Concordia University St. Paul Athletics

LINKS: UAM 7-State Classic Website | Live Stats: Feb. 15, 2 p.m. vs. Ouachita Baptist

ST. PAUL, Minn. - This weekend, the Concordia-St. Paul softball team opens the 2013 season with a trip to Bentonville, Ark. where they will play six games in three days at the UAM 7-State Classic hosted by Arkansas-Monticello. All six games will be against teams from the NCAA Central Region.

Concordia is 2-1 all-time against its first opponent, Northwest Missouri State and has never played any of the five other teams: Ouachita Baptist, Southwestern Oklahoma State, Southwest Baptist, Henderson State or Arkansas-Monticello.

2013 SEASON PREVIEW

Lineup Scenario #1
#	Name	Pos.	Yr.
1	Fleischhacker	3B	Fr.
2	Meiser	CF	So.
3	Larsen	SS	Sr.
4	M.Feuerbach	C	Sr.
5	Roth	2B	Jr.
6	Bertelsen	RF	So.
7	DP - TBD	DP
8	K.Feuerbach	1B	Sr.
9	Zepeda	LF	Fr.
Lineup Scenario #2
#	Name	Pos.	Yr.
1	Zepeda	LF	Fr.
2	Meiser	CF	So.
3	Fleischhacker	3B	Fr.
4	Larsen	SS	Sr.
5	M.Feuerbach	C	Sr.
6	Roth	2B	Jr.
7	Bertelsen	RF	So.
8	K.Feuerbach	1B	Sr.
9	DP - TBD	DP
Pitching Staff
Kluever		RHP	Sr.
Kappes		RHP	So.
Zepeda		LHP	Fr.
K.Feuerbach		RHP	Sr.

The Concordia-St. Paul softball team returns 11 players from the 2012 team that reached the NCAA Super Regional after winning the Central Regional Tournament. A number of those players were starters or key contributors to the team that rallied to the Sweet Sixteen under ninth year head coach Bob Bartel.

In addition to the 11 key returners, the team has mixed in five newcomers that are competing for either starting roles or major reserve roles on the 2013 squad. Throughout January and early February as the team has been in full preparation inside the Concordia Dome at Sea Foam Stadium, the veterans have emphasized getting back to NCAA Tournament play, and understand exactly how difficult the road was to get there and what it takes to get back.

“Their attitude has been very good and it started with the fall season and extended into our offseason individual workouts where they worked hard in the weight room,” said Bartel. “They got a taste of it (the NCAA Tournament), and winning the regional to get to the super regional. They want another shot at it. It's not something we've talked about but I get the sense from the returners. They have the taste and talk about it what it takes to get back there with the freshmen.”

Getting into the NCAA Central Regional will be a much different path, and more challenging one as well. The NCAA Division II championships committee has realigned the regions for all sports, with the Northern Sun (NSIC) and Rocky Mountain (RMAC) conferences parting ways. The NSIC will now be in the same region as the Mid-America Athletics Association (MIAA) and Great American Conference (GAC) going forward. That means more total schools, more quality softball programs based on the sheer numbers, and competing against two conferences located further south where the teams are able to practice outside for nearly (if not all) the entire season.

“I told our team that we can't finish sixth in the conference and expect to get into the NCAA Tournament without winning the NSIC Tournament,” said Bartel. “We have to finish at least top-3 and that might not even be good enough, or we'll have to win the conference tournament. It's going to be tougher, without question. That's why we're throwing ourselves in the mix right away. None of our girls have played in this new region, they were all part of the region with the RMAC. Our staff has a good feel for it, though, we were all part of it before the RMAC change, but the players don't.”

Concordia had a lot of success against the MIAA in the Central Region, too. The Golden Bears made three straight appearances in the NCAA Regional title game from 2004 to 2006 when the NSIC, MIAA and now-defunct North Central Conference (NCC) comprised the Central Region. The 2005 team, Bartel's first year as head coach, won the region title, and he was on staff as an assistant for the 2004 team.

“They (the players) buy into it, too. That's been my focus. We can't afford to have a poor conference record and underachieve. That also goes for in-region play. There are too many good teams, not only in our conference but the region as whole.”

And Bartel's coaching staff brings the necessary experience to lead the team in the new and stronger region.  Longtime assistant Paige Dopp enters her ninth season and was an assistant with Bartel for former head coach Tom Rubbelke. Now the athletic director at Concordia, Rubbelke has rejoined the staff after eight years away from the team. The addition of Rubbelke allows Bartel to slide Dopp back to working with the hitters, while Rubbelke will assume pitching coach responsibilities. The move also allows second year assistant and long-time assistant athletic director Tom Mauer to work with first base, outfield and defense.

“With Tom (Rubbelke) coming back, it moves Paige back to our hitting coach and our team had a lot of success with her in that position, both in power and average and records were broken under her guidance. It's been good overall, too, the pitchers hear a new voice and Tom (Rubbelke) is really excited to be back on the field coaching and he brings a lot of enthusiasm to the team. With Tommy (Mauer) focusing on first base and outfield, he's also working closely with me on the defense and the dynamics have been great.”

