Softball preview

B.J. Appel and Ryan Allcott

Reporters

Softball coach Wes Holly spoke with B.J. Appel and Ryan Allcott. The Lady Buffs open their season on Feb. 9 at home against Mars Hill College. The game begins at 2 p.m.


Q: How do you think the team will compare from last year?

A: Last year’s team was a veteran squad, whereas we are very young this season with one junior college transfer and six freshmen. However, the new recruits are very talented and looked very good in our fall season. If we can get the confidence and leadership early from the new recruits, then I think we will have a good chance at winning the conference this season. Last year’s team was runner-up in the AAC with a 20-8 conference record, so this year’s squad definitely has a big challenge ahead of them, but they have been working hard to improve on their skills in the off-season, so hopefully they will reap the rewards this spring.

Q: What games are you looking forward to?

A: We always have big games with Tennessee Wesleyan and UVA Wise, so I would expect the same again this season. Consistently, we are the top three teams who fight it out each year for the conference title.

Q: Whom do you expect to have a break out season in hitting, pitching and fielding?

A: Junior Brooke Davis has the potential to be one of the best power hitters I have had at Milligan. She along with junior Brandy Waddle and senior Shelby Banion have to produce this season. Brandy Waddle will anchor our pitching staff. We also have high expectations of Traci Harrison, a junior transfer pitcher from Wallace Community College and also expect to get some help on the mound from sophomore Courtney Ruth. In the area of fielding, we have several position changes so everyone is going to be expected to get on top of their games defensively if we are going to have a solid defense.

Q: Have you done any specific preparations for the upcoming season?

A: The team has been working hard on off-season conditioning along with their personal skills in the fielding, hitting, and pitching areas. Hopefully this will reap big rewards this season.