With experienced returners and six new players, the softball team is prepped and ready to begin its 2016 season. The Bulldogs debut in Arkansas this week.
During the fall, when volleyball and football seasons were finishing, the Truman State softball team was preparing for the 2016 season. Now that the recruiting process is complete and preseason practices are done, team members and coaches say they are confident in the new Bulldogs and the team’s talent overall.
Heading into the season, the Bulldogs added six freshmen to the roster — outfielder Christa Reisinger, catcher Sydney Scherzinger, outfielder Brooke VunCannon, first baseman Morgan McMahan, pitcher Lauren Dale and utility player Michaela Mooney.
Senior pitcher Kindra Henze says she is looking forward to what the freshmen will bring to the field. Henze says she thinks they could contribute in many ways throughout the team’s lineup. Henze says versatility is one of the most important aspects of a softball team, and the freshmen show early promise for the Bulldogs.
“We have a few freshmen joining the team this year, and they all look great,” Henze says. “They’re quick, confident, and have great arms for hitting and throwing. They all work really hard, and I’m sure they’ll really help us this season.”
Last season, Henze had an ERA of 3.03 and recorded 130 strikeouts during 34 appearances. Henze, who threw four shutouts during 13 complete games, says she thinks the team’s goals during the first few games will be focusing on finding its strengths, working out kinks and figuring out where the freshmen will fit into the lineup. Henze says the first few games also will serve as preparation for future games against conference opponents.
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