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Last October, slugger Liz Dike was trying to help Lincoln Southwest win a Class A softball title.

In March, the Creighton freshman could be in the lineup when the Bluejays take on defending national champion Arizona State.

"That's a big jump," coach Brent Vigness said.

But if anyone can do it, he said, the first-team All-Nebraska shortstop has the physical skills and maturity to take on the challenge. Especially after seeing her progress during the first few weeks of practice.

"She's improved every day," Vigness said. "There is not one day she hasn't made an improvement in one area of the game.''

Dike left Southwest early to get a jump on her Creighton career, a first for the Bluejays. Living in the dorms, taking college classes and starting workouts this month were both intimidating and overwhelming at times for the 18-year-old.

"I've handled it pretty well, I think," Dike said. "I like it all. It's just fun, it's a new experience."

Dike said she was bored in high school and ready for a change. She and her parents met with Vigness several times before deciding to make the move. First, the staff had to make sure she met NCAA requirements. Then they had to see if she could handle it academically.

"It was a yes to both of those questions," Vigness said.

Early on, the coach said he could see a few signs of strain in Dike's face. That was to be expected, he said, when you think that Dike didn't have fellow rookies to learn with, since the other freshmen went through fall ball and offseason workouts. It's helped, Dike said, that she rooms with three other girls on the team, including Southwest graduate Becca Changstrom.

On the field, Dike said there's a lot more to learn about the game. She's had to shift her positioning some at short as well as getting used to the speed of the game and stronger hitters.

Dike set Class A records last fall for home runs (16), runs (70) and RBIs (53) while hitting .487 with a .917 slugging percentage. But now she'll be facing pitchers who have the same speed as a high school ace but with more precision, the ability to change speeds and who will be ready to exploit every weakness.

"I'm sure the first week was a challenge," Vigness said. "Last Saturday, she looked like she felt at home. Since then, I've seen a different Liz. It's really fun to watch her settle in and be more at ease."

Dike, whose older brother Ian played baseball at Creighton, has been getting the most repetitions at shortstop. Vigness said they want her to feel as comfortable and confident as possible before making any decisions about a spot in the lineup. They don't want to rush her.

"She's doing really well," he said. "It's looking promising for her to be able to help us this year."

Creighton's season starts Feb. 11 at Arkansas Pine-Bluff. The Jays play top-ranked ASU March 4 and 6.

Dike is looking forward to making a contribution. Right now, though, she feels like the baby of the team because everyone knows so much more than she does. No one has given her a bad time yet, but she expects that to change.

"They have to get to know me first,'' she said.

Contact the writer: 402-444-1034, marjie.ducey@owh.com

Creighton may rely on youth

Dike could be one of several youngsters making a contribution for Creighton this spring.

Others showing promise include Papillion-La Vista South graduate Allie Mathewson, who has been spending time in the outfield and at first base; Lincoln North Star's Taylor Flodman, who is working everywhere in the infield but first base; and Brianne Lingl, who is expected to spell senior Amy Baker at catcher.

Vigness also likes what he's seen from transfer Alexis Cantu, a right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitter from Texas-Arlington.

They could join returning players, including Changstrom, outfielder Ellen Homan and utility player MaKenzie Michael, who also contributed last year as freshmen.

The team leader is senior outfielder Christa Ruf, Vigness said.

"She just really ignites our team,'' he said.

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