Opening day for the 2016 Lady Cougars softball season is this Friday in Cartersville, GA.
Cleveland State is competing in the Georgia Highlands College Border Battle this weekend where they will face West Georgia Technical College and East Georgia State College. Friday's first p itch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
"We have key returners coming back that will bring leadership and experience to the line-up," said Lady Cougars head coach Katie Willingham. "Along with that, I feel that we have some talented young ladies that I am excited to see contribute and grow over the next two years."
Returning sophomores Courtni Hammers, Hannah Godfrey, Tori Townson, Mallory Souther, Kara Headrick and Alex Rominger saw time on the field last year and are expected to be leaders this season.
There are numerous new comers working for playing time.
"The infield has solid performers that could prove to be one of the best defenses in the conference," said Willingham. Meigs County standout Madison Stiner, Bryan College transfer Kaitlyn Heath and Bradley's Chanler Grady are the three that will anchor middle infield. Townson and Hammers along with Cleveland H igh School graduate Brittany Arnold are looking to hold down the corners.
The outfield is lead by Hannah Godfrey in centerfield while sophomores Souther and Rominger, along with freshmen Rachael Goodson, Carly Frost, and Hannah Jones will compete for playing time.
Sophomore Kara Headrick finished top 10 in strikeouts for the conference last season and is the pitching staff's ace this year. Freshmen Kaley Cagle and Haley Hodgson along with Frost round out the pitching staff. "Kara is seasoned and smart about her pitches and has to stay healthy to beat the numbers she put up last year," said Willingham. "We have four very different pitchers that bring different styles to the team and I'm excited to see what they can do this season."
Handling the pitchers this year behind the plate are catchers Souther, Hammers, Arnold, Jones and freshman Emily Banks.
"Offensively, we have a ton of power and consistent hitters that could make that line-up a difficult one for opposing pitchers," said Willingham. "Our goals as a team is to put a lot of runs on the board along with sharp defense to give our pitchers the support they need to be successful."
The Lady Cougars home opener is Thursday, February 18 when Cleveland State hosts the University of the Cumberlands junior varsity squad in a double header. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.