Softball Set to Begin GCAC Title Defense on Monday

The Spring Hill College softball team begins its defense of the 2007 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) regular season softball crown on Monday and Head Coach Alison Sellers-Cook looks forward to the challenge.  “Our players have worked hard over the fall semester and in the pre-season,” she says.  “They are in good shape and have great attitudes.”

Pitching will be the Lady Badgers’ strong suit this season with the 2007 GCAC Pitcher of the Year senior Lauren Herrera (2.99 ERA; 64 SO) returning.  “Lauren brings back a lot of experience and confidence to our team,” Sellers-Cook states.  “She’ll be a major asset again this year.”  Sophomores Carlene Bolton (5-4; 3.42 ERA) of Shawnee, Kan., and Brittany Abate (3.33 ERA; 25 SO) of Lake Charles, La., also return to the bullpen bringing much needed pitching depth over the long season ahead.  Freshman Samantha Brooks of Belle Chase, La., will also see significant time, but Sellers-Cook is confident that she will prove herself ready for college action.

At the plate, the Lady Badgers face only one problem.  “I have to find places in the lineup for everyone,” Sellers-Cook laughs.  “We’ve got a lot of strong bats this year.”

All-Conference centerfielder junior Becky Todd (.349 avg., 15 RBI) from Citronelle will lead the charge with senior Jessica Walters (.257, 25 RBI) adding her experience and consistency to the offense.  Combined with Herrera’s .342 average and .556 slugging percentage, the Spring Hill College lineup could be a serious offense threat.  “We’ve also got a lot of speed on the bases this year, so moving runners along will be a priority for every hitter,” says Sellers-Cook.

The Lady Badgers will feature a mix of youth and experience on defense in 2008.  “We have several returning players on our defense this year, but we’re going to move some people to new positions,” says Sellers-Cook.  Todd will remain in centerfield where her experience will be a major advantage and Walters will return to shortstop.  “Jessica should be an All Conference candidate this year.  She’s a solid fielder and swings a good stick.”

Newcomers Megan Hammond of Tuscaloosa, Jessica Edgar from Chesterfield, Mo., Jessica Scallan from Metairie, La., Jordan Tatum of Tampa, Fla., and Brooke Turlich of Belle Chase, La., bring impressive prep credentials to Spring Hill and should make immediate contributions.   “We have some new faces this year, but leadership returns in key positions,” Sellers-Cook says.  “The players have meshed well and that will give us a lot of different options defensively.  It’s always a plus to have options as a coach.”

The GCAC will once again be a demanding softball conference in 2008 with Mobile, Belhaven and William Carey each bringing experienced and tough-minded teams to the diamond each game.  “In this conference, everybody is always out to get you,” says Sellers-Cook.  “This year we’ve got the bull’s eye on us, so it should be an exciting season.”

The Lady Badgers open the 2008 season at home on Monday at 1 p.m. with a doubleheader versus Mid-Continent University from Mayfield, Ky.