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Date Posted: 10:33:59 05/15/02 Wed
Author: Jon Ralston
Subject: Michelle Anunciation

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Originally Published Wednesday, May 15, 2002
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Freshmen are a big part of UOP's success

By Bob Highfill

Record Staff Writer

Michelle Anunciation knew she had big shoes to fill her freshman year on University of the Pacific's softball team.

Not only was she trusted with a critical position, shortstop, she was the heir to Adrienne Ratajczak, a multi-decorated performer, who started and played every game during her four-year career.

Anunciation welcomed the challenge. In fact, she embraced it.

''I love it,'' said the four-year letterwinner at Diamond Bar High. ''I love the pressure. It just picks you up. It makes you want it even more.''

Anunciation, six other freshmen and several players with little previous experience have helped turn what some thought would be a rebuilding year into a playoff year.

Pacific (42-15), ranked 17th nationally, will make its fourth NCAA regional appearance in five years when it plays eighth-ranked Stanford (43-18) at 2:30 p.m. today at Fresno State.

''When you lose somebody who played every game of her career at that position and have someone step in, Michelle Anunciation has done an unbelievable job filling that void,'' Tigers coach Brian Kolze said. ''We are getting the same leadership qualities from Michelle that Adrienne gave us when she was here.''

Anunciation went through a tough period early this season when she learned a close friend on the Marshall University softball team committed suicide. The tragedy heightened her appreciation for life.

''From then on I never really gave up,'' Anunciation said. ''I made a promise to myself that no matter what, I'd do whatever I could for my teammates. Everything I do is for my team.''

Anunciation represents one-fifth of the Tigers' revamped infield. Ratajczak, third baseman Angele Alves, catchers Erica Reynolds and Kelly Lowry, and second baseman Natalie Farmer graduated, and first basemen Cindy Ball and Brandy Thurman have accepted different roles this season.

Freshman Ashlie D'Errico has played all but two games behind the plate and already has established herself as a nightmare for opposing base-runners.

''I think of it as part of my job, keeping runners close,'' said D'Errico, a first-team all-state selection her senior year at Highland High in Lancaster. ''It gives my pitcher more of an edge.''

That pitcher the vast majority of times has been Ball, a senior, who appreciates D'Errico's aggressive style.

''Ashlie's a great catcher,'' said Ball, the Big West's pitcher of the year and all-time strikeouts leader with 743. ''She's not afraid of anything. She throws people out for me. I'd hate to be a base-runner against her.''

Junior Brandy Thurman was the starting first baseman early but moved to third after freshman Kristen Allen suffered a season-ending knee injury after three games. Thurman, a Tokay graduate, has played splendid defense and raised her batting average from .150 last year to .310.

''By far Brandy is having her best year offensively,'' Kolze said. ''She's been a tremendous asset to our offense.''

Junior Aloha Yamaguchi had one start under her belt before taking over at second base, junior Nicole Inouye moved into right field to replace sophomore Boni Kading, who plays first base.

Kolze has been more than pleased with this team's quick, smooth transition.

''This has been the year when people have stepped up at different times,'' Kolze said. ''That's been the pattern all year.''

* To reach reporter Bob Highfill, phone 546-8299 or e-mail bhighfil@recordnet.com

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