South Florida Sun Sentinel from Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Page 43

PB Sun-Sentinel, Wednesday, February 4. 1998 9C COLLEGE SOFTBALL PREVIEW BARRY UNIVERSITY New FIU team makes its debut 4 -2 '4 By SHARON ROBB Staff Writer MIAMI Kim Gwydir was working three jobs, coaching full-time and planning knee surgery when she got the call to interview for the softball coach position at Florida International University. The chance to build a Division I women's program from scratch was appealing enough, she said. Then the C.W. Post coach looked out the window.

"Softball is a warm-weather sport not meant to be played in a gymnasium with snow flurries and wind-chill factor in the 30s where you don't see the ground for weeks because there's so much snow piled up," Gwydir said. Gwydir, a two-time Coach of the Year in New York, arrived in Miami the day before she was scheduled to have knee sur 1997 RECORD: 37-15, 24-4 in the Sunshine State Conference. COACH: Lisa Navas, seventh season, 208-86-1. HOME FIELD: Buccaneer Field, 11300 NE 2nd Miami Shores. TOP RETURNEES: 1 Jennifer Felipe (.337, 13 RBI, 7 doubles, 2B Michelle Torreftte (.239, 11 RBI, 4 doubles, 3B Stacey Johnson (.233, 5 doubles, 12 RBI, SS Isis Dorado (.245, 5 doubles.

19 RBI, Stephanie Caldwell (14-5, 0.99 ERA, 69 strikeouts, 2B Laura Broderick (.200, OF Kristi Stockton (.309, 12 RBI, TOP NEWCOMERS: P3B Lindsay Anderson Denise Pressey OF Tanaye Goehring SS Cindi Perantoni 2B Jenny Bouchard (Fr.) OUTLOOK: The Bucs return 10 experienced players and one pitcher. After posting one of the best records in team history and earning a share of the conference title, the Bucs stumbled in postseason play, bowing out after two games in the NCAA South regional. Navas must replace five All-Sunshine State Conference players. Defensively, the Bucs return their entire infield. "We have a very young squad this season, and I'm not quite sure what to expect," Navas said.

"We are very talented, and return a good nucleus of players from last year's squad which won the conference title, however, we must prove ourselves on the field." SCHEDULE FEB. 7-Alumni Game, 11:30 a.m.; 14-at Nova Southeastern, 1 p.m.; 18-Palm Beach CC, 2:30 p.m.; 20-22-North Florida Tournament at Jacksonville; 27-Buccaneer Classic Tournament. MARCH 1 -Buccaneer Classic Tournament; 5-7-Rebel Games at Orlando: Mount Olive (N.C.), 2:15 p.m.; St.Cloud, 4 p.m.; 6-Rebel Games at Orlando: Lewis, 10:45 a.m.; Lake Superior, 12:30 p.m.; 7-Rebel Games at Orlando: Bloomsburg, 10a.m.; Sacred Heart, 11:45 a.m.; 13-St. Leo College, 2:30 p.m.; 14-Florida Southern, 1 p.m.; 20-22-Kennesaw Tournament; 24-Millersville, 2:30 p.m.; 25-at Lynn University, 6 p.m.; 27-Tampa, 6 p.m.; 29-at Florida Tech, 1 p.m. APRIL 3-Florida Tech, 2:30 p.m.; 4-Rollins, 1 p.m.; 5-at St.

Leo College, 1 p.m.; 9-at Eckerd, 6 p.m.; 10-at Florida Southern, 6 p.m.; 18-Eckerd, 1 p.m.; 19-at Tampa, 3 p.m.; 22-Lynn, 2:30 p.m.; 26-at Rollins. 1 p.m.; 28-at Palm Beach CC, 5:30 p.m. MAY 8-9-NCAA South Regional; 13-18-NCAA Division National Tournament. gery and interviewed for the job, considered the most challenging position in the Trans America Athletic Conference. Her mother, Diane, was so convinced she would be hired that she bought her daughter a set of dishes, utensils, coffee tables and other furniture and started packing for her.

LYNN UNIVERSITY PhotoMICHELLE LORD Owls coach Joan Joyce said the new home field will be a crucial element in recruiting and improving the team. Field of Dreams FAU has a conference championship and Title IX to thank for its new $300,000 facility. Gwydir 1 1997 RECORD: 0-0, inaugural season. COACH: Joe DellaRocca, interim head coach. HOME FIELD: McCusker Sports Complex, 3601 N.

