By BRYAN GRISHAM

CSCC Sports Information Director

There might still be a little snow that needs to be removed from the field and ice from around the dugout, but in the world of college softball, it's the middle of spring and time to get the 2010 season under way. Coach Suzanne Bayne and her Lady Cougars are fired up and ready to go as the season opener on Wednesday, February 10 is right around the corner.

"Right now, consistency is the big word," explained Bayne. "We have eight freshman and eight sophomores and this early in the year we are still trying to find a way to play consistent ball on a day in and day out basis. We are very excited about this year's team and we think that they can be a very good team down the road when we get to conference play in March."

As is usually the case in the junior college ranks, some of the starting positions are set and some are still up for grabs. The outfield seems to be pretty well set with returning sophomores, Kelsey Hayes and Stacie Scott along with freshman Paige Smith.

"Our outfield is pretty solid both defensively and offensively," stated Bayne. "Kelsey anchors our outfield and is one of our team leaders. We look to her to set the tone and she does that on and off the field. She had a great season last year. She was our leading hitter and also carries a 4.0 in the classroom."

Freshman Christian Elswick and sophomore Leah Newman will handle the catching duties while the Lady Cougars will mix and match at all four infield positions. Bree Williams and Abby O'Rear will see time at first base while Madison McKinney, Kelsey Baker, Joanie Goodner and Hannah West will all see time at second, third and shortstop.

"We will mix things up and move people around in the infield," explained Bayne. "First base is up for grabs and we will rotate the girls between second, third and short depending on who we are playing and who is hitting. We are fortunate to have several girls that can play several different positions which gives us flexibility."

Pitching will be a big key to the Lady Cougars success this season as freshman Courtney Patrick will toe the rubber along with sophomores Brittany Tipton and Stacie Scott.

The Lady Cougars will have several big tests to pass early in the season before getting ready for conference play in mid-March.

"We have a very tough schedule early and most of them are on the road, so it will be very challenging right off the bat," said Bayne. "We are excited about playing some of the best teams in the NJCAA in three tournaments early in the year. That will give us a barometer of where we are when we get to conference play."

Coach Bayne expects the conference race to be very competitive this year and is looking for her Lady Cougars to make some noise by tournament time.

"We always set goals," said Bayne. "We want to finish in the top four, we set RBI goals, but the big thing that the girls have talked about this year is executing in the right situations such as moving runners up, playing smart and doing the little things you need to do to win a game. The little things will win or lose a lot of games, it all depends on execution."

The Lady Cougars fully expect to improve on their 26-26 record of a year ago. A pair of early season matchups with Lee University highlight the early season schedule including the season opener at home against the Lady Flames on Wednesday, February 10 at 1:00. Tournaments at Hendersonville, Wallace State and Gadsden State are also on tap in late February and early March.

"This team has a big upside," the coach continued. "If we continue to improve like I think we can, I feel we can compete with anybody. Of course Chattanooga State is probably the team to beat and Motlow pulled off the upset last year in the tournament, but I really believe that the championship is up for grabs this year. Anything can happen when you get to conference play. You have to be ready each and every time you get off the bus. You have to be mentally and physically ready to play ever time out and that is what we are working toward."