The University of Mississippi Athletics
Softball Finishes Another Week of Fall Practice
10/27/2015 | Softball
OXFORD, Miss.- The Ole Miss softball team concluded another week of fall practice over the weekend, continuing to find their identity before the 2016 season.
The storyline has been consistent since the start of fall practice, and that is the large amount of newcomers on the team. Coach Mike Smith and his staff are welcoming 15 new faces to the dugout and are looking for ways to insert them into the lineup.
"We're deep at every position," Smith said. "We are just trying to find that right mix. It's been fun to see people battle and try to earn a spot because some are quiet, and some have better leadership. I really think we are going to battling up until our first games."
With no fall game last week, it gave the team an opportunity to grow in other ways instead of preparing for a scrimmage like in weeks past.
"We got a chance to do a lot more team and individual work," Smith said. "We really got to focus on some other things that we otherwise wouldn't when we would be preparing for a game."
"We are getting better everyday. I feel like we are further along now than where we were at this time last year. We're starting to slowly see certain position battles for the spring on who's going to start where and that's a good thing," Smith added.
Smith spoke about the battle for positions in the middle of the field as well, saying certain positions have began to form and give a glimpse of what they'll look like on opening day.
"We love the heated competition and the competitive drive these girls have," Smith said.
With the fall practice period coming to close in a few short few weeks, the Rebels are mostly healthy. The only injuries are minor bumps and bruises from the grueling fall schedule.
The Rebels host Memphis Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. at the Softball Complex.
For all Ole Miss softball news and information, go to OleMissSports.com and follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissSoftball and on Facebook at Ole Miss Softball. Fans can also follow head coach Mike Smith on Twitter at@msmithsb16.
