Posted by NoleCC

By Bill Kristoph

Softball time is nearing, Hallelujah!

With that in mind, it’s time to take a look at Seminole Softball’s key players for 2008.

Seniors
Tiffany McDonald – Maybe, just maybe, this season the Seminoles can get their Senior Ace Pitcher some run support. McDonald has been dominating throughout her career at Florida State, this season should be no different. McDonald recorded 235 strikeouts in 211 innings pitched. Don’t pay attention to her 17-17 record last season, if the Noles can score some runs it will greatly improve.

Whitney Buckmon – What doesn’t Whitney bring? She returns the best Batting Average on the roster (.340), was 17-21 for stolen bases last season and will flash her glove in the outfield for the Noles.

Juniors
Melissa May (pictured) – If the Noles go anywhere, their pitching will have to be stellar. Behind Tiffany McDonald, lefty Melissa May offers a great doubleheader or mid game change up to opposing hitters. She can also run the bases pretty well in a pinch!

Jessica Gilmore – She’ll need to be an RBI machine at the plate for FSU. Look for the 22 she had last year to increase.

Michelle Snyder – Snyder should remain solid at 3rd base for the Noles. She has power at the plate, but needs to improve upon her .193 batting average from a year ago.

Underclassmen
Terese Gober – Gober is technically #3 on the depth chart, but she’s lights out when she’s at her best. Her freshman campaign featured 123 strike outs in 123 innings pitched. Expect that to get more dominant the longer she plays at FSU. She also led the team with opponents batting a mere .185 against her, besting both May and McDonald. Did I mention that all three threw no-hitters last season?

Monica Montez – The ACC Freshman of the Year. She started 38 games for the Noles a year ago, and once she got in there she batted .312 and knocked the cover off the ball at the plate. Montez is a player, plain and simple.

Robin Ahrberg (pictured) – Catchers are the backbone of any defense. Arhberg is no different. Look for the sophomore to be timely at the plate again, topping her 25 RBI.