MCC softball poised for opener

A former professional athlete steps into her first head coaching job when the McCook Community College softball team takes the field next week.

Della Mitchel, a former infielder for the world-renowned Orange Lionettes, leads a young MCC team that features nine newcomers and two red-shirt freshmen.

"We have very strong competition in our division," Mitchel said. "We are building for the future and our goal is to become a top competitor in the Region IX conference."

Mitchel played for the Lionettes from 1969-1974.

Prior to landing the MCC post, she was an assistant coach for Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona.

She is a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and a 4-star Master Coach.

The Indians pitching staff is led by Janice Bolyard of Northglenn, Colo., Jamie Arreguin of Greeley, Colo., and Amanda Miller of Aurora, Colo.

Captain Devon Strain of Northglenn, Colo., will handle the bulk of the catching duties with occasional help from starting left fielder Christa Lopez of Westminister, Colo. When she isn't pitching, Bolyard will rotate with Mandie Saunders at shortstop and third base. Emily Pernicek of Ravenna will handle second base while Maggie Burbach of Central City will hold down the first base position.

In addition to Lopez in left, Arreguin will play center field when she isn't pitching and Marissa Baumfalk of St. Paul will play right. Amanda Miller will rotate into left and center field when she is not on the mound.

"My pitchers are very athletic and capable of playing multiple positions well," said Mitchel.

There are two redshirts practicing with the squad including Katie Wilson, a catcher and infielder from Fort Collins and Tiffany Willert, who pitches and plays first base. She is from Lafayette, Colo.

"The future of this group of athletes is very bright. They are very dedicated and committed to excellence on the field and in the classroom," Mitchel said. "We should have an exciting 2006 season."

In addition to her coaching duties, Mitchel is director of the "Wind on the Buffalo" enrichment camps at the college and is MCC's Transitional Services Coordinator.

She is completing her master's degree in Kinesiology from Texas Women's University.

She has developed a training program for this season that incorporates agility, strength, water conditioning and mental preparation.

The coach said her philosophy is that a successful team begins with a positive vision and the passion for pursuing that vision and the commitment to do what it takes to achieve it.

With an eye on the future, Mitchel has already started putting together her squad for the 2007 team.

Earlier this month, she signed Chase County pitcher Maria Sieperda to play for the 2006-2007 season. Sieperda played under high school coach Rick Titus and during the summer for Cliff Church.

"I actively recruited her during the fall of 2005 for her excellent pitching skills and strong commitment to the sport of softball. Marie is the first player to be signed for the 2006-7 season," Mitchell said.

The Indians are slated to open the home part of the schedule Feb. 8 against North Platte Community College followed later in the month with a home rematch Feb. 22.

In March, MCC hosts Western Nebraska March 5 and Otero on March 31.

April's schedule includes five home dates: April 1-2 against Trinidad, April 21-22 against Lamar and April 26 against Dodge City.

MCC Women's Softball 2005-06 Roster

(Player, home town,

position, class, height)

Jamie Arreguin - Greeley, Colo., P-CF, freshman, 5-1

Marissa Baumfalk - St. Paul, OF, freshman, 5-3

Katie Wilson - Fort Collins, Colo. C-P, freshman, 5-4 (redshirt)

Devon Strain - Northglenn, Colo. C-DP, sophomore, 5-4

Janice Bolyard - Northglenn, Colo., P-IF, sophomore, 5-4

Christa Lopez - Westminister, Colo., OF, freshman, 5-4

Maggie Burbach - Central City, OF, freshman, 5-5

Mandie Saunders - Fort Collins, Colo., SS-2B, freshman, 5-2

Tiffany Willert - Lafayette, Colo., P-1B, freshman 5-9 (redshirt)

Amanda Miller - Aurora, Colo. , P-OF, freshman 5-9

Emily Pernicek - Ravenna, OF, sophomore 5-5

Latrina Perryman, Colorado Springs, Colo., 1B, sophomore, 5-10

MCC Softball Spring 2006 Schedule

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

All contests are doubleheaders

unless otherwise noted

FEB. 8 -- VS NORTH PLATTE CC, 1 P.M.

Feb. 11 -- at Lamar CC, 2 p.m., MST

Feb. 12 -- at Lamar CC, 10 a.m., MST

Feb. 18 -- at Otero Junior College, 2 p.m., MST

FEB. 22 -- VS. NORTH PLATTE CC, 2 P.M.

MARCH 5 -- VS. WESTERN NEBRASKA, 2 P.M.

March 10 -- at College of St, Mary's, 3 p.m.

March 11 -- at Trinidad State Junior College, 2 p.m., MST

March 12 -- at Trinidad State Junior College, 10 a.m., MST

March 18-19 -- at Colby Community College tournament, TBA

March 25 -- at Western Nebraska Community College, 2 p.m., MST

MARCH 31 -- VS. OTERO JUNIOR COLLEGE, 2 P.M.

APRIL 1 -- VS. TRINIDAD STATE JUNIOR COLLEGE, 1 P.M.

APRIL 2 -- VS. TRINIDAD STATE JUNIOR COLLEGE, 10 A.M.

April 12 -- at North Platte Community College, 2 p.m.

APRIL 21 -- VS. LAMAR JUNIOR COLLEGE, 2 P.M.

APRIL 22 -- VS. LAMAR JUNIOR COLLEGE, 10 A.M.

APRIL 26 -- VS. DODGE CITY CC, 4 P.M.

April 29 -- at North Platte Community College tournament, TBA

April 30 -- Dana College Tournament TBA

May 5-6 -- Region IX Tournament