Lauren Brackett says she hasn’t had too many injuries in her career, but battled through one after suffering a concussion a couple weeks ago. Nonetheless, she continues to rank among the team leaders in sacrifice hits, steals and fielding percentage. In fact, the sophomore has only committed one error in her college career. Though the Aurora native is a Cubs fan, she plays a self-described style of “small ball” that White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen would be proud of.

Brackett recently sat down with Staff Reporter Mike Mears to discuss the specifics of that lone error, how her concussion happened and why she prefers to bat second in the lineup.

Can you describe your injury a couple of weeks ago?

It was during practice, and I was the last outfielder to go. The other ones had already ran in. I thought I had more room than I did, and I was running back full speed for a fly ball. At the last second, I heard, “Fence!” But it was too late. I turned, and my face hit it. It was definitely on top of the list (of most painful injuries). It was the first time, really, that I’ve had to go to the hospital for anything.

Where do you prefer to hit in the lineup?

I love the two-spot. Bunting is one of my strengths. In the two-spot, I love being able to move the runner over. That’s pretty much my game. Small ball.

Where do you prefer to play in the outfield?

Left field. I just have more experience there. I’m more comfortable there. I’ve never played right (field) before, but I can handle it. I still like it over there.

In two college seasons, you’ve only committed one error. How?

I feel confident out there. I’ve always played the outfield, I love it and have a lot of experience out there.

What happened on the lone error this season?

It was at Southeast Missouri State this year. The ball bounced on the ground, and bounced over my head. It just kind of sucked. The field conditions were kind of rough when it happened. I wasn’t expecting it to bounce (like it did).

Do you ever want to play center field?

No. I don’t mind (playing the corners). I like the corner spots, really. I don’t mind not playing center. I’m more comfortable at the corner spots. It doesn’t bother me.

How do you approach stealing bases?

I’m just thinking about really concentrating on not getting off the base late. Your timing is important. If you’re a second too late with your release, it’s going to cost you. You just have to make sure you get a really good jump and push off the base. We really work on pushing off and getting a good jump.

What’s the best part of your game?

Defensively, it’s my range in the outfield, going after fly balls. Also, my bunting. I feel like I’m good in the two-spot, moving along the runner, making things happen like that.

What do you need to work on the most?

I’m always trying to work on improving everything – my arm strength especially. I want to get every runner that’s trying to tag up or score from second. I’m always trying to improve my speed so I can explode off the base faster and get down the line faster to beat out grounders to the shortstop.

Who are your closest friends on the team?

Megan (Nelson) is my roommate, and she’s probably my best friend. Then there’s (Angela Danca) and Sarah (Coppert), who I’ve played with for a long time. I’ve played summer ball with them in the past, and I’m really close with them. Denee’ (Menzione) too. I’m playing in the outfield with her now, we’re the same age and we’re living together next year.

Are you a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan?

Cubs, definitely.

Is this finally their year?

Hope so.

What are the goals for the rest of your career?

I want to keep getting better. Increasing my stolen bases, because that’s my role. To get on base and run. Keep working on my speed and my slapping. Getting everything on the ground. No pop-ups.

What’s in your music rotation these days?

I love Taylor Swift. A lot of country – I’m a big country fan. Before a game I like to listen to more upbeat stuff to pump me up.

What made you decide to major in elementary education?

I really like kids, and I feel like I’m really good with them. I just like being around them, and I want to make a difference in their lives.

Mike Mears can be reached at 581-7944 or at mlmears@eiu.edu.

Sophomore left fielder Lauren Brackett is one of three slap hitters on Eastern’s softball team. Brackett hits from the No. 2 spot in the Panthers’ lineup and is one of Eastern’s top fielders with a .955 fielding percentage with just one error this season.

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