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RICHMOND, Ky. – The EKU softball team kicks off the 2017 campaign Friday against the University of Winthrop in the Wyndham Garden Cougar Classic.
Despite graduating All-Ohio Valley Conference pitcher
Hayley Flynn and all-conference outfielders
Kayla Joyce and
Sarah Fobbs, EKU will look to build off its record-setting season last year. The Colonels started the OVC season 10-0, a school record.
Eastern returns junior centerfielder
Paige Murphy, who led the OVC in hitting percentage at .395 and on-base percentage at .498. She started all 54 games and ranked second in the league with 42 runs scored.
Adding to the preseason excitement, the Colonels will open up their new stadium this season against the University of Kentucky on March 22nd. Eastern will look to even the score, as the Wildcats defeated the Colonels 2-1 last season in Lexington.
Pitching
Alex Sallberg is the only returning Colonel with significant pitching experience. She was second in the country in saves last year with eight, and led the OVC in relief appearances with 25. Also, she recorded 100 strikeouts and was fourth in the OVC in strikeouts with 40. Sophomore
Peyton Hutchens will look to have a more significant role this season. She logged seven appearances last season, posting a 1-0 record. Freshmen
Mollie Paulick and
Ashton Martin will look to compete action.
Infield
Senior
Krislyn Campos headlines the EKU infield. The shortstop and Las Vegas native started all 52 games last year and was the Colonels leadoff hitter for 48 games. Her 16 doubles were second best in the OVC and she posted a .282 batting average. The third base duo of
Johnkyria Alston and Brittany Oldker return as well as both saw meaningful minutes at the position last year.
Hannah Clark returns at second base for the Colonels, as
Rachel Minogue will retain first base duties. Both were named to the OVC Newcomer team last season.
Outfield
Besides Murphy, EKU is extremely young in the outfield. Senior
Kelly Wood looks to come in and contribute in a more prominent way. She appeared in 16 games, 10 of those being starts, and hit .226 on the year. Freshman
Mia Sanchez will be called upon to step up.
Schedule
The Colonels will be on the road for 26 straight games while construction on the new stadium is being finished. They will compete in five tournaments and will play the likes of Miami (OH), Oklahoma State, Memphis, and Marshall.
EKU was recently picked to finish third in league play, behind SIUE and defending champions Jacksonville State.
