WILMORE, Ky. -- The Asbury University softball team will open up their 2019 season at Alice Llyod on Thursday at 1 and 3 PM. Below is a preview for the 2019 Eagles.
Early Road Heavy Schedule in Store for 2019 AU Softball Campaign
Coming off a 14-20 mark during the 2018 campaign and entering their first season under interim head coach Zack Parsons, the Asbury softball team is looking to depend heavily on veteran leadership in key positions along with a combination of young talent.
Sophomore Faith Day (Rochester, Ill.) and junior Deana Phillips (Cross Plains, Tenn.) are expected to resume their vital roles both offensively and defensively.
Phillips played and started in all 34 games for the Eagles, mostly as a pitcher, first baseman and right fielder. Batting third in the Eagles' lineup, the Cross Plains, Tenn. native led the Eagles in batting average (.378), slugging percentage (.541), hits (42), doubles (12), RBIs (20), slugging percentage (.541).
Day made an immediate impact for AU as a freshman, playing and starting in 32 games for AU. She recorded a .364 batting average, a .455 slugging percentage and a .406 on base percentage. The Rochester, Ill. native totaled 32 hits and 14 RBIs, scored eight runs and stole three bases. Day is expected to resume her role behind the plate.
Both Phillips and Day were honored with All-RSC accolades at the conclusion of the 2018 season.
AU will also return sophomores Madison Moss (Georgetown, Ky.) and Paige Hill (Owensboro, Ky.). Moss started in 31 games for the Eagles last season and Hill led team in total innings from the circle with 96 innings logged in last year's campaign.
Early Season Challenges
Between February and March, softball will face three opponents who received votes in the national rankings. Taylor University (February 22) is coming off a 32-15 campaign and returns three All-Crossroads League performers. Georgetown College (March 5) went 34-17 in 2018 and advanced to the Mid-South tournament finals against national NAIA powerhouse Campbellsville University.
This grueling stretch concludes with defending River-States Conference champion Rio Grande University (March 15). On the early season Coach Parsons declared, "The first four weeks of the season will be a welcome challenge for our young team. We will learn a lot about ourselves against strong competition."
New Faces Expected to Contribute Early
Freshmen pitcher McKenzie Meyer (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) is expected to rack up inning very early in her collegiate career from within the circle. While freshmen Caitlin Taylor (Louisville, Ky.) and Bethany Marcum (London, Ky.) will be expecting to add defensive stability to a traditionally offensive minded team.
The Lady Eagles will begin their 2019 campaign against Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, Ky. on February 14. Game time is scheduled for a 1:00 start.
