Softball to defend conference, regional titles with new lineup

A year ago, the Butler softball team went 15-1 in conference play and 45-10 overall. This year, the Grizzlies are looking to successfully defend Jayhawk Conference and Region VI championships and get back to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament for the second year in a row and the fourth time in past six years.

But to do that, the Grizzlies will have to overcome a near complete overhaul of the roster. Seven players from last year's team signed with NCAA Division I programs. The only true returning starter is second ­­­baseman Kelci Garza (Frisco, TX). Other returners who got playing time are first baseman Abby Furstenburg (Maize, KS), catcher/DH Erin Boston (Newton, KS) and pitcher Jacey Hampshire (Ramona, OK). The Grizzlies have had a good recruiting class, however. Among them are twins Alex and Mac Millspaugh from Wichita. Mac is a pitcher who has thrown as fast as 68 miles per hour, while Alex is a catcher who has shown a penchant for throwing out baserunners. Other promising freshmen include shortstop Ashley Malone and pitcher/OF Kelsey Berlin, both from Wichita.

"We'll be a different team, but will still be plenty good," said head coach Doug Chance, who has a record of 290-94 in seven years at Butler. "We hope to get back to Utah, but you just never know."