GREENSBORO COLLEGE  2006 Softball Preview

Greensboro College softball is looking to keep its momentum from the 2005 season. Last year The Pride was 24-14 and finished second in the USA South, the best campaign in program history.

Third year Head Coach Kama Tucker returns seven starters and 15 letter winners from '05. The Pride also welcomes four newcomers. 

“Last year we accomplished some great things,” Tucker said. “But splitting to so many of our conference opponents, and not advancing further in the conference tournament has left a large bunch of returnees hungry for more.”

GC now has five talented pitchers on a very deep staff. Senior Kristen Slade (7-6, 2.79 ERA in '05) leads the staff. Coach Tucker is expecting big things from her in '06.  

Sophomores Erica Brown (USA South hon. mention in '05), Jordan Davenport (3-1, 2.15 ERA), and Stacie Patterson (4-1, 1.08 ERA) all return with experience. Slade, a senior, was 7-6, with a 2.79 ERA last year. 

Heather Dobbins has also joined the Pride pitching staff. "Dobbins has great potential and brings power and speed to GC," said Tucker.

Additionally, GC boasts a veteran starting infield. Margaret Hamm (.294 batting average) and Sam Salter will share time behind the plate. Katie Anderson is penciled in at first base and Lauren Manning returns at second base. On the left side, Jessica Clack and Whitney Williams (.300 average, 19 RBI) are back at at shortstop and third base respectively. Versatile Meagan Knight will see time at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd this season.

“Williams is looking very good at third base and is always dependable in key situations to get a hit,” said Tucker. “Juniors Hamm and Manning are swinging the bats very well and are expected to produce more this year. Anderson, Knight, and Salter are sophomores who will all get opportunities to play the field and contribute offensively, too.”

The two newcomers that will see some time in the infield and the outfield are Britney Smith (Smithfield, NC/Selma HS) and Ashley Pennington (Greensboro, NC/ Eastern Guilford HS). "Both Britney and Ashley were middle infielders in high school and will see time at shortstop and Third Base, respectively," Tucker said.

Lastly, The Pride has a strong group of athletes playing outfield. "Two of three starters return," said Tucker. "Two other returnees and the three freshmen could also see some time in the OF."

USA South second teamers Jennifer Simms (.386 average) and Jenee Johnson (team leading .423 average) headline the outfield group. Expect Simms to be in right and Johnson in center. Sophomore Joy Daniels is back and will be a key contributor in LF. 

Talented slapper/outfielder Kendra Leghart (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run HS) in VA will help contribute in the field, at the plate, and on the base path. Smith and Pennington could also see time in the OF as they are both athletic and have the arm strength and foot speed to be successful at the collegiate level, according to Tucker.

The 2006 Pride softball program faces its toughest schedule to date. They travel to California to compete in a difficult week-long tournament and face a number of nationally ranked opponents. Coach Tucker expects the schedule to pay dividends when a very competitive USA South Conference season arrives.

“We are excited and confident that the team will work hard and continue to improve,” Tucker said. “This year we are setting our minds on an even higher athletic accomplishment and are hopeful with better team chemistry and a strong core group of athletes, there are new records to be broken!”