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Milan News-Leader file photo
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Returning second baseman Amelia Budny will play a pivotal role in the Big Reds' defensive efforts .
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Last year, the Milan varsity softball team pulled off one of the more remarkable turnarounds in school history, going a respectable 16-16 after a disheartening 6-24 the year before.
Now, with all but one starter returning and a sampling of fresh talent, the Big Reds hope to secure a top-three finish in the Huron League, according to second-year head coach Jen Jackson.
In her first year as head coach, Jackson led the Big Reds to their first .500 season in at least 13 years.
This year, the team has raised the bar of expectations.
"We plan to build on the success we had on defense last year," said Jackson, "and the confidence the girls came away with from last year that we can really compete."
Jackson believes her team is poised to get off to a quicker start this season compared to last because now they are familiar with her demands and she is familiar with their capabilities.
Milan's effective one-two pitching combination of Lani Ernst and Sarah Heath returns, both of whom earned All-League and All-District honors last season.
As a freshman last year, Ernst posted a 1.28 ERA, allowing 24 earned runs while striking out 173. She also batted .466 at the plate, including seven triples and two homeruns. Heath recorded an ERA of 2.90, striking out 65 and allowing 30 earned runs. She, too, provided the Big Reds with a big bat, hitting .274 and driving in 22 runs.
"It's great having them back," said Jackson, "because they know the expectations I have. And as coach, there's a sense of security that you know what to expect on the mound this year."
The other two offensive weapons returning are catcher Ashley Beal and first baseman Tori Turner, who earlier this month signed to play with Madonna University.
Beal, who also garnered all-league and all-district honors, batted .353 last year, driving in 13 runs on 30 hits.
Turner had a breakout year that she hopes to continue, leading the team with a .538 batting average, with 42 hits, including nine doubles, three triples, and two homeruns. She was named first team all-league, all-district and all-region.
The combination of veteran pitching and offensive experience have Jackson optimistic about the upcoming season.
"I think we're off to a very good start," she said. "We're definitely above where we were last year at this time."
While Turner, Beal, Ernst and Heath will remain the heart of the batting order, Jackson is looking for additional run production from returners second baseman Amelia Budny, and outfielders Stephanye Quinn, Erin Costello and Heather Beldyga.
"We're hoping to get more support from the bottom of the lineup this year to generate more runs," Jackson said.
Newcomers to the squad include Barbara Hubbard, who transferred to Milan from Lincoln and is expected to share some catching duties, and Emily Rukkila, up from JV and who should see some significant time as DH.
Two freshmen round out the team. Nena Doran is expected to see some time at third base and with her speed Vanessa Garcia appears slotted for centerfield.
While hoping to drive plenty of runs across the plate, Jackson is emphasizing defense.
"Defense is huge for me," Jackson said. "I think defense wins you ball games. It is a huge, huge focus for us."
The Big Red season is scheduled to kick off Monday on the road against Saline, weather permitting.
The cold, wet weather has prevented the Big Reds, and everybody else, from getting outside for practice.
"It's very frustrating to not be able to be outside before your first game," said Jackson. "Frustrating and a little nerve-wracking."
She isn't overly concerned about wins early on, however.
"The first few games are a test of what areas you've improved in and which still need work," she said.
Staff Writer Brian Cox can be reached at 429-7380 or bcox@heritage.com.
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