The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Softball Opens Season
1/30/2001 | Softball
Jan. 30, 2001
Lobo Diamond Invitational Notes in PDF Format
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OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss softball team begins the 2001 season Thursday against New Mexico in the Lobo Diamond Invitational. The Rebels and host Lobos play a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. (CT).
The tournament runs through Sunday at Lobo Field in Albuquerque, N.M. Ole Miss plays Colorado State Friday at 3 p.m. and again Saturday at 10 a.m. The Rebels follow that with Kansas at 1 p.m. on Saturday and close out with their first ranked foe, No. 14 Cal State-Fullerton, Sunday at 11 a.m.
In her third season at Ole Miss, head coach Candi Letts will have a young squad, featuring 11 underclassmen on the roster. After a 21-42 season a year ago, Ole Miss returns 10 of 17 letterwinners while adding eight newcomers, many of which will jump right into action.
Among those returning is Amanda Lehotak, who led the squad with a .286 average in 2000. The Omaha, Neb., native moved between first and second base last year, but takes her team-best .984 fielding percentage to shortstop this season.
The Rebels also return the three top members of their pitching staff, which was the team's strong suit a year ago. Senior Jennifer Hughes and sophomores Holly Burris and Lindsay Price posted a 2.46 ERA and 48 complete games between them in 2000.
Ole Miss could put five new faces in their starting lineup this season. One of the key additions is freshman Desiree Layman. The 2000 Florida High School Player of the Year, Layman is set to start at second base, but could see action at first or in the outfield. Also, junior transfers Kristi DiMarco and Amber Slaton, both from Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, Calif., will provide immediate help for the Rebels.
Ole Miss opens its home schedule Feb. 10 at the Ole Miss Softball Classic. The two-day tournament also includes Nicholls State and Tennessee-Martin. The Rebels play 29 games at Ole Miss Softball Complex this season, after only 18 a year ago.
