Each team at the University of Mary has had to make its own way as the school makes the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II, but the softball team has a leg up on the others: New coach Gerice Olson has been down this path before.

"I went through this as a player at NDSU when we moved from Division II to Division I," said Olson, who was an all-tournament selection when the Bison won the Division II national championship in 2000. "I actually think it's been very positive. We'd still like to be able to compete for a conference title and get into the postseason, but even though we can't, we can set the tone for the program.

"We can especially show teams in our new conference (the Northern Sun), 'Hey, look out.'"

Brad Walsh, who is taking over the U-Mary baseball team this season, turned the Marauder softball program into a powerhouse. U-Mary dominated the DAC and NDCAC conferences and made it to the NAIA national tournament seven times, including six of the last seven years under Walsh.

Last year was a relatively down year, for U-Mary, which went just 24-16, but the Marauders still won the DAC and Region III titles and advanced to nationals.

U-Mary lost a trio off all-conference performers to graduation, but still has one returning - pitcher Jaime Naglosky. The senior twirler has been a mainstay for U-Mary - making the All-DAC team three times. With another senior returnee, Vanessa Whitney, and some promising newcomers, Olson said U-Mary's strength should be its pitching.

"If you have pitching, you can keep a lot of games close," Olson said.

The offense is more of a question mark, as the Marauders lost standouts Nichole Seaver, Julie Swehla and Nikki Alexander to graduation.

Olson said the lineup remains unsettled, but will likely be worked out during U-Mary's season-opening trip to Orange County, Calif., this week.

Freshman Dannelle Lunn, who will play first, is expected to compensate for some of U-Mary's lost power. "She'll be one of our heavy hitters," Olson said.

Sophomore Meghan Ward returns at second base. Ward will hit leadoff and anchor the infield defense with her glove work. Third base will be handled by either Erin Butori or Michelle Meza, who will see time at several infield positions.

One of them is shortstop. Lonnie Polkow will also see time at short, as will utility player Sara Naglosky, Jamie's sister. Junior Brittany Rieker is likely to get the nod behind the plate.

As for the outfield? "I just don't know yet," Olson admitted.

Like most of U-Mary's teams, the softball team has significantly upgraded its schedule this year. First of all, the Marauders will play 65 games, far more than usual. Plus the caliber of opposition will be much tougher.

"We're looking to come out and play our best possible ball, and prove to people that we're ready to move up from the NAIA, and prove it to ourselves," Olson said. "My expectations are high. I don't expect to go .500. We've raised the bar higher than that."

ROSTER

Seniors: Jaime Naglosky, P, St. Paul, Minn. Vanessa Whitney, P-OF, Tacoma, Wash. Juniors: Kristi Wist, OF, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Brittany Rieker, C-3B, Helena, Mont. Lonnie Polkow, SS-3B, Billings, Mont. Tessa Looker, OF, Missoula, Mont. Jessica Olson, P-1B, Tacoma Wash. Sophomores: Meghan Ward, 2B, Escondido, Calif. Sara Naglosky, UT, St. Paul, Minn. Randi Wicklund, OF, Fergus Falls, Minn. Jessica Phelps, P-OF, Gillette, Wyo. Maureen Tacke, OF, Greencreek, Idaho. Erin Butori, 3B-2B, Anaconda, Mont. Freshmen: Michelle Meza, SS-3B, Sacramento, Calif. Hatty Rossow, P-1B, Lakefield, Minn. Danelle Lunn, C-1B, Murrieta, Calif.