With such chilly weather outside, it may feel like winter is here to stay, but luckily for Jaguar students, spring is just around the corner and with it comes softball season. The Jaguars’ softball team looks to be headed for a successful season, and the Feb. 7 home opener is quickly approaching.
According to the official Peach Belt Web site, the Jags ended their 2008 season with a record of 28-19. Kayla Hicks, a junior communications major, said that this year the team have set a goal of at least 40 wins. Having that goal in mind, the team worked hard in the off-season to train and prepare, with workout sessions starting at 6 a.m.
Team and individual practices also provided tough workouts in order for the team to be game-ready. This year, the team is made up of five freshman, two sophomores, six juniors and is lead by two seniors, Angii Verbeelen and Danielle Metzger.
“We are ready to win this year,” said Verbeelen, a health and science major. “We have been training so hard, and we all have a common goal: winning the Peach Belt title. There is really tough competition out there, but it’s time for the Jaguars to lead the conference.”
Head Coach Melissa Mullins said she thinks the team and the fans have something to look forward to in 2009.
“This team has big offensive potential,” Mullins said. “We have a lot of girls that are big hitters.”
When asked why she thinks people should come to softball games, Mullins’ replied with, “It’s a fast-paced game, the girls have a lot of heart, put forth extreme effort, plus you get a doubleheader every time.”
In February, the team will jet into action with five home games before a stretch of away games. After traveling for part of the month, the team returns on March 10 in a non-conference matchup against Wingate. Fans need to make sure to get out and see the girls play before April 7, the last regular season home game against USC Aiken.