Matt Weir / The Collegian
Two Bulldogs reign supreme in the record books for Fresno State’s softball team, but neither takes the credit for themselves; instead they call it a team effort.
Returning juniors pitcher Morgan Melloh and catcher Caitlin Stiglich look to lead the team to another conference title and even further to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Melloh received several preseason honors this year, including the 2010 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Preseason Pitcher of the Year and was named to the ASA Top 50 preseason watch list.
Melloh, who recorded 450 strikeouts last season, credits the achievement to the help she gets from behind the plate.
Stiglich has been the starting catcher the last two seasons for the Bulldogs, one of five who started every game in the 2009 season.
Stiglich said she supports all five pitchers but shares a special bond with Melloh.
“Our relationship is one of the closest on the team,” Stiglich said. “It’s a sisterly relationship. I love her a little, hate her a little,” both said laughing.
Margie Wright, head coach of the women’s softball team, gives credit to the two athletes and their chemistry on the field.
“I think they are a pretty good combination, and they have had plenty of games to get experience in doing that,” Wright said.
“They know one another pretty well and I think that is a huge compliment to both of them for trying to find out what makes this person click and how can I do to help her be better,” Wright said.
Although Stiglich provides support for Melloh, she admits that at times she pressures her to buckle down and get to work.
“When she says, ‘hey come on Morgan,’ it gets me a little bit mad but it is a good mad and it makes me throw even harder,” Melloh said.
Stiglich, like Melloh, also has a fierce arm, making the opponents shy away from stealing bases or testing her abilities in fear of losing the battle.
Her impact, however, doesn’t end with defense but translates offensively as well.
In 2009 Stiglich received Second-Team All-WAC selection, leading the team with 37 RBI’s and two grand slams.
While this dynamic duo receives recognition statistically, they do not take the credit. Each one has a desire to be a part of a team, and without the team neither of them could do it on their own.
“It takes teamwork to win and not just individual stats,” Melloh said. “I think we just create stats for ourselves just as a whole team.”
Both agree that this season is all about winning. Not just to continue to achieve the 22 WAC conference title but to go further and achieve the ultimate goal of Nationals.
“To win. Always to win. Win the WAC, win regional’s, go to super regional’s, get into the World Series and win the World Series,” Caitlin said.
With a dynamic team that only lost one player from the 2009 season, and with the addition of many new bodies, their hopes are not out of reach.
“Our main goal is to come out on top. To just increase our motivation and work on communication and get past regional,” Melloh said. “ We have been struggling for the past two years, and I think this is definitely our year to go. Our team looks good and we are ready to come out and do it.”
With the season kicking off this weekend, these two are ready to face it with determination and enthusiasm to make it to the top.