Military Trail, Boca Raton. TOP RETURNEES: Softball, a club sport last season, was added this year to comply with gender equity as a condition of Lynn's membership into the Sunshine State Conference. It is the school's 1 1 th varsity sport. TOP NEWCOMERS: OF Courtney Barrett (5-3, INF Michele Bregmann (5-3, OF Gaby Llach (5-2, OF JoJo Guzman (5-6, CINF Kristin Stanley (5-7, CINF Destinl Robinson (5-4, Tasha Mathis (5-6, PINF Valerie Cardinale (3.10 ERA, 140 strikeouts, .324, 5-7, Pope John Paul II); Annemarie Cardinale (.547, 31 RBI, 5-7, Pope John Paul II); Samantha Klotz (5-5, OF Jen Ludwig (5-3, OUTLOOK: The roster has nine freshmen, two sophomores and four seniors, none of whom have any college Softball experience. Guzman, a member of the women's basketball team, will not join the squad until late February when the basketball season is over.

Ludwig is a member of the nationally ranked soccer team. The Knights will play a full conference schedule but are not eligible for the Sunshine State Conference championship until 1999. DellaRocca is serving as interim coach until a full-time coach is hired. SCHEDULE FEB. 7-Nova Southeastern, 1 p.m.; 11-at Florida Tech, 2:30 p.m.; 13-at St.

Thomas University, 3:30 p.m.; 18-at Northwood, 2:30 p.m.; 21-at Miami, 11 a.m.; 25-Florida Tech, 2:30 p.m.; 27-at Barry Tournament. MARCH 1-at Barry Tournament; 6-Clewater Christian, 6 p.m.; Webber, 1 p.m.; 13-Florida Southern, 2:30 p.m.; 14-St. Leo College, 1 p.m.; 17-at Rollins, 6 p.m.; 20-at Clearwater Christian, 5 p.m.; 21-at Eckerd, 6 p.m.; 25-Barry, 6 p.m.; 28-Tampa, 1 p.m.; 30-at Webber, 2:30 p.m.; 3-Rollins, 6 p.m.; 4-St. Thomas University, 1 p.m.; 15-Northwood, 2:30 p.m.; 16-at Nova Southeastern, 5:30 p.m. 17-Eckerd, 6 p.m.; 18-at Tampa, 6 p.m.; 22-at Barry, 2:30 p.m.; 24-at Florida Southern, 6 p.m.

25-at St. Leo College, 1 p.m. 1997 RECORD: 42-29, 14-2 in Trans America Athletic Conference. COACH: Joan Joyce, fourth season, 112-79. HOME FIELD: FAU, 500 NW 20th Boca Raton.

TOP RETURNEES: OF Jennifer Kintz (.346, 73 hits, 7 triples, INF Lisa Schaus (.300, 63 hits, 8 doubles, OF Alicia Smith (.275, 50 hits, 29 runs scored, Chris Sutcliffe (14-6, 1.13 ERA, 63 strikeouts, TAAC Tournament MVP); Liz Niadna (19-13, 1.97, 108 strikeouts. Courtney Shoff (5-6, IND Amy Alderman (5-4, INF Jackie Catanese'(5-8, OF Sherri Pla (5-6, Suncoast); Margaret Ward (5-5, Plantation); Brandie Marshall (5-6, TOP NEWCOMERS: INF Kimberly Nicosia (5-5, St. Thomas Aquinas); INF Suzanne Fledge (5-7, INF Allison Gerzina (5-9, Micki Marshall (5-6, OUTLOOK: The defending TAAC champions were selected to repeat as conference champions and are the top pick in the TAAC's East Division in the TAAC preseason poll. FAU was awarded the April 30-May 2 TAAC Championship Tournament. The team returns all but one starter.

Five seniors and the pitching staff of last year's conference champion anchor the team. The schedule features five regular-season tournaments and Big 12 conference champion Missouri. Sutcliffe, who pitched sparingly last season because of numbness in her throwing arm and fingers, is undergoing tests to determine the cause of the abnormality, Joyce said. She has not pitched since the conference tournament. SCHEDULE FEB.

