SPOKANE, Wash. - There will be a new look to the Whitworth softball team in 2009 - not only on the field, but also in the coaches box. Joe Abraham takes over as the head coach of a Pirate squad that will feature five new starters.

“I think the team has adjusted well to the overall program and the players seem to be pleased with the organization of everything,” said Abraham, who came to Whitworth after developing one of the Midwest’s largest and most successful travel teams in Columbus, Ohio. “The practices are different from what they are used to and it's taken them some time to get used to that. I ask for a lot more thinking and reflection than most coaches probably do, but softball is a game of mostly down-time and if a player can't stay mentally focused, she is susceptible to many mistakes.”

Abraham faces several challenges as he prepares to put the team on the field for the first time at the Northwest Cup hosted by Concordia University in Portland on February 21 and 22. Certainly one of those challenges is weather. Last winter Whitworth was not able to practice outside until mid-March because of heavy snowfall throughout the winter. So far this year the Pirates have been kept inside as well.

Another challenge will be pitching depth. Jessica Mangis (So., RHP, Spangle, Wash.) and Kelsey Ayers (So., RHP, Parker, Colo.) are the Pirates’ only pitchers in 2009, so an injury or illness to either will be cause for great concern. However both have good potential to be successful in the NWC after combining to finish 8-8 as freshmen in 2008.

Despite the challenges, Abraham will have some strengths to work with as well. The Pirates will be deep behind the plate and in the outfield. It is around the infield that Abraham will have to replace most of the graduated starters from 2008.

Rachel Anderson (Sr., C, Renton, Wash.) returns as the primary starter behind the plate. A 2009 team captain, Anderson hit .317 last season. Caty Lieseke (So., Port Orchard, Wash.) started 12 games last spring and should push for extended playing time this season. Shannon Carlon (So., C, Spokane, Wash.) played in 12 games with three starts last season.

Sara Rylaarsdam (Sr., IF, Mount Vernon, Wash.) will be Abraham’s anchor at first base. Rylaarsdam has started since her freshman season and is also a team captain in 2009. A strong defensive player, she hit .247 last spring.

The rest of the infield positions are up for grabs. Carrie Gibson (Jr., IF, Sammamish, Wash.) has two seasons of experience in the program and started 21 games in 2008 with a .250 batting average. Both Lieseke and Carlon could move out into the infield. Newcomers include Ashley Carey (Jr., IF, Enumclaw, Wash.), a transfer from Highline Community College where she was a two-time NWAACC West Region All-Star, and Sami Parr (Fr., Milwaukie, Ore.), who had a successful high school career at Rex Putman High School and played for the Northwest Extreme travel team.

The experienced outfield will likely have Lacey Kerr (Jr., OF, Mead, Wash.) in center field. Kerr hit .374 and drove in 17 runs last season, earning honorable mention All-NWC honors. Kerr will be able to focus on her natural position after splitting time between outfield and shortstop the last two seasons.

Mandee Edwards (Sr., OF, Kettle Falls, Wash.), who hit .286 last year, will be the likely starter in left field. Sophomores McKenzie Stuby (OF, Issaquah, Wash.) and Caitlin Doherty (OF, Walla Walla, Wash.) will push for starting/playing time as well. Nina Ratliff (Fr., OF, Cle Elum, Wash.) could be a wild card in the outfield mix.

Mara Birge (Fr., OF, Naches Valley, Wash.), Caitlin Loseth (Fr., IF, Asotin, Wash.) and Delsey Olds (Fr., UT, Troy, Mont.) will give Abraham depth and tools to work with on his bench.

Following the season-opening tournament in Portland, Whitworth will get Northwest Conference play started in earnest with a four-game series at defending champion Linfield on March 7-8. The home opening weekend will take place the following Saturday and Sunday against Pacific Lutheran.

Abraham is both realistic and optimistic about his team’s chances in his first year.

“We will go as far as our pitchers can take us,” he said. “It's up to the rest of the team to support them, play excellent defense and score runs.”