By Chris Parker
Southwest softball returns six experience players in Alissa Russel (senior), Riley Flippo (junior), Kaleigh Tull (junior), Raeli Miles (junior), Rebecca Swanepoel (junior) and Jacee Durossette (sophomore).
Russel will be in right field and occupy a key spot as a leader according to head coach Emily Snyder.
“Alissa Russel will be the type of leader you go to for encouragement,” Snyder said. “With that encouragement, Russel will push her teammates to be the best they can possibly be to ultimately win ball games. We are looking forward to her positive leadership skills throughout the season.”
Flippo, Tull, Swanepoel, Miles, Piper King, Addison Keates and Addison Cotton are all juniors who will also be key leaders.
“Each of the girls listed above have shown huge commitment during off season open-gyms, clinics and any additional leagues offered,” Snyder said. “I have no doubts each listed above will push their teammates every practice and every game to ultimately become a better team. All the names listed above I have great expectations for, and I have no doubts they will rise to the occasion to lead the team this season.”
Tull, Durossette and Addyson Payne will lead the pitching staff. Flippo will be behind the plate catching.
Miles (first base), Durossette (second base), King (shortstop) and Cotton (third base) will be on the infield. Russel (right field), Keates (centerfield) and Swanepoel (left field) will lead the outfield.
“The three biggest strengths that the Lady Trojans will showcase this season will definitely be their positive attitude, strong work ethics and behind coachable. The around 10 or so girls mentioned previously are all ready and willing to do whatever they need to improve, so we can ultimately have a successful season,” Snyder said. “The Lady Trojans’ biggest goal of improvement this season is to simply execute consistently and when it matters. In the off-season, as I have mentioned, we have been putting in a lot of work mechanically. Really, the main goal is to put the pieces together and create a cohesive team that works well together.”
Southwest opens the season Mar. 15-16 at the Verona Tournament.
“The expectation this season is to simply continue the consistent growth concerning skill set and working together cohesively as a team,” Snyder said. “The Lady Trojans ultimately are ready for the growing pains in order to win some ball games.”
