A Day in the Park

BOSTON--In the past two years, the University of Massach usetts has been putting on an offensive clinic.

Last season, the Minutemen hit with the best of the country as it ended the year ranked sixth in the nation with a .333 team batting average.

The team obviously hasn't cooled down at all this year considering it maintains the .333 average and currently ranks No. 18th in the country.

With seven of its nine starters hitting over .300, it is no surprise that UMass is one of the most feared teams in New England.

Leading the offensive attack is sophomore second baseman, Muchie Dagliere. Hitting for an impressive .404 average, Dagliere has tallied two home runs and 26 RBIs thus far in the season.

A League of 'Her' Own

Looking around the UMass dugout, many observers were shocked to see a female face in full gear walking among the players. UMass assistant coach Julie Croteau is the first woman ever to coach Division I baseball.

In 1988, she became the first woman to play collegiate baseball when she suited up with the Division III St. Mary's College in Maryland.

During 1994, Croteau served as a first baseman and spokesperson for the first professional women's baseball team, the Colorado Silver Bullets and was one of only two players in the league to be invited to play in a Major League Baseball winter league.

In her free time, Croteau has also served as a stunt double and consultant for the motion picture "A League of Their Own."

Considering that she acts as a hitting coach for the UMass squad, Croteau is definitely one of the most welcome additions to the Minutemen coaching staff.