Softball 1/26/2015 2:25:00 PM

SOFTBALL 2015: SEASON PREVIEW

2015 Schedule | 2015 Roster

RADFORD, Va. ---- With just less than two weeks before its first pitch of 2015, the Radford softball team is set to build off last season's successes and prove itself a contender in the Big South Conference.

"We are excited to begin the season and see what our hard work in the offseason will produce on the field," said head coach Maggie White. "Our team has put in hours of training and practice, and we are anxious to begin coming together on the field and competing with strong opponents throughout the schedule."

The Highlanders return seven of their nine defensive positions from a year ago. Radford's leader at the plate, Jessie Hutchens, graduated following the conclusion of last season leaving the Highlanders looking to junior Whitney Davis, who batted .283 with 10 homeruns, to fill the void. In the circle, sophomore Abby Morrow, who started 16 games in the circle a year ago, is expected to build upon her Big South all-freshman team effort.

"Abby (Morrow) will lead us in the circle after having a strong freshman season," White said. "Her work ethic and her desire to succeed will motivate the pitching staff behind her to compete in the circle every day."

Radford returns two Second-Team All-Big South selections. Junior Becky Mantel was second on the team a year ago in conference play, hitting .354 with seven homeruns, while Davis was one of three Highlanders to hit north of the .300-mark in Big South play.

"Offensively, Whitney (Davis) has developed into a strong leader," said White. "Last season, she grew tremendously as a hitter and is always a power threat to opponents."

White is looking to Morrow and senior Kelsey Weddle to step in as the pitching staff's starters. Morrow led the Highlanders last season with a 2.91 ERA on the year, while also ranking in the top-10 in the country for fewest walks per seven innings pitched (0.88). Weddle, a junior college transfer from Walters State Community College, saw limited action a year ago for the Red and White, but will be counted on with her NJCCA World Series experience from 2013. Freshman Tiffany Brown could also work her way into a starting role this spring after having a very strong fall schedule.

"Tiffany had a productive fall learning how to adapt her pitching to the college game," explained White. "She is a tough competitor and brings a fire to the circle. We are excited to see what she is capable of this season."

With five juniors in the lineup, Radford's defense will have an upgrade from a year ago. The coaching staff attributes the improvement to the overall experience the team has gained. Now upperclassmen, the junior class will be leaned on, along with seniors Mackenzie Blackwell and Weddle, to lead the Highlanders. In addition to the depth 2015 brings, all of last year's starting outfield returns.

Radford finished third in the Big South with a record of 14-10 against conference foes in 2014. It was the 10th straight season that Radford posted a winning tally in league play.

Looking ahead to the upcoming slate, the Highlanders' first 12 tilts will be away from the Radford Softball Stadium, with the first home matchup coming on Feb. 25 against Virginia Tech. The season kicks off on Feb. 7-8 at the Elon Tournament in Elon, N.C., against USC Upstate and the weekend's host, Elon.

For the latest news on the Radford softball team, follow the Highlanders on Twitter at @RadfordSoftball. To keep up with all Radford athletics, follow @RU_Athletics on Twitter.

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Players Mentioned

#22 Jessie Hutchens: UT; 5' 9"; Senior; R/R

#8 Mackenzie Blackwell: OF; 5' 7"; Senior; R/R

#15 Whitney Davis: 3B; 5' 11"; Junior; R/R

#12 Becky Mantel: OF; 5' 4"; Junior; R/R

#2 Abby Morrow: P; 5' 10"; Sophomore; R/R

#11 Kelsey Weddle: P; 5' 10"; Senior; R/R

#0 Tiffany Brown: P; 5' 8"; Freshman; R/R

Players Mentioned

#22 Jessie Hutchens
: 5' 9"; Senior; R/R
: UT

#8 Mackenzie Blackwell
: 5' 7"; Senior; R/R
: OF

#15 Whitney Davis
: 5' 11"; Junior; R/R
: 3B

#12 Becky Mantel
: 5' 4"; Junior; R/R
: OF

#2 Abby Morrow
: 5' 10"; Sophomore; R/R
: P

#11 Kelsey Weddle
: 5' 10"; Senior; R/R
: P

#0 Tiffany Brown
: 5' 8"; Freshman; R/R
: P