Crusader softball ready for new beginnings in 2010
Posted by The Skyliner on February 10th, 2010Cory Guinn
Sports Editor
After finishing the 2009 season ranked ninth in the NCCAA national rankings, the North Greenville softball team has high hopes of continuing to progress and end the 2010 season as NCAA National Champions.
“As a team, we want to put God first in everything we do and represent Him on and off of the field,” new head coach Sarah Hall said of the goals for this years team. “We also want to win the NCCAA Nationals and have a team batting average over .400.”
Coach Hall will be in her first season as coach of the Lady Crusaders, she is taking over for Athletic Director Jan McDonald, who coached the team last year while trying to find a permanent replacement for the late Buster Sturke who passed away in 2007.
The Lady Crusaders will return seven seniors and eight starters from last season’s team, which finished 18-18. North Greenville also returns the entire pitching staff from 2009 and will be bringing in a freshman class, which is sure to make North Greenville a consistent power in the future.
“We could have a breakout season if we just believe in ourselves,” Hall said. “It’s such a mental game, so we’ve got to believe we can. We’ve got to rely on each other, but the hardest thing our players must accept is that there are 21 players, but only nine play. I hope they keep pushing each other. We have a lot of people back and everyone has a job; we all have a role. My job is to let them all know they are important and do have a specific responsibility. Every player on our roster has to be ready to step in at any time. Some are better at certain jobs, and they have to be ready when we need them to come in to bunt, or hit or pitch an inning.”
Two of the key returning players will be pitchers Kristyn Smith (11-8, 145 Ks) and Taylor Roof (7-9, 90 Ks).
“Kristyn could play at any Division I school, and has a fastball in the 60’s,” Hall said. “Taylor is very tall and has a lot of leg kick and power in her pitches. I expect both of them to have big seasons.”
Other returning players include Allison Bailey (.294, 5 2B, 2 HR, 13 RBI) who will be moving from first base to catcher, shortstop Hope Brewer (.220, 2 HR) and left fielder Jessica Turner (.280, 2 2B, 9 RBI).
Some freshmen for fans to keep an eye on will be pitchers Laura Hopper, Courtney Campbell, and Kimberly Robertson, outfielder Marielena Santos and utility player Lauren Rickus.
“We are three deep at all positions and this will keep everybody working very hard because everyone knows that somebody will beat them out if they don’t,” Hall said.
The Lady Crusaders will open their season Tuesday, Feb. 16 playing against Carson Newman in Jefferson City, TN. North Greenville’s first home game of 2010 will be against Lees McRae College on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 3