2016: Season Review I
Stats I
Results
2017: Schedule Preview
Total Control Sports Invitational - Tournament Home
DETROIT (2/8/17) – University of Detroit Mercy softball head coach
John Conway will look to build upon his first two years at the helm of the Titans and push the program to greater heights as the 2017 season kicks off this weekend.
The Titans set out on their quest in the season-opening tournament from Illinois. Detroit Mercy will face Butler, Eastern Illinois, Fort Wayne, Loyola Chicago and Western Illinois at the Total Control Sports Invitational, hosted by UIC in Rosemont, Ill., from Feb. 10-12.
A LOOK BACK
Since taking over prior to the 2015 season, the Titans have increased their win total each spring under Conway, capped off by the 2016 squad's 17 wins – a seven-win improvement from 2015 and the most wins in a season for the program since 2006. The 2015 and 2016 squads also posted back-to-back double-digit win seasons for the first time since the teams of 2007 and 2008.
The 2016 Titans recorded many noteworthy accomplishments last spring, including a four-game win streak for the first time since 2008 and a three-game shutout streak for the first time since 1992. The 2016 team also reached seven conference wins for the first time since 2002.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Titans will again look to operate an aggressive style of play that has ranked them atop the Horizon League in steals the past two years. In 2015, the Titans led the league in stolen bases, while the 2016 team ranked second in swipes.
"I always like to run, so we'll be aggressive," said Conway. "We also have some bats that can drive the ball out, so we should be fun to watch."
EYES ON THE PRIZE
The Titans look to build on the last couple of seasons and keep the momentum going in 2017. Detroit Mercy will keep its sights set high, with lofty goals in place for the league standings.
"We won 17 games last year in spite of some injuries late in the season. Our goals this year have really expanded. Offensively and defensively, this is the best team I've had here. Our pitching is young, but I think they're going to shine in the circle. I'm excited about the season.
"I'd like to see us finish in the top three of the Horizon League. If you look at this league, Valpo won the tournament last year and we went to their place the week before and took the series against them. In any given year, anything can happen."
PRESEASON MOTIVATION
The Titans were selected to finish eighth in the conference in the preseason coaches' poll. Detroit Mercy is eager to use their slating as motivation heading into the season.
"When you're picked to finish where we were, especially after beating some teams above us last year, it is certainly motivation. We'll be out to prove that we're better than we were a year ago. That little chip on the shoulder can be great for a team."
"Practices have been good and they've been working hard in the weight room, so they're excited to play. They're ready. "
FRESH FACES
The Titans return eight letter-winners from a year ago and add nine newcomers in 2017 – with six freshmen and three transfers.
The freshman class includes
Skylar Fairchild (Parkland, Fla.),
Liz Murphy (Maple Ridge, B.C.),
Elizabeth Yager (Canton, Mich.),
Cami Sinclair (Oil City, Ont.),
Jen Lorenz (Mississauga, Ont.) and
Ellie Boteler (Middletown, Ky.).
"We're very happy with the freshmen. They've come in and worked hard and done things the right way, so that's exciting to see."
Also joining the Titans are transfers
Sydney Pollock (Orlando, Fla./Southern Miss.),
Courtney Gilbert (Delhi, Ont./Buffalo) and
Edrienne Williams (Tallahassee, Fla./Central Florida).
All of the newcomers will be looking to make an impact as the season progresses.
"Along with the freshmen, we had a few transfers come in. Everyone will be counted on to contribute right away."
"With the transfers, you look at Edrienne - she's very strong, we'll be counting on her to hit some bombs for us. We also solidified our defense with Courtney at short – she's been great, anything she does with the bat will be a bonus. Sydney should produce for us offensively as well and hopefully steal some bases."
IN THE CIRCLE
From the circle, Detroit Mercy returns sophomore
Ashley Mauser after a terrific rookie campaign. Mauser's season ended prematurely after an injury, but not before she picked up six wins with a team-best 4.23 ERA. Mauser's six wins were the most for a Titan since 2007. She added six complete games and led the team with 107.2 innings pitched.
"Ashley is finally healthy again and we're excited for her to pick up where she left off. She threw a lot of quality innings for us last year."
Joining Mauser on the rubber will be Murphy, Boteler and Sinclair.
"Ashley, Liz ane Ellie will be counted on right away to get some starts and Cami will start in relief, but she should figure to get some starts as she gets stronger as well."
"We're excited about the potential of our pitching staff. They've looked good in the offseason."
THE INFIELD
The Titans will count on their infield as a strength in 2017. Detroit Mercy returns junior
Savvy Ferstle, sophomore
Jordan Manno, senior
Alyssa James and sophomore
Kara Vitale to the field, all of which started last year.
"Our infield is very solid all the way around the diamond. I think they are all poised to have a great season."
Manno had one of the best rookie campaigns in Titan history, earning Second Team and All-Freshman Horizon League honors. Manno led Detroit in most offensive categories, including batting average (.320), runs (29), hits (47), doubles (7), on-base percentage (.422) and walks (20).
"I'd like to see Jordan be an All-Conference player. She's got the attitude, work ethic and drive to be very successful. She's special offensively and defensively."
Also figuring into the mix will be veteran
Grace Schmeiser and newcomers S. Fairchild, Lorenz and Gilbert.
"Our depth is going to help us a lot this year. We have pieces that we can plug into the lineup at any time and I'm confident they will produce for us."
TITANS IN THE OUTFIELD
The Titans outfield will also be considered a strength in 2017, with veterans
Laura Villagrana and
Cheyenne Willeford back to pick up where they left off from last season. Villagrana ranked second on the team with 45 hits and a .292 batting average, while Willeford led the team in stolen bases (15) a year ago.
"Laura has had a great offseason and so has Cheyenne. They're both quicker and playing aggressive, so I'm excited for them to get after it."
Newcomers Williams and Pollock will compete for the final outfield position, as will P. Fairchild and Yager.
"We have a lot of options in the outfield. It will come down to who can step up to produce and help us offensively."
THE SLATE
The Titans will face some tough competition in 2017. Detroit Mercy will travel to several notable tournaments prior to the start of Horizon League play on Mar. 24 and the conference tournament May 10.
"We definitely have a tough slate with a couple ranked programs on the schedule. It will be tough, but it will make us better heading into conference action. We're going to build off the fall when we hung with Michigan. I think that game is going to give us confidence heading into this spring."
