By Kyle LoJacono
Saint Leo University (SLU) third-year softball coach John Conway wasn’t sure what 2013 would hold his squad.
The Lions were coming off a 22-32 season, including 7-17 in Sunshine State Conference (SSC) play to finish seventh. SLU also lost six seniors to graduation, all of whom played in more than half of the squad’s games.
“It takes time to bring in the players who play your style,” Conway said. “A lot of building from the bottom up had to be done. … I thought it would take a little more time to really turn things around to be honest, but the players have stepped up and responded.”
The response — a 40-14 record, a No. 22 national ranking and the first SSC championship in the program’s 32-year history.
Senior pitcher Megan Still (12-4, 1.91 ERA, 93 strikeouts) said the turnaround wasn’t something any of them anticipated.
“We were ranked seventh in the preseason in the conference,” Still said. “It’s now sinking in, and we know there is still more potential with this team. … We’re going to try and take this a little farther.”
Senior third baseman Rachelle Gremo (.294, 25 RBI) said a preseason game against the University of South Florida, which advanced to the College World Series last season, showed them they can compete with anyone.
“We didn’t win, but we were getting hits off USF and playing with them,” Gremo said. “Then we were putting in a lot of hard work in the weight room, and everyone was pushing themselves. Everyone was really locked in.”
Sophomore left fielder McKenzie Burns (.342, .422 on-base percentage, 50 runs) said the season is “a complete 360” from 2012.
“This time last year we were already all home enjoying out summer,” Burns said. “We don’t want to go home, and it’s a completely different mindset and attitude.”
Much of the success has come from the Lions putting pressure on the opposing defense by stealing 142 bases, besting the program’s previous season record of 131 swiped in 1987.
“In 11 years of coaching college ball my teams have probably stolen over 100 bases every year,” Conway said. “This is the most, but I like to put pressure on the defense. Make them think about what they’re doing more with people on base. … Speed never goes in a slump.”
Leading the theft charge has been Burns, who has set a program record by stealing 54 bases this season.
Burns’ 74 career steals are the second most all-time in program history, just 13 off the record held by Denyve Duncan who played from 2002 to 2005.
“I haven’t really stopped and thought that I have that record,” Burns said. “Probably after the season it’ll hit me, and then next year I’ll want to break it again.”
SLU’s leadoff hitter said she is fully recovered from a torn ACL in her right knee suffered as a senior in high school.
“All through high school my coaches had me steal bases, but I had to work back from the ACL,” Burns said. “I think it’s made me faster for this year because of the extra work I had to put in to get back on the field.”
Conway said the pitching staff has also been a strength. Still said they’ve been successful because of the different styles they have.
“All four of us complement each other very well,” Still said. “I have the lowest speed on the staff with my pitches and try to throw a lot of movement. Alana (Tabel) throws a great dropball, and the other two have speed and movement. Sarah (Steiner) is a lefty, so that changes things for the hitters.”
Tabel has amassed a 15-5 record with 89 strikeouts and a 1.63 ERA as a freshman. Her last win was a 4-2 decision over Florida Southern April 26, which clinched the conference title.
“It was nerve racking, but I love being in those situations,” Tabel said. “I like being pressured because that’s what you feel in important games.”
Conway said winning the SSC has made the Lions battle tested for the upcoming Division II NCAA Tournament.
“This conference, it’s like the SEC of Division II softball,” Conway said. “To be able to win a conference with teams like Tampa, Rollins, Florida Southern, Barry, that’s pretty special because it really means something in the Sunshine State Conference.”
The Lions will play SSC rival University of Tampa in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament at Valdosta State University May 10 at 4:30 p.m.
—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker
