Rebel Softball 2003 Outlook

Nov. 11, 2002

Ole Miss softball reversed its fortune in 2002, and now pointed in the right direction, the Rebels are looking to make some serious noise. With 11 letterwinners and eight starters backs, program season no. 7 could be a lucky one with a first SEC Tournament berth clearly in sight.

"We have a lot to look forward this year," said UM head coach Candi Letts, who is entering her fifth season with the Rebels. "Obviously we're coming off a great season, and we have that core of that team returning. With the veterans we have coming back, we have a chance to be a real contender in the Southeastern Conference."

The 2002 campaign was the Rebels' finest to date. With an overall record of 25-29, Ole Miss recorded its highest single-season winning percentage ever at .463, in one of seven team season records broken or tied in 2002.

With the Mar. 26 sweep of Jackson State, Ole Miss reached the 20-win plateau faster than any previous UM team. Game two of that JSU doubleheader saw the Rebels set or tie UM single-game records for hits, runs and RBI in a 20-0 shellacking, which also gave Ole Miss its record-tying ninth-straight win. The Rebels were above the .500 mark up until the final weeks of the year, and just missed making their first SEC Tournament appearance.

The Rebel pitching staff turned in another strong campaign from the mound. Led by Team MVP Leslie Day, the Ole Miss hurlers registered the lowest staff ERA ever at 2.16 to go with eight shutouts. A native of Nesbit, Miss., Day compiled 10 wins, a 1.80 ERA and three shutouts.

Day and fellow righthander Lindsay Price, who picked up five wins and a 2.91 ERA a year ago, equip Ole Miss with a pair of senior arms and a veteran presence from the mound.

"Both senior pitchers are looking to finish on a good note," Letts said. "Leslie is coming off a big year. She showed great poise and improved tremendously. Lindsay has matured a lot and is set to have her best year yet."

The biggest difference for Ole Miss in 2002 was the offense, particularly its power. The single-season school record for homers fell after only 17 games, and eventually so did the standards for runs and RBI.

Leading the charge was SEC Freshman of the Year candidate DeDe Justice. The Nero Beach, Fla., native broke or tied 10 school records in her debut season. Justice matched the UM career home run mark with 11 in only her first year in the Red and Blue. She tied the NCAA single-game record for doubles with three against Southern Miss, and she equaled three single-game school marks vs. Jackson State, batting 4-for-4 with four runs and five RBI.

Splitting time between catcher, designated hitter and right field, Justice finished the year with a team-best .313 average and 28 RBI, while ranking among the SEC leaders in slugging (.585) and on-base (.420) percentages.

"DeDe coming back is huge," Letts said. "She did a great job as a freshman last year, and we're looking for even bigger things this year. She gives us a real power threat at the cleanup spot that few times have."

Also contributing to the Rebels' newfound power in 2002 were rising juniors Andrea Brahs and Desiree Layman, each hammering four homers. A juco transfer first baseman, Brahs provided some key hits throughout the season and finished second in RBI with 24. Layman, a shortstop from West Palm Beach, Fla., totaled a team-high nine doubles while driving in 19 runs.

Joining that returning duo in the infield is fellow Florida native Megan Kozar. The sophomore second baseman had a solid rookie season a year ago, batting .228 and tying for second on the team in stolen bases with eight.

"We have some experienced position players back in the infield," Letts said. "Defensively, we should be a lot better just with the experience these players have under their belt.

"Offensively, Andrea was a big clutch hitter last year, and Desi continues to give us a lot of extra base hits. All three players strengthen this lineup."

The Rebels also return experience in the outfield with starters Brooke Turner and Britte Hardy. Turner, a sophomore centerfielder, and Hardy, a junior leftfielder, give Ole Miss speed on the basepaths, swiping 11 and 8 bases, respectively, last season. Junior outfielder Jenny Cox played in 23 games a year ago and was a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen bases.

"With Britte and Brooke, the outfield should be much stronger this season," Letts said. "After a year playing together, those two will have much better communication.

"Jenny has a lot of experience, and understands what it takes to compete for a full-time spot."

For leadership, the Rebels need not look any further than behind the plate. Senior catcher Phyllis Manley provides a vocal presence on the field in addition to strong defense. She is easily the SEC active leader in runners picked off with 18. At the plate, Manley also registered career highs in RBI with 11 and doubles with five last year.

"Phyllis brings so much to this team with her great experience," Letts said. "She does a great job with our pitching staff, and knows how to direct this team on the field."

Whether on the field or from the bench, senior infielder Julie Baumann also serves as a leader for the Rebels with her selfless attitude.

"Julie is the ultimate team player," Letts said. "She is a great role player, and is willing to do whatever it takes for this team to be successful."

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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