Coach Beverly Smith looking for improvement in second season at USC
South Carolina’s softball team will begin the 2012 season on Feb. 10 against Tennessee State in the Palmetto Classic.
“I’m really excited about the season opening up on Friday,” said coach Beverly Smith. “The kids have been working hard ... they’ve put a lot work in the offseason.”
The Gamecocks are eager to start the season in convincing fashion after the bitter taste of a 26-30 season, with the last game an 8-0 shutout by LSU. The Gamecocks have made drastic improvements since Smith’s first year as head coach in 2011, increasing the win total by 15 games from the 2010 season. The offseason after Smith’s first season has brought growth to many of the players.
“We’ve seen a lot of improvement with our strength and conditioning ... We’ve seen improvement in their arm strength, we’ve seen improvement with their power at the plate,” Smith said. “One of our strengths is certainly our speed.”
With nearly half the team being seniors, USC will rely on its the veterans for leadership.
“[Last season] was blood on their paws,” Smith said. “That group of seniors, they want more. They have done a superb job taking leadership roles and encouraging the younger players. They are excited to take over the team.”
The outfield will be a strength this season with seniors Lauren Lackey and Kaitlin Westfall and junior Hannah Milks all returning. In 2011, the triad combined for 16 assists and only four errors all season. Not only strong defensively, USC is looking to get offensive production also. Lackey produced a .350 batting average in 140 at bats, Westfall led the team with 5 home runs and .473 slugging percentage and Lackey and Milks combined for a perfect 31 stolen bases out of 31 attempts.
Most of the Gamecocks’ infield will be making a return this season. Seniors Molly Brossart and Evan Childs will be the anchors of the infield crew. Both are looking to improve from sluggish offensive statistics, but continue superb defensive production. Junior shortstop Samie Garcia is expecting to have a repeat of last season’s offensive performance with a team-leading .403 on-base percentage and 31 runs scored. Sophomore second baseman Dana Hathorn had an impressive freshman season with 98 assists and only 4 errors. Hathorn tied the team lead of 28 RBIs.
“Evan Childs has been incredible in practice,” Smith said. “She is seeing the ball big right now and she is swinging the bat with a lot of confidence. Molly Brossart is also swinging the bat very well. Samie Garcia is a threat every time she comes up to the plate.”
South Carolina’s pitching staff will only have three returners from last season. Kierstyn White, Audrey Broyles and Julie Sarratt will be returning with a combined 3.57 ERA and 16-21 record; however, Sarratt will be out with an injury. Broyles will be the starter, adding a new pitch since last year. White also added a new pitch, bringing more experience to the mound.
Despite lacking the depth of last year, the Gamecocks are looking to go the distance this year with a talented team under Smith.
“I hope to see the fans to come out ... and improve on the environment from last year, it was amazing,” Smith said. “I want more people to come out and see what Gamecocks’ softball is all about because it is on the rise.”