Lady Pioneers open the season Thursday

"Finally" was one of the most heard words Wednesday at the Pioneers softball practice.

"It's game day" said head coach Thad Fox who enters his third season at the helm of the Pioneer softball program. 'We have been working toward this day since the end of August last year."

The Pioneers enter the season with a bad taste left in their mouth after loosing a nine inning heartbreaker to Pitt CC in the Region X Championship tournament last May. " These sophomores remember exactly what that felt like and what our talk in right field was like after Pitt walked off with a win here last year and they have made a vow to never feel like that again." stated Fox.

Nine sophomores return this season from last years squad (five starters). In addition to those sophomores are Francis Marion transfer Brooke Barnhill (Greenville, SC) and PC transfer Katie Seabrook.

In the circle for the Pioneers will be sophomores Bailey Smith, Alison Ruppe, and Chelsea Smith. Joining them will be freshman Casey Whitaker. "I think we have the best staff in the region and as long as we stay healthy they will keep us in every ball game." (Bailey Smith and Ali Ruppe made the All Region team last year as freshman.)

Catching the strong pitching staff this season will be sophomores KC Shue (All Region) and Breana Putman. Freshmen Alexa Ritchie, Rebekah Smith, and Lacy Smith could all see time behind the plate if needed.

The infield will look a little different than last year. Gone are 1B Leah Babson, 2B Kelsey Pruitt, and SS- Brittany Phillips. 3B- Morgan Cox (All Region) slides over to shortop and she will be joined there with freshman Lindsay Gore. The third base job will be manned by the hot bat and hot glove. Freshman- Rebekah Smith, Alexa Ritchie, and Casey Whitaker will all see time at the hot corner.

Covering the right side will be freshmen Janney Piazza and Hannah Holbrook.

Sophomore, Leea Polin will take over full time duties at firstbase while Lacy Smith, Putman, and Casey Whitaker will also see time.

The outfield will return smooth swinging Lauren Eastwood in left field and strongarmed centerfielder Amanda Hayes. Newcomers to the grass will be sophomore Brooke Barnhill. Freshmen, Alex Bettis, Katie Seabrook will battle for time as well as freshmen Nicole Bible and Nikki Bedenbaugh.

"I think we have all the pieces to be very successful this season. We have a lot of power, speed, and pitching, most importantly we have some unbelivable young women that care about each other and want to represent Spartanburg Methodist College in the best light possible and I know they will play very hard everytime out."