Thursday, February 10, 2005

JMU wraps up its season series with Hofstra University Friday when it hosts the Pride at the Convocation Center.

JMU senior right-handed pitcher Brian Leatherwood knows the drill. Being a senior comes with added responsibility, especially since he is the only senior leading the Dukes’ young pitching staff.

The Diamond Dukes face the daunting task of replacing their entire starting outfield from a year ago. Outfielders Mike Butia, Brandon Bowser and Alan Lindsey left the JMU squad following the 2004 season and left a void not only in the outfield, but the lineup as well.

Cowgill works to be "better than the best" in 2005 Diamond Dukes’ campaign

Michael Cowgill epitomizes the expectations of JMU baseball.

Nate Schill’s name sits atop nearly every list of the Diamond Duke’s 2004 stat sheet.

First recruiting class in JMU softball history for a final run

In 2002, 12 freshmen came to JMU to form the inaugural recruiting class of a fledgling softball program. Now, four years later, Liz George, Katie Jaworksi, Natalie Burd, Ashlee Schenk and Leah Conley are all that remain. This season, the five are set to become the first recruiting class to graduate in JMU softball history.

Utility players are hard to come by, but JMU has found two in resident jacks-of-all-trades Briana Carrera and Liz George.

When JMU softball opens their season Feb. 11 in North Carolina, senior Ashlee Schenk will be waiting to catch the first pitch.