Lady Bears Hope to Improve on Past Success

After relying on strong pitching performances the first two seasons of Lady Bears softball, Coach Jones believes this team will be more versatile. "We are more athletic, faster and stronger this season." Coach continues, "plus, we have more depth and players can play multiple positions." In the past when a player was injured Coach would have to play people out of position, she does not believe that to be the case this season. Newcomers, Tia Patterson and Madison Spangler, are strong enough to play in numerous spots across the diamond and this versatility will allow Coach Jones more flexibility. 

During the fall season Coach Jones does not play a set starting line-up. She uses multiple line-ups in order to give everyone an opportunity to prove themselves in game situations, but to also find the best fit. "Players may not be playing in their best defensive positions, but overall the defense will be stronger this season and we will be able to overcome injuries because of our depth," said Jones.

The fall season is also a time for the team to come together. In addition to a heavy concentration of strength and conditioning. The fall season allows the team to mesh on and off the field. Players become familiar with their teammates tendencies in the field and they are able to learn how to communicate effectively with one another. All of this leads up to the 3^rd season of softball for the Lady Bears program. Coming off back to back Miss/Lou and Region 23 Championships, the Lady Bears are a favorite to repeat for the third time and earn a spot in District play next spring. The Lady Bears overall record improved dramatically from year one to year two, achieving a 24-30 record last season, up from a 11-37 record in 2012. 

In order for the program to continue to get stronger, the Lady Bears must replace a strong core of sophomores that started the softball program. Katelyn Hines, Haley Grantham, Dara Butler, Alexis Gremillion and Mallory Boudreaux laid the foundation for BRCC softball to continue growing into a power on the national level. According to Coach Jones, leadership void will be hard to replace, "I have named two captains, Sydney McCullough and Micheala Balfantz, for the season because of their attitude and work ethic; however, I hope more of our young players step up and provide the leadership necessary for this team to have success." 

The Lady Bears return three starters from last year's squad. Sydney McCullough, coming off a season ending ACL injury that shortened her freshman season, is working her way back to full strength. She is able to hit and do some jogging at this time, but plans to be back at full strength before the spring season. Two other returning starters split time last season. Whitney Troxclair and Allison Crum rotated between starting at 1^st base and DH last season. Coach Jones will need to rely heavily on the her young, versatile talent in hopes of returning to District play next spring.