10-Florlda DH, 1 14-Bethune Cookman, DH, 6 p.m.; 21-Stetson, DH, 6 p.m.; 24-at Fill, 6 p.m.; 28-FAU Worth Spring Invitational: Harvard, 9 a.m.; Illinois-Chicago, 11 a.m.; Villanova, 1 p.m.; Fill, 6 p.m. MARCH 1-FAU Worth Spring Invitational: Missouri, 4 p.m.; Furman, 6 p.m.; 2-Tournament Championship, 8 p.m.; 3-College of Charleston, DH, 2 p.m.; 5-at Speedline Tournament, Tampa: Texas, 2 p.m.; Robert Morris, 4 p.m.; 6-at Speedline Tournament, Tampa: Hoftstra, 6 p.m.; Indiana State, 8 p.m.; 7-at Speedline Tournament, Tampa: Mississippi, noon; 8-at Speedline Tournament Championship, Tampa: 9-St. Peter's, 3 p.m.; 10-Mercer, DH, 6 p.m.; 13-at Florida State Tournament: Drake, 3 p.m.; Central Michigan, 7 p.m.; Massachusetts, 9 p.m.; 14-at Florida State Tournament: Furman, 1 p.m.; Northern Illinois, 5 p.m.; 15-at Florida State Tournament, Championship, 10 a.m.; 21-Michigan State, 10 a.m.; Hartford, 2 p.m.; 22-Michigan State, 9 a.m.; Hartford, 1 p.m.; 24-Charleston Southern, DH, 5 p.m.; 26-at Charleston, DH, 2 p.m.; 27-Qeorgia Tech Buzz Classic, Atlanta: UNC-Charlotte, 1 1 a.m.; Drake, 6 p.m.; 28-Georgia Tech Buzz Classic, Atlanta: Georgia Tech, 1 0:30 a.m.; Nicholls State, 5:30 p.m.; 29-Georgia Tech Buzz Classic, Atlanta, Championship, 8 a.m.; 30-Mercer, DH, 2 p.m. APRIL 5-South Florida, DH, 1 p.m.; 7-FIU, DH, 6 p.m.; 9-at Campbell, DH, 5 p.m.; 10-1 2-at North Carolina Tournament; 17-Campbell, DH, 6 p.m.; 18-at Stetson, DH, 3 p.m.; 21-at Florida Southern, DH, 6 p.m.; 30-TAAC Conference Tournament at FAU. "I hadnt even gotten the job yet and she's out buying stuff," Gwydir said.

"My parents were great about it. They knew this day would eventually come to do what I wanted to do, and that's be a full-time head softball coach. Gwydir and the Golden Panthers' program make their debut Monday at home with a doubleheader against Florida at 3 p.m. Olympic gold medalist Michelle Granger will throw out the first pitch. Fast-pitch softball, the 17th intercollegiate sport at FIU, is the fastest-growing collegiate sport in the nation.

FIU was club-status in previous years. "The plan is to get this team as competitive as we can in this conference, as quickly as we can," Gwydir there, who knows? "We will play as well as we can, as soon as we get there. They are working very hard and giving 100 percent." Gwydir arrived in August 1997 and started working with the fall team, mostly club players and walk-ons. She posted signs on campus and at ballparks telling people FIU was making its college softball debut in the spring. She worked the phones in the United States and Canada, looking for recruits.

She phoned twin sisters Erin and Lynne McCutcheon in Surrey, British Columbia to see if they were interested. They were. Canada has no organized high school teams. Gwydir had seen them play in the Colorado Fireworks Tournament in Colorado. The pitcher-catcher sisters signed in the fall.

Transfers Kathy Marin from Florida Atlantic and Christina Morales from Palm Beach Community College added veteran experience. All of a sudden the first-year team looked competitive to Gwydir and her coaching staff. FIU is scheduled to compete in two tournaments. FIU plays in the Feb. 28-March 2 Florida Atlantic University Tournament and March 21-27 Rebel Spring Games in Orlando.

Three of the Golden Panthers' tougher opponents are Big 12 champion Missouri, TAAC champion FAU, and University of South Florida. FIU was picked to finish last in the TAAC east division. "This year the team is more talented than I expected it to be its first year," Gwydir said. "We're not going to win every game, but we're not going to lose every game, either. This group is extremely hard-working.

