April 28, 2008

Point Loma Nazarene University senior Amanda Addie set a new NAIA record with 175 career stolen bases during a Golden State Athletic Conference sweep of No. 25 Vanguard this past Saturday. The No. 2-ranked Sea Lions won the first game 7-2 and the second game 5-3, ending the regular season 41-7 and 20-4 in GSAC.

Addie broke  alumni softball player and now assistant head coach, Cheryl Schaefer's university record of 169 stolen bases earlier in the year and then bested the former NAIA mark of 174 once held by Holly Haycraft (Union).

"Only [PLNU coach Dave Williams], [Schaefer] and [catcher] Allie Boeckelman knew I broke the record," said Addie. "The other girls were asking them why they were going crazy, and they told them, `Addie broke the record'. It wasn't as huge as some people might think."

Needing two stolen bases entering Saturday's doubleheader to set the new mark, Addie swiped a bag in the opener. Tied with Haycraft with 174 all-time, the record-breaker took place in the nightcap. Addie reached base after coaxing a walk to start the game. With Erika Ricker at bat, Addie stole second, despite going on a pitch-out.

"It was close," Addie said. "I thought I might have left a little late. Either way, I knew I was safe."

Much of Addie's success is a result of Coach Schaefer's tutelage. Schaefer (then Bolding), who played for Point Loma from 2000-03, and coaches first base, has helped Addie with leading off, sliding and utilizing her strength. 

"She has improved a lot," Schaefer said of Addie. "Her explosiveness off the bag has improved; I've worked with her a lot on that. Over the four years she has improved on her lead into second base and starting her dive early. In her freshman year she would slow down when diving."

The stolen bases kept piling up over the years: 43 as a freshman, 39 as sophomore and 52 last season. With this being her senior year, Addie has only gotten better, stealing 41 bases in 42 attempts. In her career she has been thrown out just 14 times in 189 tries.

Addie has improved all aspects of her game, however. She ended the regular season with a .456 batting average and has scored a team-best 48 runs. 

PLNU head coach Dave Williams noted that Addie is not only a threat offensively; the outfielder is playing the best defense of her career.

"Cheryl's coaching has helped," said Williams. "Addie has really worked hard over the past two years. Now she is one of the premier defensive outfielders in the NAIA."

With the regular season completed, the Sea Lions are preparing for the regionals and national tournaments. Last year, led by Addie's all-tournament play, PLNU finished as NAIA runners up.

"It would be really nice to win the whole thing," Addie said. "That would be a great way to finish my career."

Before the national tournament begins in Decatur, Alabama, Addie will receive her degree in media communication with an emphasis in production and a minor in public relations. She plans on getting her teaching credential and teaching elementary school.

Though her collegiate career is winding down, Addie says she will continue to play softball in a slow pitch league - as long as the league allows stolen bases.