2019 Softball Preview - Infielders / Catchers

NOTE - This is the second of a three-part season preview of the 2019 College of Idaho softball team...a complete preview will be included in the weekly game notes prior to next week's season-opening trip to Arizona.

CALDWELL, Idaho - Heading into the 2019 season, the College of Idaho softball team has high expectations around the infield and at a deep catcher position. The Coyotes return experience throughout the diamond – as the team must replace just one player from the 2018 infield (four-year starter, Kristin Paulazzo).
 
At first base, three players with starting experience are all battling for the job. All-CCC selection Jordan Maddox had an outstanding freshman season – hitting .368 with five homers and 22 RBI, tying for the team lead with 10 doubles. Also back is two-year starter Martha Tooley, a career .300 hitter with pop in her bat, with sophomore Lacie Miller making the move to first after recording seven doubles and ranking second on the team with 11 walks in her first season with the team.
 
Another first-baseman, senior Hailee Kiser, is battling back after missing 2018 due to injury.
 
Across the diamond, Bentli Corta makes the move from second base to third – a similar change that Paulazzo made before her senior season. Corta hit .267 as a junior – but had an impressive fall camp. Miller and Tooley are also in the mix at third base.
 
Depth up the middle is key for the Yotes – as Trystin Crofts returns at shortstop after a breakout 2018 season. The junior hit a career-best .343 and led the team with eight home runs and 30 RBI. A versatile player, Crofts may also see time at third base and also in the outfield.
 
Kylie Smith had an outstanding freshman season and is comfortable at either middle infield position – hitting .281 in 2018 with 10 doubles and 25 RBI in 41 games and tied for the team lead in stolen bases with eight. Fellow sophomore, Aleah Mendiola hit .429 in limited action – but is one of the top defensive players on the diamond.
 
Newcomer Haley Loffer will be a factor – with the ability to play up the middle, along with adding depth at the Coyotes catching position. The freshman had a banner prep career at Lake City High, earning 5A All-Inland Empire League honors all four years of high school – finishing with a .452 career batting average with 100 stolen bases and 74 RBI.
 
The depth continues behind the plate, with the Yotes returning multiple options at catcher. Sophomores Taylor Eakle and Mallory Copeland shared time in 2018 – Eakle the offensive force, hitting .284 with six home runs, with Copeland an outstanding defender with a strong arm. Brielle Stephens returns after missing most of last season due to injury, freshman Kiley Kendall was an All-Southern Idaho Conference pick at Ridgevue High, helping her team to consecutive 4A state tournament runner-up finishes, with Loffer adding a fifth component.