The rollercoaster that has been the Virginia softball season prepares to take another twist tomorrow afternoon when the Cavaliers face Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
After being swept in a conference doubleheader with North Carolina last weekend, the Cavaliers rebounded with two mid-week victories against the Towson Tigers. Overall, Virginia stands at 27-20, but winless in the ACC.
"We have been really positive this week," sophomore second baseman Sara Larquier said. "Yes, we're disappointed that we lost those two games [to UNC], but it's not the end of the season, and it's not the end of the ACC. It's just the beginning."
If the Cavaliers are going to right the ship anytime soon, they likely will need solid performances from their leadoff hitter and senior captain, Heather Field. Field currently leads the team in runs, walks and on-base percentage. In addition, she is Virginia's career leader in runs scored, third in home runs and fourth in hits. On top of Field's numerous statistical accomplishments, she was selected to the 2003 All-ACC Tournament team and the 2002 All-Southeast Region team.
Most recently, Field was the 30th overall pick in the 2004 National Pro Fastpitch senior draft. Field will return home to California to play for the Sacramento Sunbirds when the league's inaugural season begins June 1.
"It's always been a dream to be a pro athlete," Field said. "When that opportunity presents itself, you take advantage of it."
The revamped league has been in operation since 1997 under the names Women's Pro Fastpitch and Women's Professional Softball League. Sacramento is one of six cities with teams, joining squads from Ohio, Massachusetts, Texas, Arizona and New York.
"I entered the draft knowingly, but with small hopes," Field said. "I really didn't think I'd be one of the 40 girls picked. My accolades weren't that strong compared to some of the other girls, but I'm really excited to be picked."
In addition to the comfort of playing close to her hometown of Lincoln, Calif., Field is well acquainted with Sacramento's head coach Tim Kiernan, as he coached Field's older sister, Erin, when she played collegiate softball at Sacramento City. National Pro Fastpitch is supported by both Major League Baseball and ESPN, with the sports network planning to televise multiple games over the summer.
As for now, Field remains an integral member of the Virginia squad intensely focused on its matchup with Georgia Tech tomorrow afternoon. Two key ACC losses last Saturday leave the Cavaliers in desperate need of a strong showing in their second conference doubleheader of the season. Last year, Virginia split a pair of home games against the Yellow Jackets during the regular season before defeating them 4-3 in the semifinals of the ACC tournament.
Win or lose this weekend, Field's collegiate performances have earned her a ticket to play professional ball. Lucky for Virginia, she has a rollercoaster ride to finish first.
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