They went to clinics and did everything I asked of them. "The leadership and chemistry is forming. We are still a work in progress. We know we're not the most talented team in the conference, but whatever it takes, these players are going to do it to make this program a success. I think being a part of history is motivation enough." By SHARON ROBB Staff Writer BOCA RATON Florida Atlantic University coach Joan Joyce's field of dreams was built in 12 weeks and completed just in time for softball season.

It still needs a few finishing touches. The $300,000 facility is scheduled to be dedicated Feb. 10 when FAU players and coaches receive championship rings for winning the athletic program's first Trans America Athletic Conference title in 1997. The Owls host Florida that day in a doubleheader. "This is a classic example of Title IX benefits and rewards," said Athletic Director Tom Cargill.

"Only because our women's programs are at the forefront were we able to fund and complete this project in record time. This one we are all very proud of. This has been the fast track of all fast tracks. League officials and other teams are amazed at how quickly we pulled it off." Particularly Joyce, senior women's administrator, veteran softball coach and teaching golf pro. Joyce, one of the sport's pioneers, said an on-campus facility is crucial for recruiting and team improvement.

The players were commuting to Patch Reef Park for practice and games. "It's a huge advantage," Joyce said. "We had to take so much equipment over there all the time. It was a real pain. There is now a feeling like we're home on own field.

It's a dream come true for these kids. "Just the idea of having a batting cage here so these players can go out any time is an advantage," Joyce said. Construction began Nov. 1. The lights and scoreboard are set to be installed later this month.

Because of Monday's storm, a lot of infield clay ended up in right field and must be moved back into the diamond. The dugout floors are poured, BROWARD work ethics are enhanced because now they know what it's like to go out and win a conference title." The biggest concern is the availability of pitching ace Chris Sutcliffe, Most Valuable Player at the TAAC tournament. The sophomore has not pitched since the conference tournament because of numbness in her throwing arm and fingers. She is undergoing tests this week to determine the cause. "If she won't be ready to throw this year, we will have to be able to score a lot of runs," Joyce said.

The schedule features five regular-season tournaments and Big 12 champion Missouri. "The better the competition, the better we get," Joyce said. "I would like to see us go 50-20 get into the regionals and at least get a chance to play at that level of competition. It's the only way to improve and build off what we have." and, weather permitting, dugouts and a backstop should be installed by this weekend, Joyce said. "It's kind of neat watching this go up," Joyce said.

"We want it to feel like a miniature stadium. There are berms where people can bring their lawn chairs and sit. There are bleachers behind home plate and a makeshift pressbox. There will be screens instead of chainlink fence so spectators behind home plate can see the game a lot easier." The Owls should be worth watching this year. The defending TAAC champions continue to build off last year's 42-29 success.

The Owls, who lost only one starter, were picked to win the east division and win the TAAC tournament, which they are hosting in April. "The players aren't putting any pressure on themselves," Joyce said. "Now that we have won, it's a lot easier to get motivated. Their 1997 RECORD: 1-29, 0-6 in Southern Conference. COACH: Carlos Santana, second season.

HOME FIELD: Broward Community College south campus, Pines Boulevard and MacArthur Parkway, Pembroke Pines. TOP RETURNEES: INF Tara Ozias Tamarac); POF Renae Simons Lantana, Northwood transfer). TOP NEWCOMERS: OFINF Carissa Borschel OF Shera Campbell Pompano Beach); INF Shannyn Crossman Coral Springs); INF Cristina Cuadros Miami); COFINF Gina DeAguero Miami); INFC Kris-ty LoDuca Hollywood); INF Krysti MacNeir Fort Lauderdale); INFP Aubri'an Mooney OF Tabitha Price NJCAA All-American in 1992 before joining Coast Guard); COF Angie Walker Miami); OFINF Jamie Ward Coconut Creek); CINF Jamie Werner Miami). OUTLOOK: With only two sophomores on the roster, the Seahawks will field one of their youngest teams in a competive Florida Community College Athletic Association Southern Conference. After a trying first year, Santana, hired in September 1996, expects to see a big improvement.