Bartel concluded on the staff, “I think the move makes us stronger in all phases of the game.”

While Bartel mentioned throwing the team into the regional mix right away, they open with six games in three days at the Arkansas-Monticello Classic in Bentonville, Ark. on Friday, February 15 to Sunday, February 17. All six games are against regional competition. The region schedule continues at the RCTC Dome in Rochester, Minn. with five games in three days against MIAA teams.

“While the teams we play in Arkansas didn't have great records last year, they are all playing tough teams all year. If you are playing a sub-.500 team in this region, it doesn't mean they aren't a good team. Every game will be tough and we have to play our best to win games. Our first 11 games are in-region, and we have to play well out of the gate to get a good start in overall region play. Those games will matter later.”

After the two early season regional weekends, the team travels to Florida for an eight game spring trip, a lighter load of games due to Concordia's earlier spring break. “It's a good chance to get in warmer weather, have some fun as a team and play some good games. We do have a regional game (Saginaw Valley State) as well. The team always looks forward to the trip, as does the coaching staff.”

When the team gets back from spring break, they'll have a 16 days in between games allowing them to catch up in the classroom after three early season trips totaling 19 games.

Then they'll end non-conference play with a trip to Missouri Western for the toughest in-region test of the non-conference slate. “By then, all of the teams will have plenty of games under their belt. They'll be playing at a higher level and will have a better feel for their teams, lineups will be solidified and they will know what they can and can't do and should be a great test before we start NSIC games.”

The league schedule begins on March 27 at nationally-ranked Minnesota State, Mankato. The home opener is the last weekend in March (29-30) against Bemidji State and Minnesota, Crookston and the team will play 30 league games in 33 days concluding on April 28 in Duluth, Minn. The league features two additional teams with the expansion of Minot State (N.D.) and Sioux Falls (S.D.), making it a 16-team conference.

“Really the only thing that changes is that we couldn't add two non-conference doubleheaders at the Vadnais Dome like we've done the past couple years. But we played tough games there, so the schedule won't be easier and it won't be tougher, either. We start (league play) earlier, but the overall picture is similar. We have a balanced schedule, weather permitting, and with Mankato and Augie ranked highly nationally early it's not very different.”

He added, “But remember, Mary and Minot both did very well in Vegas already. In this conference, it's tough. You can't take days off.”

PITCHING
The Golden Bears return fourth-year starter Ashley Kluever (Cottage Grove, Minn.), who enters the year with a 51-29 record in 78 career starts (91 appearances) and 516.2 innings. She's won at least 16 games each of her three seasons in the circle and has a career 3.39 earned run average with 409 strikeouts.

“Ashley is our ace, and is a senior. She's pitched in our biggest games since her freshman year so there's no lack of experience and she'll have to carry us. Getting to the regional final and beating Mankato last year really helped her confidence in winning those big games.”

Sophomore Stephanie Kappes (Circle Pines, Minn.) started 21 games out of her 30 appearances as a true freshman a year ago, finishing with a 12-12 record in 138.1 innings. “She'll get plenty of starts for us, and winning 10-plus games as a freshman in our conference is really a bonus entering her sophomore year and that experience will help her.”

Also in the mix is freshman left hander Teona Zepeda (Woodbury, Minn.) from Hill-Murray High School where she was an All-State performer as a prep senior, and two-time All-State Honorable Mention player as a freshman and junior.

“Right now, Teona would be fantastic the first time through a lineup. Her fastball has nice zip and her change-up is phenomenal and keeps hitters off-balance. Tom (Rubbelke) is working with her on a more consistent drop and rise ball.”

CATCHERS
Behind the plate, senior Missie Feuerbach (Iowa City, Iowa) will become a fourth year starter and has already slugged 14 career home runs and is a .270 hitter in 423 at bats. Last year was a career year, hitting .331 with eight home runs, nine doubles and 38 RBI.

“Missie has really grown into a solid defensive catcher and offensive threat with power and average. We look for big things from her as a senior. She works hard defensively and has improved offensively each year.”

Adding depth to the position are Brynn Larsen (Oconto Falls, Wis.), the starting shortstop, and freshman Frankie Munkwitz (Glenwood City, Wis.), a two-time All-Dunn St. Croix Conference performer and Glenwood City High School's career home run leader.

FIRST BASE
Senior Katie Feuerbach (Iowa City, Iowa) is the team's top defensive option at first base and an experienced senior. “Last year, she took the position with her defensive abilities and now will have to prove she can hit to stay there. We'll look for her bat to improve this year and she'll have the opportunity to do that.”

Competing with her at the position are Tessa Ewert (Hutchinson, Minn.) and Abby Foster (Waverly, Iowa). “Tessa can play both corners and we are looking for her to bounce-back to her freshman form when she hit for power and close to .300, and Abby didn't get a ton of at bats last year but showed pop when she did.”

