Finally, sophomore Alyson Schulz has been doing the lion's share of the work at first base. Ten honors last year with her .283 average and three home runs, and looks to improve on those numbers this year. Sophomore Cindy Muran should see action at first base, as well as her classmate Brett Nakabayashi, normally the starting right fielder. Another sophomore, Jessie Wellnitz, is one of the team's top pinch-runners and can play in the infield or outfield. Solid infield play is especially important in softball because with the smaller field, players need to react quicker than they do in baseball and have less margin for error.
Infielders also have to be able to cleanly field bunts and quickly make plays.
This year's quartet looks to be better defensively than last year's, and should be able to match the offensive output. If they can put everything together and develop a chemistry and rhythm at their new positions, the 2001 Wildcat infield will be one of the strongest aspects of the team. In contrast to the infield, where not a single position will have the same Wildcat who started there last year, all three outfielders from last year's team return in 2001. In left field,junior Rane Gunderson has earned the praise of Drysdale. She can play defense with anyone.