Bama Softball Opens The Season Today In Troy

The Alabama Softball Team with Head Coach Murphy will begin their 2014 campaign today in Troy, AL at the Troy Invitational. Their first game will be a 2:30 contest with Kennesaw State and a 7:30 game later that evening against North Florida. On Saturday, Alabama opens action against Northwestern State at 2:30 p.m. and finishes up that day’s games Saturday against Middle Tennessee at 7:30 p.m. The ladies will finish out the invitational on Sunday with a match up against in-state Troy at 2:30 p.m.

"SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS FROM ROLLTIDE.COMKennesaw State (2013 Record: 34-20, 16-10 A-Sun) – The Owls will be under new direction in 2014, as Wes Holly, Jr., takes over as head coach after spending the past three seasons as their assistant head coach. He inherits a team that returns seven starters from last year’s squad that earned 34 wins and placed fifth in the Atlantic Sun. Fifth-year outfielder Sara Sikes ranked second on the team last season with a .312 batting average, while junior outfielder Natalie Rhodes led the team with three doubles. On the mound, the pitching staff is led by senior Amanda Henderson, who earned an 18-4 record and 2.00 ERA over 168.1 innings last season.North Florida (2013 Record: 42-15, 18-6 A-Sun) – The Ospreys are coming off a very succesful 2013 season, winning the Atlantic Sun regular season championship to earn the team’s first appearance in the conference tournament. The team’s ace, junior Kaylie Wallace, enters 2014 as the Preseason A-Sun Pitcher of the Year. Last season, she led the conference with a 24-7 record and 1.63 ERA. Seven position starters return as well, including senior outfielder Danica Mandarano, who hit .345 with 57 hits last season.Northwestern State (2013 Record: 40-15, 18-7 Southland) -The Lady Demons are coming off their best season in over ten years, winning the 2013 Southland Conference tournament to earn a postseason bid. This season, they landed six players on the preseason All-Southland team, including senior Brianna Rodriguez who led the team with 20 doubles and 45 RBI.Middle Tennessee (2013 Record: 7-47, 1-21 Sun Belt) – The Blue Raiders struggled last season, earning just seven wins under first-year head coach Jeff Breeden. Heading into year two, a balanced mix of nine experienced returnees and six talented newcomers wil look to get the team back on track. Junior Laura Dukes is the team’s main offensive weapon, having hit .281 last season with seven home runs and 14 RBI.Troy (2013 Record: 21-32, 7-14 Sun Belt) – The Trojans will have a new look in 2014, adding 12 new faces to the lineup with seven freshmen and five transfers. The new look will extend the the Troy Softball Complex, as they recently completed a $3 million renovation. Senior Kacie McAllister is the team’s main returning offensive weapon after hitting .313 with 26 RBI last season. The pitching staff will look to improve after posting a 4.70 team ERA in 2013."

Crimson Tide softball fans will see two familiar faces in two of the opposing dugouts this weekend. Amanda Locke and Kelley Montalvo both hold assistant coaching positions at Northwestern State and Middle Tennessee state, respectively. The Tide is usually a dominant team during opening weekend. Since 2005, they hold a 15-1 record and have outscored opponents 124-12.

Check out The Houndztooth’s 2014 Softball Preview

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Writer: Chilld28