"I am very optimistic of the talent that I have brought in, including recruits and a couple walk-ons," Santana said. "It will take us a little while to get to know each other, learning tendencies of each other. Not Improving is not an option. My goals for this year's team Is to finish In the top two In the conference and be very competitive within our conference, and next year be competitive within the state." SCHEDULE FEB. 10-Trlnity International, DH, 6 p.m.; 14-15-at Sunshine Invitational, Clearwater; 17-at St.

Thomas University, 2:30 p.m.; 20-Brevard CC. 5:30 p.m.; 24-Miami-Dade CC, 6 p.m. MARCH 3-at Indian River CC, 2:30 p.m.; 7-8-at Polk CC Invitational; 10-Mott CC, 6 p.m.; 13-at Brevard CC, DH, 5 p.m.; 17-at Palm Beach CC, 5:30 p.m.; 18-Mount Senario College, DH, 6 p.m.; 24-Trinity International, 6 p.m.; 27-29-at Pasco CC Invitational; 31-at Miami-Dade CC, 2:30 p.m. APRIL 2-Palm Beach Atlantic, 6 p.m.; 4-5-at Santa Fee CC Invitational, Gainesville; 7-lndian River, DH, 6 p.m.; 10-St. Petersburg JC, DH, 2 p.m.; 11 -Hillsborough, DH, 11 a.m.; 14-Palm Beach CC, DH, 6 p.m.; 23-St.

Thomas University, DH, 6 p.m.; 25-at University of Miami, DH, 11 a.m. MAY 7-9-FCCAANJCAA Region 8 Tournament at Klsslmmee; 21-23-NJCAA Championship, Hutchinson, Kan. I MAY 4-7-NAIA Southeast Region Championships at Columbus, Ga. NOVA SOUTHEASTERN PALM BEACH 1997 RECORD: 0-0, inaugural season. COACH: Kim Gwydir, first year.

HOME FIELD: FIU University Park campus, Southwest 1 1 2th Avenue and Southwest 8th Street, Miami. TOP RETURNEES: The team was club-status before becoming a fully-funded sport in the fall of 1997. TOP NEWCOMERS: P1B Kathy Marin 5-7, FAU transfer); OF Christina Morales (5-3, Palm Beach CC transfer); Llll Pineiro (5-5, Miami-Dade Kendall); Sarah Werder (5-8, Erin McCutcheon (5-7, Lynne McCutcheon (5-8, Kim Aguero (5-4, Miami-Dade Kendall); 1B Cassandra Bennyhoff (5-7, INF Tania Somoano (5-7, LF Lisa Milito (5-9, Miami-Dade CC). OUTLOOK: Olympic gold medalist Michelle Granger will throw out the first pitch in Monday's season-opener against Florida Sophomore third baseman Erin Greenfield (Tampa transfer) Is out for -the season (knee). FIU was selected to finish last in the TAAC East division.

Gwydir arrived in August 1997 and has been assembling her staff and squad ever since. "I know that we are going to work very hard," Gwydir said. "We have athletes that are very energetic and I feel that we can be fairly competitive right away because we do have a good group of kids. I took this job thinking that there was going to be a lot of Inexperienced players but players like Kathy Marin and Christina Morales bring experience to the team." SCHEDULE FEB. 9-Florlda DH, 3 p.m.; 13-Bethune Cookman, 6 p.m.; 22-Stetson, DH, 1 p.m.; 24-Florlda Atlantic, DH, 6 p.m.; 28-FAU Tournament: Illinois-Chicago, 9 a.m.; Villanova, 3 p.m.; FAU, 6 p.m.

MARCH 1-FAU Tournament: Furman, 9 a.m.; Missouri, 1 p.m.; Harvard, 3 p.m.; FAU Tournament, playoffs and championship, 1 p.m.; 5-College of Charleston, DH, 4 p.m.; 7-LaSalle at Fort Myers, DH. 4 8-St. Peters College, DH, 2 p.m.; 11-Mercer, 3 p.m.; 13-at Nova outheastern, DH, 5:30 p.m.; 16-at South Florida, DH, 1 p.m.; 20-Hartford at Fort Pierce, 3 p.m.; 21-Rebel Spring Games at Orlando: Rider (N.J), 10:45 a Colgate. 2:15 p.m.; 22-Rebel Spring Games at Orlando: Wisconsin-Green Bay, 9 a Dartmouth, 10:45 a 25-Charteston Southern, DH, 2 p.m.; 27-Rebel Spring Games at Orlando: Troy State, 1 1 :45 a.m.; Towson (Md 1 30 p.m. APRIL 2-at Mercer, 3 p.m.; 7-at FAU, 6 p.m.; 10-at Stetson, DH, 1 p.m.; 13-at Campbell, 6 16-at College of Charleston.

