University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Softball Begins Practice on Friday
1/14/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- The Southern Miss softball team officially starts its 2016 season on Friday with its first team practice at the Southern Miss Softball Complex.
According head coach Wendy Hogue, who is entering her second season at the helm of the program, excitement is high.
"We are very excited about having everyone back and getting started," said Hogue. "We'll spend the morning in team meetings and hit the field after lunch. I am very anxious to see where we are January 15 versus where we left off in November."
The Golden Eagles return 16 letterwinners including eight starters from last year's team. Southern Miss added six newcomers into the mix.
"Although we are returning lots of starters, you can anticipate many changes to the lineup," commented Hogue. "There's a very strong possibility that the entire infield will be different than last year. We have 22 capable players and plan to have the top nine or 10 in the game. Some of those will be familiar faces, but some will be brand new to Southern Miss."
The Southern Miss softball team is scheduled to play a 55-game schedule that includes 26 games at the Southern Miss Softball Complex. In addition, the Golden Eagles will play 19 games against 11 different teams that played in NCAA Regionals last season.
Southern Miss begins the 2016 campaign at the Sand Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala. on Feb. 12-14. The Golden Eagles host Alabama State in a doubleheader at the Softball Complex to open up the 2016 home campaign on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
