The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebel Softball Ready for New Season
1/28/2002 | Softball
Jan. 28, 2002
OXFORD, Miss. - With the 2002 season-opener mere days away, there is a fresh optimism on the Ole Miss softball team. The Rebels begin their sixth year as a program Friday at the New Mexico Diamond Invitational in Albuquerque. The three-day event pits Ole Miss against Indiana three times, and host New Mexico twice.
The 2002 Rebels face the task of breaking in a host of newcomers early. Ole Miss returns only two position starters and eight letterwinners from last year's 18-40 squad, while adding some exciting new talent in five freshmen and two transfers.
"There's going to be a real team emphasis," said Ole Miss head coach Candi Letts, who enters her fourth year at the helm. "We'll be so young, everyone will get a chance to play. We'll have more role players with everyone contributing at game time.
"It's going to be fun. With all these new players, we'll have new attitudes, personalities and outlooks. I think the newcomers are looking forward to seeing what they can contribute."
Fourth-year Rebel Jessica Hamilton is the top returning hitter on the 2002 team with a .283 career batting average. After battling injuries her first two years, Hamilton played her first full season a year ago and finished second on the team in hitting with a .260 average while posting the Rebels' highest on-base percentage at .364.
On the mound, junior righthander Lindsay Price takes over as the staff leader. Last season, Price maintained a 3.25 ERA while raising her win total to five. She also notched her first two career shutouts, including a two-hitter against conference foe Kentucky.
Kicking off the season with two straight weekends on the road, Ole Miss follows up the UNM tourney with the Central Florida/Triple Crown Sports Tournament next weekend in Orlando. Ole Miss makes its home debut at the Rebel/Easton Invitational, Feb. 16-17 with Evansville, Tennessee-Martin and Nicholls State joining UM at Ole Miss Softball Complex.