As a freshman, Ewert hit .282 with five home runs, 24 RBI and six doubles in 124 at bats before hitting .118 with one home run as a sophomore in 76 at bats. Foster hit .214 as a freshman in 42 at bats, with three of her nine hits leaving the yard for home runs, while also drawing 12 walks.

“It's going to come down to if they hit, they'll work their way into the lineup, and Tessa and Abby will also be in the mix at the designated player spot in the lineup as well as other spots in the infield.”

SECOND BASE
While Bartel will look for more offense from three players mentioned at first base, the same thing holds at second base where junior Bekah Roth (Shoreview, Minn.) enters the year as the starter. As a freshman, Roth was hitting .389 with nine doubles before an injury ended her season after 24 games. Last year, Roth hit .217 with four home runs but got hot down the stretch and finished strong.

“We're looking for her to return to pre-injury form and she's worked hard to do exactly that. She's getting her quickness back defensively and getting more confident in the field. Offensively, she's worked hard to regain her freshman form.”

With Roth the starter at second, Foster will provide depth at the position. “She's worked hard to improve her second base skills at the college level.”

THIRD BASE
At the hot corner, Ewert and freshman Jamie Fleischhacker (Maplewood, Minn.) will see action early in the season and both will have opportunities to play early. “When Teona pitches, Fly moves out to left in her spot with Tessa slotting in at third base,” said Bartel of the defensive rotation.  “Fly defensively brings a good glove and quickness to the corner and is a smart player. That carries over to her at bats, where she hits like a senior. She takes pitches, works counts and has a great eye. She's also one of the best and fastest baserunners we have.”

Fleischhaker was an All-State Second Team prep star at North St. Paul High School, helping the Polars to the state tournament three times in her four years, taking state runner-up twice and fourth place once. She was a career .452 high school hitter.

“Tessa has really improved her defensive skills at third base. She's getting to the ball and getting rid of the ball a lot quicker.”

SHORTSTOP
The Golden Bear infield will be anchored by senior Brynn Larsen at shortstop in her second full season at the position. She's a career .367 hitter in 108 games with 14 doubles, nine triples and six home runs with 21 stolen bases.

“Defensively, Brynn has really improved at the position after just a year there last year. She's adjusted her angles and the way she attacks the ball and she'll be our leader out there.”

Backing her up is freshman Lindsey Kamleiter (Lakeville, Minn.), a two-time MFCA All-State performer at Lakeville South High School with the school's career and single-season home run, hits and runs records. “She's working extremely hard to become a bonafide Division II shortstop and is also in the mix at the DP spot for us. And if Brynn spells Missie behind the plate for a game here and there, she'll get a chance to start at short.”

OUTFIELD
The Golden Bear outfield will be anchored in center by sophomore Alicia Meiser (Circle Pines, Minn.), last year's starting left fielder. As a rookie, Meiser hit .380 with 32 stolen bases in 34 attempts, scoring 41 runs.

“She covers a lot of ground defensively with her speed and has an accurate arm.”

Behind Meiser in center is freshman Kelly McKenzie (Chanhassen, Minn.), a speedster from Minnetonka High School who was the team's Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and was an All-Section performer as a senior. She hit .354 in her career for the Skippers and was a two-sport captain, also excelling in basketball.

“Kelly brings speed and a strong, accurate arm off the bench and we'll rely on her to be a big-time pinch runner.”

The right field position will be held by sophomore Cassie Bertelsen (Oakdale, Minn.), who Bartel said has arguably the strongest arm in the Northern Sun. “She's a very solid outfielder, and if she gets to the ball she'll catch it.”

As a freshman, she hit .216 in 116 at bats, starting 46 games as a rookie. She hit one homer and drove in 14 runs.

Backing her up will be sophomore Jade Ptacek (Sioux Falls, S. D.) who was a standout pinch runner playing in 28 games as a freshman. “She'll once again be relied on to be our top pinch-runner in crucial situations, and we'll try to get her more at bats this year as well. She's probably our hardest-working player in practice and gives it everything she has every day.”

In left field, Zepeda is expected to start while fellow freshman Fleischhacker will also play when Zepeda pitches. “Teona has exceptional speed, defensive range and an accurate arm. Fly possess the same qualities, as well.”

DESIGNATED PLAYER
With depth and competition at other spots around the diamond for Concordia, the designated player will be a mix of a number of players. “It will all depend on who hits, and if we have other players moving around positions, it opens more opportunity to get someone at bats. This position is one that still has to be figured out, and it's just a matter of who will step up and take the spot.”

THE LINEUP
The lineup also has a few different scenarios. “We're still playing with the lineups, but we have a couple of options that we're toying with and it's in flux. We'll hit-and-run, try to steal bases and put pressure on the defense with our team speed. It comes down to pitching and playing defense, though.”

TEAM ASPIRATIONS
The Golden Bears have a good number of returners coming back from a Sweet Sixteen appearance, and the team gaining experience winning big games. “I want to fight for a conference title. If we are competing for a conference championship, we'll be in a good position for a regional bid. If not, we'll have to go through the conference tournament, which is a 10-team field this year.”