Freshmen Play Important Roles for Cyclones

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State softball freshmen Anna Cole and Kelsey Enslin were thrust into new roles midway through the 2011 schedule. Before being inserted into the starting lineup on March 4, Cole had seen action in three prior games, getting just two at bats in that time. Enslin started 14 games for Iowa State and is the team's go-to pinch runner. Serving different roles for the Cyclones, both have stepped up to help the Cyclones in their first year.

The Cyclones' right fielder, Cole was anxious about being thrust into a starting slot, but has gotten used to the pressure on the field. Her batting has improved, she is hitting .273 and put together an eight-game hitting streak earlier in the year, and she has made only three errors in the field.

"I'm building more confidence every game so I can play with the best of the best," Cole said. "That's who we play in the Big 12, the best."

Head coach Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler has noticed Cole's work ethic and her comfort at the plate in hitting both inside and outside pitches. Cole is always willing to make adjustments and has consistently improved throughout the season as a result.

"She has worked ready hard as a freshman and I'm so excited for her," Gemeinhardt-Cesler said. "I know she will do really well in her next few years here."

Enslin started 14 games in left field for Iowa State earlier this season but it's her 13 runs scored, nine as a pinch runner, that have benefitted the Cyclones in the Big 12, where runs are scarce against some of the nation's best pitchers.

"I like to run the bases," Enslin said. "It's exciting because when our good hitters get on, I think I might get to run for them."

Enslin's speed makes her Gemeinhardt-Cesler's first choice when the Cyclones are on base and looking to score. Likewise, Enslin loves the adrenaline rush that scoring provides.

"We would definitely be short without her," Gemeinhardt-Cesler said. "She is always eager and works extra hard to be an asset for the team."

Both Cole and Enslin have grown while adjusting to new roles throughout their first season at Iowa State and, despite the usual rookie struggles, the duo wouldn't change it for anything.

"Don't look at it as a job," Cole said. "It's a privilege to play at this level and if you look at it like a job it won't be any fun."