Kawehi Chan may start off the pitching rotation when JCSU faces Salem International in the season opener
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's softball team will open their 2011 season on Friday, February 11th versus Salem International University in a non-conference doubleheader at Biddleville Park. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 pm.
JCSU finished the 2010 season at 18-23 overall and 8-7 in the CIAA. The Lady Golden Bulls advanced in the CIAA Softball Championships with wins against St. Paul's, Shaw, and Fayetteville State. However, Bowie State served up both J.C. Smith losses in the double elimination style tournament. The team won 11 more games in 2010 than in 2009. Second year head coach
Jovon Times might be the catalyst to the change in the program.
“We've been working hard during the offseason and hopefully we'll see the results on the field, said Coach Times. “I have a great group and with last year being my first, we had to adjust to each other. Now, we're in a phase of trying to extend our successful and go further than we did last season.”
Johnson C. Smith has eight student-athletes returning to the roster this year from last season's squad, including five seniors. The multi-talented duo from Hawaii: seniors
Kawehionapua Chan (Honolulu, HI) and
Allycia Watanabe (Waipahu, HI) will anchor the team's direction. Both Chan and Watanabe rotate around at the pitcher, catcher, and shortstop positions. Chan should be at the top of the bullpen, followed by Watanabe for relief.
Fellow senior
Samantha Smith (Whiteville, NC) will be the lone All-CIAA selection returning. Smith played behind the plate in 2010 and will be the primary catcher this season as well. She has played in all 34 games with 33 hits, 19 RBIs, and 35 runs scored (team leader in all three categories). Smith recorded one homerun, four doubles, and four triples with 29 stolen bases. Her senior campaign could generate even more offense.
Senior
Ashley Williams (Temple Hills, MD) and
Jon-Alicia Palazzo (Queens, NY) will provide support in the outfield. Williams had spurts of being a power hitter last season. In 32 games, Williams had 65 at-bats, 12 RBIs, and 10 runs scored including a homerun. Palazzo only played in seven games with 10 at-bats. Expect more of a contributing role from Palazzo in her senior season.
Juniors
Alexis Webb (Durham, NC) and
ShaDella Reese (Atlanta, GA) also return this season to build upon last year's development. Webb is a three-year starter at the first base position. She had .241 slugging percentage with 12 runs scored, 14 hits, and six RBIs. Webb is solid defensive presence on first. Reese started every game she played (29 games) at second base or shortstop. She tallied 21 hits off 78 at-bats and nine runs scored.
The final returner is sophomore third baseman Alexandria Buckley (Charlotte, NC). Buckley showed smarts on and off the diamond. She honored as an All-American Scholar-Athlete by the National Fast pitch Coaches Association (NFCA). Buckley was also third on the team in at-bats (100) and runs scored (24) as a true freshman. She also connected twice for two homers. Expectations are for her to blossom more offensively and become more of a leader in the dugout.
New to the team are freshmen Alexis Hughley,
Britney Warren, and
Ashton Byrd. Hughley is a 5'3 native of Atlanta, GA, brought in to play second base. Warren is also a native of Atlanta and she will provide support to the outfield at center. Byrd is a new additional to the bull pen. She will add more depth to the pitching rotation and some relief for the 1-2 Hawaiian Punch.
The Lady Golden Bulls first opponent will be Salem International University out of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). Salem has had some struggles the last two seasons, totaling three wins in two seasons. The Lady Tigers finished 2-30 in 2010 and 1-43 in 2009.
The first pitch for the 2011 Lady Golden Bulls softball season will take place on Friday, February 11th at 3:00 p.m. from the mound at Biddleville Park.
