shelus at second base, and appear to have some viable candidates in freshman Kayla Smith and junior transfer Jessica Randall.

"Kayla is quick and has great range," said DiMatteo. "She has a quick release and a strong arm. At the plate, she possesses tremendous potential and has home run power. Exposure to the collegiate game will help her development.

"Jessica is a hard worker with good defense. She is disciplined at the plate and is a solid contact hitter."

Junior Carissa Castonzo has earned the starting spot at first base. Playing behind senior Kristy Vanek limited Castonzo's opportunities in 2007, but an increase in playing time should translate into better numbers this season.

"Carissa is an exceptional first baseman, and she has shown improvement on offense," said DiMatteo. "She has power, and more at-bats will only help display that potential."

DiMatteo's other options at first include Lyons, and freshman Stephanie Harmon, a freshman who can also catch.

"Stephanie has a huge upside," said DiMatteo. "She has a great all-around game, and she put together a really solid fall season. Stephanie was our leading power hitter during the fall."

The Flyers' primary is backstop is senior Mallory Paine, a first-team all-region pick for a second consecutive year last season. Paine, who also earned first-team all-conference honors, batted .319 last season and collected team bests with 46 hits and 27 RBI. Paine was ranked second on the team with six home runs, and she pounded four doubles. Behind the dish, Paine registered just two passed balls while gunning down nine attempted base stealers.

"I'm expecting another huge season from Mallory," said DiMatteo. "She is a big run producer for this team, and she is a terrific defensive catcher. She calls an excellent game, and nobody steals on her."

Sophomore Brittany DiPietro is the Flyers' back-up catcher. DiPietro appeared in 10 games last season, posting a .286 batting average.

"Brittany will see time this season," said DiMatteo. "She is great at calling pitches and blocking balls, and she has a good arm. Her offense will continue to improve with more playing time."

The Flyers' outfield features two returners and an abundance of new talent. Senior Carla Musillo will play left for a second straight season, while the power-hitting Lisa Gartland returns in right.

Musillo had a very productive year at the plate last season, hitting .326 with 12 extra base hits. She posted a .464 slugging percentage and scored 23 runs. Gartland, a junior, earned her second all-conference selection last season. Her numbers included seven doubles and six home runs with 23 RBIs. Gartland patrolled right for the final 35 games of the season without committing a single error.

"Carla and Lisa are great defensive players who can hit for power," said DiMatteo. "I am looking for both to continue to help us score runs in bunches."

Junior Jessica Beck is getting a chance to start in center after playing behind four-year starter Christina Willis last season.

"This is Jessica's time to shine," said DiMatteo. "She brings good defense and is improving on offense."

DiMatteo's other options in the outfield include senior tri-captain Ashley LeGrand, junior transfer Brittany Patete, sophomore Lexie Vernon and freshmen Sarah Hurley and Jessica Jennings.

LeGrand gives the Flyers another legitimate power threat with her bat. Even though her numbers were down a bit last season, LeGrand has worked hard to return to form at the plate when she hit .300 as a freshman and sophomore.

Patete, a walk-on transfer from Millikin, is a good all-around athlete. Vernon is fully recovered from a hand injury which sidelined her last season. Hurley supplies speed, can cover a lot of ground, and has potential for power. Jennings is a solid hitter with a strong arm.

"I have a number of viable options for the outfield," said DiMatteo. "The talent and depth is not lacking. I'll be able to mix and match based on who is hitting. Our offensive depth also provides me with some good options for DP."

The Flyers open their season this weekend, playing in a tournament at Delta State. From there the Flyers head to a tournament at Alabama-Huntsville before returning to Florida for the annual Rebel Spring Games. Lewis opens conference play at Quincy on March 15 and plays at home for the first time on March 19.

"We'll be playing some of the top teams in the nation early on," said DiMatteo. "If we can come back from the early-season trips near .500, we'll be in good shape heading into the conference season.

"The GLVC is well balanced this season. There are seven or eight teams who will battle for first. It's going to be a tough competition.

"Our goals are to make amends for the way last season ended. We want to be around 20 games over .500, win the GLVC and bring the regionals back to Lewis and earn a trip to nationals. We also want to help Lewis regain the GLVC All-Sports Trophy.