Softball: Tigers play through loss of teammate

“Her laughter and work ethic were contagious and inspiring,” head coach Trina Salcido said, echoing a sentiment expressed by many members of the team.

The adjustment period was tough. In the following months and throughout the season, the loss of a loved one brought the team closer than ever. They turned to each other for support, and naturally Kyllo’s death brought things into perspective.

“The priority switched to making sure that each student-athlete would be able to heal from this tragedy by using the team as the ultimate support group to buffer their sadness,” Salcido said.

On the field, the lineups needed to be fixed and the defense altered to fill the void in the middle infield. Freshman Tory Roberts stepped up for the Tigers, filling in for Kyllo at shortstop, a position she had never played before. Though the Tigers finished the season 16-26 overall and 7-13 in Ivy League play, sophomore outfielder Lizzy Pierce and junior designated hitter Kelsey VandeBergh found their niches.

“Lizzy Pierce and Kelsey VandeBergh both had breakout seasons that establish them as top hitters in the league,” Salcido said. “It was exciting to see them both find their confidence at the plate.”

Pierce wrote an emotional tribute to her energetic teammate that was published on Sports Illustrated’s website. She went on to lead the Tigers with a .330 batting average, 25 RBI and .545 slugging percentage. Her efforts earned her first-team All-Ivy honors.

Pierce’s success came in her first full season after recovering from a broken ankle that sidelined her for nearly two years.

“My ankle created confidence issues,” Pierce said. “I rehabbed all summer, and now I don’t have to wear a brace anymore. I said to myself, ‘It can’t really go anywhere but up from here.’ ”

VandeBergh was a unanimous first-team All-Ivy selection. Even though she had not hit a home run prior to this year, she led the team with five. She also raised her average to .314.

"I really worked on my mechanics in my swing and after two years everything finally came together,” VandeBergh said. “I think the biggest difference between this year and last year was that I had more confidence both in myself and my teammates. It's great knowing that I can count on any one of my teammates to pick me up.”

Junior outfielder Nicole Ontiveros was named second-team All-Ivy and sophomore Alex Peyton solidified herself as a leader in the pitching circle and at the plate. The Tigers have six freshmen coming in for the 2011-12 season.

“[The incoming freshmen] will make a huge contribution to our infield and pitching depth, along with adding more power and timely hitting to our lineup,” Salcido said.

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Nonetheless, no one will be able to replace No. 2.

“She is still pushing everyone forward. Still bringing the team together,” Pierce said in her tribute to her fallen teammate. “It's a collective consciousness. And Khristin will always be part of it.”