The women's softball team enters the 2001 season as defending NCAA New England Champs, a distinction which in part can be attributed to the play of a certain sophomore.
Among the reasons for last year's success and eventual number ten national ranking was the outstanding play of then freshman catcher Elisabeth "Lis" Drake, who ranked at the top or near the top in most offensive categories for the Jumbos, and earned a spot on the Louisville Slugger/National Fast Pitch Coach's Association (NFPCA) All-America Third Team.
Though entering this spring with just a year's experience under her belt, Drake's hitting credentials are already notable, and her improved work behind the plate make her one of the keys to the team's success. Drake, a native of Chelmsford, Mass., accumulated impressive numbers in her inaugural year at Tufts and finished last season as the team leader in all Triple Crown categories, posting a .374 batting, with seven home runs and 29 RBIs.
"Our opponents will definitely be looking at her differently," coach Kris Talon said. "She won't get a lot of pitches to hit. But then again, we have good hitters around her."
While Drake's offensive numbers were impressive enough, it was her combination of offensive and defensive prowess that earned her First Team All-Northeast Region, Second Team All-New England, and First Team All-NESCAC selections. The sophomore's powerful arm, her ability to throw out opposing runners, and her almost error-free play (she committed only three errors in all of the 2000 season) distinguished her among the best Division III catchers in the nation. Drake's play behind the plate was also recognized when the NCAA selected her as
one of only seven catchers nationwide to be named to All-American regional teams.
"She is a tremendously talented athlete. What she adds to the team both physically and mentally is tremendous," Talon said. "In addition to her athletic ability, the way she prepares and the way she gets ready for the game improves the entire team."
Drake's accomplishments and talent on the field have received rave reviews from her teammates as well.
"Just generally speaking, her physical strength is unbelievable," senior co-captain and fellow all-star RandeeMcArdle said. "The strength in her throws, and her strength as a hitter make her an all-around player."
Just weeks before the Jumbos' 2001 season opener, the squad is looking to defend its New England NCAA title. Much of the pressure associated with the team's quest for success will fall on the shoulders of Drake, but despite being only a sophomore, teammates feel she will handle the responsibility well.
"[Lis] handled the pressure very well last year," McArdle said. "Coming from a teammate's perspective, I have absolute confidence that she will do the same this year."
"I don't think her role on the team will be any different," Talon said. "She puts pressure on herself, sets lofty goals, and always wants to do things better, but not in a way that will affect her play."
Much of the team's confidence in its star catcher comes not necessarily from her performance on the diamond, but from her overall attitude as a team player.
"Besides her physical strength, her personality is great," McArdle said. "She is such a great teammate...she makes everyone on the team laugh."
