The Colonels softball team probably could not have thought of a better position to be in than their current one. Any team that has a total of 10 returning players and nine freshmen with solid potential, would undoubtedly have an enormous amount of anticipation.
The Lady Colonels will have the luxury of experience and talent when they invade the Southern Lady Jaguars February 12.
“We are very excited with the nucleus of returning players this season. This team is looking forward to meeting Southern, and playing to best of their ability. There is a lot of fight in this team, and we expect to compete extremely hard in this conference. Southern is a team that has been very scrappy and plays with a lot of excitement. We are looking forward to seeing how we match up with them this year,” Phyliss Guedry, head softball coach, said.
Guedry said obviously mental toughness plays an intricate role in a team’s success.
“Right now we have a few injuries, but overall, we are pretty strong. As far as the mental aspect of the game, we are preparing to be where we need to be for the upcoming week. A few things have been added to our practice regiment that are going to help us focus on our mental part of the game,” Guedry said.
Guedry feels that the team has the ability to thrive in certain pressure situations.
“We try everyday to have practice with a game-like atmosphere and intensity. Our coaching staff is doing a great job in ensuring that the players are ready for these situations,” Guedry said.
Guedry said the Colonels will have solid confidence that they will have in their approach to this season.
“For this season, one of the goals is that we have to get into the Conference tournament. The top six teams go, so we are definitely targeting that. We want to maintain a positive atmosphere so that we can feel and see the vision of our goals,” Guedry said.
One of the returning seniors who will play a major role in the team’s success is pitcher Duffi Matherne.
“Duffi is one of those players that coaches love to coach. She is the kind of athlete who is going to give everything it takes to be successful. She is one of the players who we expect verbal leadership from, as well as good things on the field,” Guedry said.
The outfield for the Lady Colonels boasts the return of senior Jennifer Paray.
“Paray is another player who we are looking to for verbal leadership on this team. She has great speed and that is obviously what any outfield would love to have,” Guedry said.
Guedry is very excited about the different qualities that each of her freshmen brings to the ball club.
“Haley Fagin, our outfielder, came off of the Christmas break swinging the bat very well. She has improved a great deal over that time we had off.”
Guedry said outfielder freshman Jennifer Campbell has good speed and will see some time. Freshman Lindsey Yelverton will play middle infield, and Guedry said she has cat-like reaction, which makes it is very difficult to get a ball past her.
Guedry is also excited about some sophomore and junior returns at key positions.
Sophomore Jamee Henry will see time at first-base and outfield.
“She has been doing some great things throughout the fall. She does a great job of hitting the ball and showing leadership,” Guedry said.
Junior outfielder Stephanie Sasser will help the Colonels offense this season.
“Stephanie swings a strong bat and is looking to do some great things this season,” Guedry said.
“Sophomore pitcher Nichole Wagner is a major part of our pitching arsenal. We are looking for her to come in and pitch some strong innings for us,” Guedry said.
Guedry realizes the importance of team chemistry. She is pleased with the communication level that her team has.
“The girls talk to us about how they enjoy each other’s presence. They let us know what is good is amongst the team, and what may need improvement,” Guedry said.
The Lady Colonels have an overall expectancy to excel this year. They are using their underdog role as a means for motivation.
“We realize that most teams will probably overlook us. I feel that we have a great opportunity to win a lot of games,” junior Dionne Meier said.
“We are a young team, but if we stick together like I know we can, we will be just fine,” Henry said.
The overall youth of the team only brings confidence and promising things to the table.
“I really enjoy playing with a team that shows a great deal of heart and determination. We are not yet where we want to be, but we are definitely striving,” Eads said.