Softball Fall Practice in Full Swing
9/20/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Sept. 20, 2011
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama softball team has returned to the practice field for the start of the fall season. Following NCAA guidelines the softball team can undergo a full regular season practice schedule from Sept. 18, until after the end of fall games on Oct. 20.
"It's been a great fall thus far," Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy said. "Everyone has been working hard and the competition on the team is probably the highest it's been in years. Our new staff members are bringing a lot to the table as well. The positive energy Steph ( Stephanie VanBrakle) and Adam (Arbour) bring to the team is contagious to everyone. We can't wait to start competing as the freshmen have looked really good."
The defending Southeastern Conference champions will look to refine their skills, returning 15 players from the team that made it to the semifinals of the Women's College World Series. The Tide will be returning All-Americans Kayla Braud and Jackie Traina along with All-SEC selections Amanda Locke and Kaila Hunt.
The Tide also welcomes five fresh faces to Rhoads Stadium in Chaunsey Bell, Danae Hays, Leslie Jury, Danielle Richard, and Jadyn Spencer.
The fall competition portion of the schedule begins in Western Kentucky on Saturday, Oct. 1, and will return to Tuscaloosa the following day. The fall tournaments will last for three consecutive weekends. Alabama will play eight games in all this fall.
