Senior pitcher Heather Burrows returns for the Fighting Scots. Burrows, who prepped at Lewistown, won a school record 12 games last season.

MONMOUTH, Ill. – Defending their 2003 South Division crown isn’t exactly the top priority for the Monmouth College softball team – winning the Midwest Conference is.

The Scots were one inning away from winning the school’s third league title in 2003 only to watch a three run lead evaporate in the final inning.

“We came awfully close last year,” said assistant coach Mark Hagen, who is serving as head coach until LeAnn Hagen returns from maternity leave in early March. “I think the women are ready to take that next step this season. They came into spring practice very determined and motivated.”

If nothing else, the Scots should have experience on their side as six seniors return with a 62-45-1 career record, having extended the team’s streak of appearing in the league tournament to five years. Add to what Hagen calls a “strong senior class” a pair of quality junior college transfers and the Scots appear ready to take the next step toward a conference title.

A trio of senior all-conference performers return in pitcher Heather Burrows (Lewistown, Ill./HS), third baseman Michelle Meyer (Mapleton, Ill./Illini Bluffs) and outfielder Stephanie Smith (Chicago, Ill./Nazareth Academy). Burrows set the school record for wins last season (12) while Smith led the team in batting (.369).

Meyer and classmate Nicole Auclair (Darien, Ill./Hinsdale South) at shortstop are set to anchor the left side of the infield. Auclair, who played with a nagging ankle injury last season, has healed and should be a good candidate for her third all-conference selection.

“Nicole may be one of the best softball players to come through Monmouth,” praised Hagen. “She should provide most of the power in our lineup.”

In the outfield, Smith will be joined by fellow senior Michelle Courchane (Roscoe, Ill./Hononegah), who could see limited action as the team’s third pitcher.

Speaking of pitching, if the record-setting Burrows wasn’t enough, why not add in a two-time juco All-American with national tournament experience? That’s exactly what the Scots did with the addition of hard-throwing Emily Alsup (Warrensburg, Ill./Warrensburg-Latham).

“We feel we’re very strong in the pitching department,” commented Hagen. “Obviously, what Heather accomplished last year after taking a couple of years off and the experience Emily has from the national stage should be a great one-two punch for us.”

Monmouth’s good fortune in the junior college recruiting circuit didn’t end with Alsup, as converted infielder Nikki Serra (Silvis, Ill./East Moline) will handle the catching duties.

The right side of the infield may be the only looming question mark for the Scots, as they have numerous options to fill first and second base.

Liz Sunday (Atlanta, Ill./Olympia) could play first or second, depending on the rehab of a knee injury suffered over the summer. Other candidates for second could be Burrows or freshman Sarah Kaufman (Joliet, Ill./Catholic).

Calling it a “tough decision,” the Scots’ coaching staff will have to decide on a first baseman, with senior Allison Douglas (Fisher, Ill./HS), freshman Laura Orwig (Wyoming, Ill./Stark County) and Alsup in the running.

“Allison has a really good stick, and Laura has had a good tryout,” said Hagen. “We have some options. We just need to see what works.”

Filing one outfield spot could be interesting as well. Speedy sophomore Peggy Gibbs (Evergreen Park, Ill./Community) and freshmen Stacia Logan (Dallas City, Ill./Nauvoo-Colusa) and Natasha Kemmerling (Morrisonville, Ill./HS) are battling for playing time. Freshman Katie Hamilton (Savanna, Ill./HS) could be in the mix once she makes the transition from basketball to softball.

The Scots are nursing some early-season injuries with four freshmen players on the mend – Jackie Hennenfent (Wataga, Ill./ROWVA), Morgan Mikita (Algonquin, Ill./Harry D. Jacobs), Ann Sims (Alexis, Ill./HS) and Sarah Braun (Morrisonville, Ill./HS).

“Our defense will dictate our success,” said Hagen. “We feel we have a strong pitching staff and, offensively, we’ll be very aggressive as we have in the past and need to manufacture runs.”

So, what will it take to claim their first conference title since 1987? According to Hagen it will take a full effort.