3 p.m.; 18-Campbell, DH, 1 p.m.; 23-Nova Southeastern, 5:30 p.m.; 30-TAAC Tournament at FAU. ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY 1997 RECORD: 27-17, 4-8 in Florida Sun Conference. COACH: Tony Yates, first season. HOME FIELD: Bobcat Softball Field, 16400 NW 32nd Miami.

TOP RETURNEES: P2B Jenni Stemmer (2.12 ERA, .397, 25 stolen bases, CF Nicole Kimber (.431 1 B3B Kim Dyer (23 stolen bases, Heather Packer (2.32 ERA, C3B Yadi Morfizz American High); Rosa Gonzalez American High); 2BSS Grizelle Aguayo Miami-Dade Kendall); 2B3B Jessica Balsavich OF Carrie Webb INF Nicole Jones C1B Jackie Arco (Miami Springs, 1BOF Rebecca Horn TOP NEWCOMERS: OF Kathy Valencia Miami); OF Yanet Carrillo Miami Pace); 3BINF Tiffany Cantwell Jessica Cox McArthur); Andrea Dell Jessica Cox McAr-thur); INF Tiffany Cantwell Kathy Valencia Jane Watson Jessica Balsavich OUTLOOK: After a coaching change four months before the season, the Bobcats started from scratch recruiting new players. The Bobcats return six players and two pitchers Stemmer and Packer from last year's team. Transfer Jessica Balsavich showed great strength In the fall and will be looked upon as one of the leading hitters, Baserunning and speed are team strengths. Yates said a strong recruiting class with fastpltch softball experience will help make the Bobcats a conference contender. The Bobcats, who defeated the University of Miami's club team, 6-1 and 7-1, played three exhibition doubleheaders to solidify a competitive starting lineup.

SCHEDULE FEB. 7-Trlnlty University, 1 p.m.; 13-Lynn, 2:30 p.m.; 14-at Eckerd, 2 p.m.; 15-at St. Leo College, 1 p.m.; 17-Broward Community College, 2 30 p.m.; 22-Miami-Dade North CC, 1 p.m.; 24-Palm Beach Atlantic, 2:30 p.m.; 27-28-Barry University Tournament. MARCH 1-Miaml, 12:30 11-Mott Community College, 2:30 p.m.; 19-vs. Trinity at St.

Thomas University, 2:30 p.m.; 20-Mt. Senario College, 2:30 24-Miaml-Dade North CC, 2:30 25-Mercy College, 2 p.m.; 27-Webber College. 2:30 p.m.; 28-Northwood, 1 pm. APRIL 6-at Lynn, 1 p.m.; 8-Nova Southeastern, 2 30 p.m.; 10-at Webber College. 2:30 p.m.; 16-at Nova Southeastern, 6:30 p.m.; 17-at Northwood, 2:30 p.m.; 23-at Broward CC, 6 tfjm.

1997 RECORD: 33-13, 11-1 In Florida Sun Conference. COACH: Robyn Handler, fourth season, 78-49. HOME FIELD: A.D. Griffin Sports Complex, 3301 College Davie. TOP RETURNEES: Stephanie Bauman (.250, 5-9, 3B Melissa Carriere (.329, 42 runs, 13 RBI, 39 stolen bases, 5-10, 1B Kim Eason (.306, 38 hits, 23 RBI, 5-9, SS Lenore Gurecki (35 hits, 27 RBI, 5-9, RF Julie Levy (34 hits, 21 RBI, 5-6, Mercedes Orozco (19 hits, 13 RBI, 5-6, 2B Ingrid Perez (.263, 5-5, 2B Shannon Sawyer (.284, 38 hits, 26 RBI, 5-5, Jr.

