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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels Continue Preparation for the Upcoming Softball Season
1/16/2003 | Softball
Jan. 16, 2003
OXFORD, Miss. - With the 2003 opener less than three weeks away, the Ole Miss softball team continues preseason workouts for what could be the program's finest campaign.
The Rebels, who opened practice on Jan. 6, return the core of last year's record-setting squad. With a 25-29 mark, Ole Miss posted its highest winning percentage to date and shattered 14 school records along the way.
Seven starters and 11 letterwinners are back from that team, while seven talented freshmen join the mix. UM head coach Candi Letts enters her fifth year at the helm and is happy with her club's effort since the break.
"We've had two productive weeks of practice," Letts said. "Everyone is working hard and very motivated to make a difference this season. The leadership has been wonderful, and the whole team is excited to get the season underway. Our staff has been very pleased with the progress we've made."
After sitting above .500 the majority of 2002, Ole Miss just missed its first SEC Tournament berth a year ago. The Rebels' four seniors - catcher Phyllis Manley, infielder Julie Baumann and pitchers Leslie Day and Lindsay Price - lead a team that is ready to achieve that goal this season.
"Everything is clicking," said Manley, a native of Southaven. "Having the fall to play together has certainly helped. You can tell a big difference with the team chemistry. Everyone is enjoying playing together, and it feels natural. We're getting better everyday."
Ole Miss begins the new season Tuesday, Feb. 4 in a home doubleheader against in-state foe Jackson State. First pitch is set for 1:30 p.m. CST at Ole Miss Softball Complex.
