The SE softball team started its season with a 5-4 record and soon moved to 7-6 after going .500 in the series against Ouachita Baptist University Feb. 22-23.
Losing two of the four games by one point each, the Savage Storm is now 2-2 in Great American Conference play.
The women started their season in San Antonio, Texas at the St. Mary’s Tournament, Feb.1-3. They went 3-2 defeating Texas – Permian Basin, Texas A&M University – Kingsville and Texas A&M International University.
After losing the first home doubleheader Feb. 15 against Newman University, the Storm fought back the next day beating Newman in both games.
Head coach Ron Faubion said he is looking forward to the rest of the season.
“When it comes to softball, it always boils down to your pitchers, and we got both our pitchers back from last year,” said Faubion.
Returning pitchers are senior Shayna Milam and sophomore Hosanna McCoy.
With the conference play even, according to Faubion, SE is hoping to build on the momentum of their two-game winning streak.
Starting conference play the Storm will be plagued by injury. According to Faubion, sophomore outfielder Courtney Riddle will be missing upcoming games due to a sprained ankle.
Without Riddle’s bat, the Storm are making the most of what they have.
“When you have to change your lineup constantly, it’s hard to get consistent,” said Faubion. “And I really am concerned about that right now.”
By Molly Raley
Staff Writer
Senior Mindy McElroy, junior Jacee Bennett and senior Lacie Cook are players Faubion said will make a contribution to the team this season.
Junior transfer Haley Strawn, who took over the shortstop position, will be a defensive threat for SE.
Leading the conference in stolen bases last season, sophomore Jessica Simmons will be a threat on the base path.
“We have a bunch of real good girls,” said Faubion. “They’re also excellent students too.”
The Savage Storm will be taking the field at home Feb. 28 and March 1 when they battle Harding University.