University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Softball Opens Season With Doubleheader Against UL Monroe
2/3/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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Game Notes
Southern Miss Softball Opens Season With Doubleheader Against UL Monroe
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- After nearly a month of preseason practice, the Southern Miss softball team's wait is over as it opens the 2004 season with a Wednesday doubleheader against Louisiana-Monroe.
The Lady Eagles host the Lady Indians in the season opener for both teams. First pitch for the opening game is set for 5 p.m., while the second game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Both contests will be played at the Southern Miss Softball Complex.
Under the direction of fourth-year Head Coach Gay McNutt, the Lady Eagles enter the season after posting a 28-30 mark and a 12-12, fifth-place C-USA finish in 2003. Seven position starters return from last season's team, as well as all three pitchers.
Senior outfielder Auriel Jenkins is the top returning hitter from 2003, leading the team in a number of categories. Jenkins paced the Lady Eagles in batting average (.285), on-base percentage (.341), runs (31), hits (43) and total bases (67). Preseason All-Conference USA senior outfielder Heather Bell is the top returnee in the power numbers, leading the team in home runs (6) and slugging percentage (.473) last season. Bell also added 21 RBIs and had a .271 batting average, both second behind Jenkins' numbers. Senior designated player Sarah Boyd also was among the team leaders in hitting last season, posting a .256 batting average, 40 hits, four home runs and 22 RBIs.
Other position starters returning include sophomore second baseman Charity Butler, sophomore shortstop and 2003 All-Conference USA Tournament selection Jessica Huerta and sophomore third baseman Ashley Brenan. Sophomore Ashley Davis, a member of the All-Conference USA Freshman Team, makes the switch from the middle infield to first base this season. Junior outfielder Diane Hammes and senior outfielder Erica King also return this season. Newcomer Sue Logan is slated as the starting catcher.
On the mound, senior pitchers Jessica Holaway and Danielle Hatfield return, as well as sophomore hurler Danielle Wymer. Holaway led the team with a 2.15 ERA and 120 strikeouts last year, while posting a 15-16 record. Hatfield led the team with an 8-3 record and had a 3.22 ERA with 36 strikeouts. Wymer finished her freshman season with a 5-11 mark, to go along with a 3.30 ERA and 31 strikeouts. Freshman left-hander Jessica Saunier gives the Lady Eagles a fourth pitcher in the rotation.
Louisiana-Monroe finished with a 19-29 record last season and placed seventh in the Southland Conference standings. Junior outfielder Kristen Baker is the top returning hitter from a year ago, finishing with a .327 batting average. Sarah Freeman is the top returning pitcher after a 7-12 record and a 3.56 ERA in 2003.
Following Wednesday's doubleheader, the Lady Eagles stay at home to host Nicholls State in a doubleheader on Feb. 11.
