MVNU is coming off a 16-23 record in 2006 that included seven one-run losses, five two-run losses, and two three-run losses as the Lady Cougars were very competitive with all of their opponents. The team also battled through some injuries, but still went 9-10 over the final 19 games to turn around what had been a 7-13 start to the year.

As MVNU heads into the new campaign, head coach Jeana Howald returns 10 players from last year’s squad, but also has seven quality newcomers who bring talent and versatility to this year’s roster.

"One of the big things that we will have this year is versatility,” said Howald, who enters her eighteenth season at her alma mater having posted a 378-292 mark. "We have a lot of players who can play multiple positions, so that will allow us to juggle our lineups. Defensively, we should be a lot better than we were last year as well.”

On the mound, junior right-hander Kristin Eyerman returns to anchor the pitching staff. She posted a 10-14 overall record last season with a 2.40 ERA as she logged 154.1 innings and posted a team-leading 93 strikeouts. Sophomores Kylie Rupert and Erin Trigg saw limited action in their first collegiate seasons, and freshmen Colleen Potter and Staci Graham are both coming off outstanding high school careers at Wyalusing Valley High School and Highland High School respectively.

Behind the plate, freshman Caitlin Murphy and sophomore Laura Morris will handle the catching duties for the Lady Cougars. Murphy was an All-Conference First Team selection as a senior at Gahanna Lincoln High School, while Morris batted .233 and started 32 games for MVNU as a freshman.

Senior Melody Blimline returns at first base where she posted 33 starts and a .973 fielding percentage. Freshman Lauretta Wallace will also battle for playing time there after a successful career at Canon McMillan High School.

Senior Laura Kot will start at second base after being a three-year starter in the outfield. Kot has posted a .414 career batting average over the past three years as the Lady Cougars’ lead-off hitter, and she has scored 86 runs with 24 career stolen bases. Freshman Leslie Banichar could also see time at second base after earning all-conference honors all four years at Shelby High School.

Freshman Tasha Konkle will take over at shortstop for MVNU to fill the hole left by the graduation of Stephanie Johnson, who ranks in the top five in nearly every offensive category. Konkle was a two-time All-Ohio First Team selection at West Liberty-Salem High School. Banichar and Graham could also see time at shortstop if necessary.

Sophomore Karly Clay returns at third base after starting all 39 games there last season. Clay batted .306 and earned a spot on the AMC South Division All-Freshmen Team. Freshman Michelle Gastin will back up Clay at third base after a solid career at Mount Vernon High School.

The competition for the starting spots in the outfield continues to be wide open with sophomores Whitney Clark and Chelsea Kellerman and Banichar leading the way. Clark batted .220 with 33 starts as a freshman, while Kellerman started in 34 games primarily as a catcher with a .295 batting average as she was an AMC South Division Honorable Mention pick. Senior Jennifer Meade and Rupert will also factor into the outfield playing mix.

Gastin, Wallace, and Graham also appear to be the prime candidates for the designated player position, but other players could work their way into the mix with a strong offensive showing.

MVNU is slated to get the season under way on March 10 when the Lady Cougars will host Taylor (Ind.) University in a non-conference doubleheader. The team will also travel to Saint Vincent (Pa.) College on March 13 before traveling to Kissimmee, Florida, for 10 games at the Orlando Rebel Games against NCAA Division III teams on the annual 10-day spring trip.

Upon returning north, MVNU will play non-conference doubleheaders against Wilmington College, Kenyon College, Carlow (Pa.) University, Point Park (Pa.) University, Seton Hill (Pa.) University, and Ursuline University.

The Lady Cougars will also compete for the AMC South Division title in what should be a competitive race with Ohio Dominican University, ranked 24th in the NAIA preseason poll, and the University of Rio Grande (receiving votes) being the preseason favorites. Walsh University, Shawnee State University, Cedarville University, Urbana University, and Malone College will also provide stiff competition in the race for the division title.

MVNU will also look to qualify for the National Christian College Athletic Association national tournament this season. The Lady Cougars will host the NCCAA East Region Tournament on April 20-21 with an automatic berth into the national tournament on the line.

MVNU will also be playing on a brand new field in 2007 as the Lady Cougars will move across Martinsburg Road to the team’s new home. The field is equipped with enclosed dugouts, a large press box, increased seating area for fans, restroom facilities, and a concession stand. The field will be officially dedicated prior to the Walsh doubleheader on March 31.