Softball Begins Fall Season
HATTIESBURG, Miss.? The Southern Miss Lady Eagle softball team began fall practice today, at the Southern Miss Softball Complex, as it begins preparations for the 2005 season.
The Lady Eagles return six position starters and two pitchers this season, while welcoming eight newcomers to the fold.
Southern Miss Head Softball Coach and 2004 Conference USA Coach of the Year Gay McNutt said the team is ready to go.
?Today was our first day on the field, and the players seem excited about the start of a new season,? McNutt said. ?I?m pleased with our off season conditioning. We?re ready to build on last season?s success and we are hungry to do better this year."
Southern Miss, the defending Conference USA regular-season champions, finished the 2004 season with a 33-26 record, including a 19-4 mark in Conference USA. The Lady Eagles also earned a postseason berth for the first time in two years, as they participated in the NCAA Region 7 Tournament hosted by Stanford.
The Lady Eagles will play in two fall tournaments, including the Southern Miss Fall Classic Oct. 9, welcoming Jackson St., Delta St., Southeastern La., and William Carey as participants. There will be a total of eight games played in the Fall Classic, with each team playing three games. Six games will be played at the Southern Miss Softball Complex, and two at William Carey Field. The team will take part in the Spring Klein College Classic in Spring Klein, Texas, Oct. 16-17.
Southern Miss opens its 2005 season Saturday, Feb. 5, in a home doubleheader against Jackson St., scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m.
Southern Miss Fall Classic Tournament Schedule:
Southern Miss Softball Complex
9 a.m. *Delta State vs. Southern Miss
11 a.m. *Delta State vs. Southeastern Louisiana
1 p.m. *Southeastern Louisiana vs. Jackson State
3 p.m. *Southern Miss vs. Southeastern Louisiana
5 p.m. *William Carey vs. Southern Miss
7 p.m. *William Carey vs. Delta State
William Carey Field
10 a.m. *Jackson State vs. William Carey
4 p.m. *Jackson State vs. Delta State
*Home Team
