University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Softball Meets With Area Media
1/28/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Southern Miss Softball Meets With Area Media HATTIESBURG, Miss. --
The Lady Eagles, who finished 28-30 last season, open regular-season action in a doubleheader against Louisiana-Monroe, Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 5 p.m., at home.
The following are excerpts from Wednesday's media day:
Southern Miss Head Coach Gay McNutt
On how practice has gone over the first few days:
"It's been going well. We saw some good things, and we also saw some things that we need to work on. Our pitchers are looking very well, and our defense has been letting up a bit, but we are going to work on that."
On how the offense is looking:
"It's going to be much better, but anything would be an improvement over last season. I think that our sophomores are going to step up and play with more confidence."
On the difference this season because of a more-experienced group:
"The players are a joy to work with. They come out and work hard every day. They give us 110 percent every day. Last year, there was a lot of frustration, not just with myself but with them. This year, our players are a little more confident."
On the schedule:
"I don't mind putting our team up against some of the best teams in the country, and that is what we have done. But I think that this team is going to handle it a bit better."
On the senior leadership:
"We have a great senior group. They have been here. They know how important it is for us to be successful this season. That's what they want to do this year."
On being picked fifth in the preseason Conference USA poll:
"That's where we expected to be because we didn't have that good of a season last year. We are going to have to earn that respect. I think this is a good year to do it."
Senior pitcher Jessica Holaway
On the attitude going into the season:
"One of our goals this season is to stay focused this season. We want to do well in Conference USA and we want to win the conference. That is something that we work for every day, and we are not just going to wait until conference play starts."
On being ready to open next week:
"We are comfortable. We are excited and ready to play. Now we just have to see what we are made of
Senior outfielder Heather Bell
On how the team has come along so far:
"We are doing a lot better. We have been practicing very hard. We are working on the fundamentals and taking things step-by-step. That is helping us overall. It helps that we have a lot of experience."
On being able to get back on top in Conference USA:
"We have a much better shot this season. We know what it takes. We played a lot better at the end of last season. At that point, everyone realized that we had what it took to be successful. We just have to keep playing hard."
Sophomore infielder Ashley Davis:
On the difference heading into this season as compared to heading into last year:
"This year, everyone is a lot more positive. Last year, we were really young and didn't have a lot of experience. Now, we know what it takes to play on the college level.
On having a year of experience in the system:
"Last season, we didn't know what we were getting into as far as playing against college level teams. But this season, it should be a lot smoother because we have the experience."
