This season looks to be an exciting one for the Patriots softball team. With many new freshmen and transfer players to add to an already talented line-up, the team will see a new charisma.

Six returning seniors will provide the depth to the roster. The key seniors to watch are Brittany Frank, Sara Hawkins, Julie Morton, and Lindsey Whiteman. New transfer juniors Erin Clancy and Stephanie Ewing will add needed experience to the team. Returning juniors Melanie Downey, Sabrina McCullough, Ashley Rismiller, and Marie Vickers will step up as upperclassmen in their own right. Sophomores Liz Bowling and Kim Catoe will look forward to a great second season with the team and newcomers Lesley Bryan and Whitney Piar will help the Patriot line-up as they take to the field.

Last season sophomore Sabrina McCullough came out on top with a batting average of .347 and led the team with six homeruns and 26 RBIs. On the base path, sophomore Melanie Downey led the team with 14 stolen bases. Sophomore Marie Vickers was a close second with 11. From the mound, three pitchers dominated their opponents. Junior Sara Hawkins led the team with an excellent ERA of 2.89. Junior Julie Morton struck out the opponent 85 times which led the team. Senior Michelle Stump led the team with two shutouts and the least amount of walks, 12. Hawkins and Morton will have to step up to replace the work she did on the mound.

“We have a lot of talent on this team. This is by far the most balanced team I’ve ever had here at Cumberlands,” stated head coach Angie Dean.

This season is packed with some strong opponents that will show how tough the players are as they face off against the likes of an NCAA Division II team in Carson Newman College.

The ladies will open up their home season on March 18th against Mid-South Conference rival, Georgetown College. The Mid-South Conference Tournament will be held April 29th - May 1st. It will be exciting season to follow as the Patriot ladies try to take it all in the conference and advance to the regional and national play-offs.