CF Sherri Waddell (.287, 29 hits, 16 RBI, 5-11, LF Heidi Wickham (.411, 41 runs, 53 hits, 6 home runs, 23 RBI, 20 stolen bases, 5-7, Kim Eason (4.10 ERA, 2 saves, 5-9, Cameran Morgan (2.70 ERA, strikeouts, 5-8, Shannon Sawyer (19-2, 5 shutouts, 5-5, TOP NEWCOMERS: INF Lauren Abrams (5-7, INF Nikki Hyatt (5-5, St. Thomas); COF Kerrl Phagan (5-3, Cardinal Gibbons); UT Salina Vavia (5-5, PINF Julie King (5-5, OUTLOOK: The Knights, who return six All-Conference players, Player of the Year (Wickham) and Coach of the Year, are shooting for the NAIA Southeast Region championships and a berth In the NAIA Championship Tournament. They have put together back-to-back 20-plus win seasons and last year captured their first Florida Sun Conference title. The Knights are favored to defend their conference title. "We have some people going out there with confidence now, and playing with confidence," Handler said.

"We need to be proud of ourselves and we need to go out there and put pride In our program. Last year, we were the welcome mat that everybody tried to walk on, and this year we are the team to beat." SCHEDULE FEB. 7-at Lynn. DH, 1 p.m.; 8-at St. Leo College, DH, 1 p.m.; 14-Barry University, OH, 1 p.m.; 21-at Tampa, DH, 1 27-28-Barry University Tournament.

MARCH 6-8-Rebel Games, Orlando; 13-FIU, DH, 5:30 p.m.; 19-Mt. Slnarlo. DH, 5:30 p.m.; 21-at Cocoa Beach, 1 22-at North Florida, DH, 1 p.m.; 25-St. Thomas Aquinas (N DH, 5:30 p.m.; 26-Mercy College (DH), 5:30 p.m.; 28-Webber College. DH, 1 p.m.

APRIL 1 -Northwood. DH, 5 30 p.m.; 4-at Webber College, DH, 1 p.m.; (-Lyndon State, DH, 5:30 8-at St. Thomas University, DH, 2:30 10-at Northwood, DH, 2:30 16-St. Thomas University, DH, 6:30 p.m.; It-Lynn, DH, 6:30 p.m.; 23-at FIU, DH, 6:30 p.m. 1 1997 RECORD: 47-4, 20-0 in Southern Conference.

COACH: David Cirillo, first season. HOME FIELD: Palm Beach CC, 4200 Congress Lake Worth. TOP RETURNEES: Kim Hunter second-team All-American); OF Rachel Patrick TOP NEWCOMERS: Lindsay Rhodes 1B Tracy Hammett OF Kara McEldowney OUTLOOK: One of the nation's top-ranked community college Softball programs, will try and continue the tradition without JoAnn Ferrlerl. Cirillo replaces Ferrieri, who resigned Jan. 9 as PBCC's coach after leading the Panthers to a 136-28 record and 1966 state championship In her three years at PBCC.

She took the New Mexico State coaching job. Though the Panthers lost All-American shortstop Crystl Bustos, who set a national record for RBI (108) in a single season and pitcher Stephanie Contreras, they are still loaded thanks to a solid recruiting class. SCHEDULE FEB. 7-at Florida Institute of Technology, 1 p.m.; 13-15-at St. Petersburg Tournament; 17-Daytona Beach, 3:30 p.m.; 18-at Batty, 2:30 p.m.; 24-lndian River, 6:30 p.m.

MARCH 3-at Mlaml-Dade North, 2:30 p.m.; 13-18-at Tallahassee Community College; 17-Broward CC, 5:30 p.m.; 24-at Daytona Beach CC. 2 p.m.; 26-Brevard, 2:30 p.m.; 31-at Indian River, 2:30 p.m. APRIL 2-at Brevard, 2 p.m.; 4-5-at Santa Fa Tournament, Gainesville; 7-Miaml-Dade North CC, 6:30 11-St. Petersburg CC, 1:30 14-at Broward CC, 6 p.m.; 24-Nova Southeastern, 6:30 p.m.; 28-Barry University, 5:30 m. MAY 7-9-FCCAANJCAA Region VIII Tournament at Klsslmmee; 21-23-NJCAA Championship, Hutchinson, Kan..