2011 Sneak Peek - The Infield

Jan. 27, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

2011 Sneak Peek – The Infield

Kansas lost just two starters from last season but both players were integral parts to the Jayhawk infield, which now must replace graduated seniors Amanda Jobe at first base and Sara Ramirez at second. Although KU will have several new faces in the mix, it will benefit from the experience of two returning starters in Marissa Ingle and Mariah Montgomery anchoring the infield.

Ingle made 47 starts, mostly at third base, as a sophomore in 2010 and is poised to take over that position again in the coming season. A strong and accurate arm, Ingle was third on the team last year collecting 89 assists and went errorless during Big 12 Conference play. She also transformed into one of the team’s top power hitters during the second half of the season and ended the year with a team-high six home runs.

One of two freshmen to start all 56 contests in 2010, Montgomery was second on the team in both assists (101) and double plays (6) from the shortstop position but could see playing time at second base as well this season. Either way, her bat is sure to be in the lineup as last year Montgomery was the team’s top offensive producer in league games and shared the team-lead with 25 RBIs on the season. She will be battling for time on the middle infield with newcomers Ashley Newman and Laura Vickers.

An in-state product out of Salina, Newman had a successful fall campaign with the Jayhawks where she showcased her defensive skill set at shortstop and second base in addition to her success from the batter’s box hitting .471 over six games. At Salina South High School, Newman helped the Cougars to three-straight state appearances and was also chosen as her team’s defensive player of the year and earned the golden glove award.

Also from the state of Kansas, Vickers played shortstop for Olathe East High School where she was a two-time all-American and was ranked No. 18 in her recruiting class.

While the left side of the field will feature familiar faces, first base will be occupied by a new contingent. An athletic player from Conroe, Texas, freshman Kendra Cullum will most likely get the starting nod. Cullum led Conroe High School to back-to-back state playoffs and was an all-district first team selection four times. During her fall debut at Kansas, she showed potential on offense batting .364.

Though primarily a pitcher, senior Allie Clark could also see field time playing first base. Last season Clark made 49 starts at pitcher and designated hitter. She shared the team lead with six home runs in 2010 and drove in 20 runs with her 31 hits.