2014 Shorter Softball Schedule

By Jim O'Hara
 
ROME, Ga. – Having won a national championship two years ago and coming within a win of claiming another last year, the Shorter softball team clearly understands what the challenge will be this time around – bring their best to the field every single game.

Looking at what the Lady Hawks bring to the table as they prepare to open the 2014 season this weekend, that goal is very doable as Shorter will field perhaps its strongest senior class ever along with old and new faces that give head coach Al Thomas every reason to be optimistic.

"We are very excited about getting the season underway," Thomas said as the Lady Hawks begin the new year playing a doubleheader Saturday in Pensacola, Fla., against Southern Arkansas and a twinbill on Sunday against Thomas University in Thomasville.

"The schedule for 2014 is by far the toughest schedule we've ever had," Thomas added, noting that the Lady Hawks' slate includes an earlier-than-normal start to their Gulf South Conference schedule – Shorter topped the GSC last season – in February, "so we must bring our 'A-game' from start to finish."

That certainly has been the case in seasons past.

After winning the NAIA National Championship in 2012, the Lady Hawks – in their first season competing as an NCAA Division II program – came close to adding another title last year when they advanced to the National Christian College Athletic Association national championship game before coming up short and ended the season with a 48-11 record.

Thanks to the return five seniors who played huge roles last year, Thomas feels that this year's team has ability to once again contend for a national crown.

"We have a great group of returners and arguably the most talented senior class we've ever had therefore," Thomas said. "We expect a tremendous amount of leadership from our seniors and we are optimistic that we can be competitive this season."

Included in that quintet of seniors are three players who are already All-Americans, with one of them seeking to add a third All-American honor to her list of career achievements – Jackie Castaneda of Sharpsburg, an NAIA All-American in 2012 and an NCCAA pick last year when she batted .355 and after playing third base, shortstop and catcher moves into the outfield this year.

Second baseman Felicia Morris of Hiram and pitcher Christina Ezell of Senioa enter their final season with the Lady Hawks after earning NCCAA First Team All-American honors a year ago, with Morris leading the team with a .409 batting average and a .667 slugging percentage and Ezell posting an 18-5 record and a 1.72 ERA on the mound.

Rounding out the five leaders are outfielder Kayla Cooper of McDonough, who hit .375, had a team-high 15 doubles, recorded 41 RBI and led team with 19 stolen bases, and catcher Sarah Corn of Decatur, Ala., who had a solid .297 hitting average at the plate.

The Lady Hawks also boast plenty of veterans who are back to keep the winning momentum going.

Junior pitcher Maddie Bray of Hixson, Tenn., a second team NCCAA All-American last season who was 17-5 and a stingy 1.23 ERA, is coming off an off-season foot surgery and is expected to be ready for play in March; sophomore outfielder Kendall Johnson of Chickamauga batted .311 in 2013 with 34 runs and 26 RBI; and junior third baseman Gracie Ayers of Ranburne, Ala.

Sophomores Janell Echols of Rockmart and Ciera Champion of Temple are also in the mix of returning Lady Hawks.

Added to the lineup that will help maintain the Lady Hawks' momentum is a trio of junior transfers: first baseman/designated player Megan Christensen of Huntsville, Ala., who comes to Shorter from Southern Mississippi; catcher/first baseman Paige Rowland of Eufaula, Ala., an NJCAA at Wallace-Hanceville; and outfielder Maggie Meachum of Trussville, Ala., who played at Shelton State.

Rounding out the Lady Hawks' rosters are freshmen Tori Etheridge of Knoxville, Tenn., Tori Willingham of Summerville, Kameron Carter of Sardis, Ala., Ericka Bynum of Ringgold and Kalei Kimbrell of Chickamauga.

After this weekend's road openers, the Lady Hawks keep their travel bags packed for the next two weeks playing in the Eckerd Spring Invitational in Clearwater, Fla., on Feb. 7-8, at Tampa on Feb. 9. Shorter then opens its GSC schedule visiting Valdosta State for a three-game series on Feb. 15-16, followed by a twinbill against Miles on Feb. 19 in Birmingham.

The Lady Hawks finally return to Rome for their home opener Feb. 22-23 at Alto Park Softball Complex with three-game GSC set against Christian Brothers.

"The potential is there but potential is measured on paper," said Thomas. "We must work extremely hard to be competitive as we play in the toughest DII conference in the country.  

"The team's attitude has been great all along, with a little luck and if we can stay healthy it should be a fun team to watch."