By Tara Sowle
UWRF Sports Information

Junior Breamber Syverson is the only returning face to this year's Falcon softball team's infield and will be looked to for leadership and guidance.  

"Breamber will be one of the team leaders this season. On the infield at second base, as a junior and the most experienced player, she will be the leader," said Falcon Coach Faye Perkins about the Prescott, Wis., native.

At the second base position, Syverson will have to deal with a lot of new faces besides the catch and pitcher, but she is optimistic.   "No one would know this is our first year together. We look like we've been playing together for years."

Syverson was playing softball as long as she can remember, starting out at age five in t-ball, continually working on improving her game.   "I never played second or hit from the left side until my freshman year here at UW-River Falls," said Syverson.   She played shortstop all four years of high school only occasionally venturing to the outfield.

Syverson's family offers a huge support system.   "My family is great! They've always been there to cheer me on and they love watching the team play."

When Syverson first thought of playing softball in college she thought it would be a good way to help her adjust to college life.   "It gives me something to look forward to," said Syverson who enters the 2006 season with a .275 career batting average.

In Syverson's first year with the Falcons she say plenty playing time appearing in 38 games and finished tied for second on the team with a .321 batting average. She had four RBIs and stole 11 stolen bases. She also led the team with 16 sacrifices. Syverson was the team's designated hitter for most of the season and was named to team's Most Improved Player in 2004. Syverson also saw some time at shortstop, but second base is still where she calls home.

Last year Syverson played in all 41 games and led the Falcons with13 stolen bases. She was the team's leadoff hitter and led the Falcons both freshmen and sophomore year in sacrifice bunts.   "Offensively, I see Bre at the No. 2 spot in the batting order; moving around the lead-off batter by dragging and slapping from the left side.   Bre's speed on the bases will definitely make her a threat," said Perkins

Syverson's favorite memory while playing with the Falcons is when they placed last in WIAC regular season standings, but knocked of the No. 1 seed, Eau Claire, in the tournament. The Falcons beat the Blugolds, 1-0, in the 2004 tourney.

"Bre is a straight-forward type of player. She lets her teammates know exactly what she thinks and is very straight forward and honest. Her teammates and coaches appreciate her honesty and always look to Bre to tell is like it is," said Perkins.

Syverson has optimistic and aggressive goals for this season, both for herself and for her team.   "I hope to win the conference tournament and finish as one of the top three teams in conference play.   I'm hoping this year to finish with a batting average above .320 and steal a lot of bases while playing an important role on the team.   As always, it'll be a fun season."

Syverson and the Falcons got the 2006 season off to a good start by sweeping Carleton College on March 1, 3-1 and 4-0. Syverson went 1-7 in the two games with a run scored.

The team's season continues March 12-17 when the Falcons have 10 games scheduled at fields in and around Orlando, Fla.