Virginia softball announced today that Alison Pittman and Sarah Tacke have been selected as the 2010 captains for the team. The 2009 team finished 25-21 (2-16 ACC) and will be looking to these two to lead the 2010 campaign, which starts at Elon, NC. UVa head coach Eileen Schmidt is excited about the different traits each of these players bring to the field.
"They are two different types of leaders and they will come together to be solid for our team," Schmidt said. "Sarah is always so level-headed; she is kind of quiet and goes about her business. At the same time, our players look at how hard she works. She doesn't need to say anything, she will go out there and work everyday. Alison is more of a vocal kid and she has to be that way behind the plate. The have two different styles and are each so respected for what they have done on and off the field."
Junior catcher Alison Pittman is a two-year starter who stole 17 bases her sophomore season, tied for a team high. She hit .217 last year and was third on the team in runs scored (28).
Fifth-year senior outfielder Tacke returns for her final season after putting up team-high numbers last season. She led the Cavaliers with a .358 batting average, a .758 slugging percentage, 43 hits and 40 RBI. She was also second on the squad with 11 home runs, 32 runs and five triples.
Virginia opens the 2010 campaign Feb. 13 in Elon, N.C. The Cavaliers will face UNC Wilmington at 11 a.m. in the first game of the Elon Tournament. The ACC schedule starts at Maryland on March 13.