Softball fans got a glimpse at the 2016 season yesterday at the Ole Miss Softball complex as the team played scrimmages against Blue Mountain College and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Although stats cannot be taken in fall games, the Rebels displayed some promising play for the upcoming spring. The significance of these games is to put the players in game-like situations against other opponents that they can’t experience in every day practice.
Freshman right-hander Krista Jacobs led Ole Miss from the mound in the first game and helped seal a 10-2 win over Blue Mountain College.
Ole Miss took a 11-0 win over Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in the 5 p.m. game. Ole Miss came to the plate very aggressive with 11 hits and no errors.
Junior left-hander Alyssa Clayton ran the Rebel defense in game against MGCCC. She seemed poised and controlled on the mound as she dished out several big strikeouts and contributed some huge plays while allowing only one hit.
“I think I played well today. I hit my spots that I wanted to, and I had a really great defense to back me up,” Clayton said. “I think these games help us prepare each day to be able to compete in SEC play.”
Rebel head Coach Mike Smith said he was pleased with the days play overall. Seeing this type of effort on the defensive end and composure on the mound this early in the year is comforting, but there is still so much time for improvement.
“We swung the bats well today. We had good energy, we hustled, and we got to bases. We played good defense and had great pitching in the circle. That’s where we’ve struggled in the past,” Smith said. “Last year at Mississippi State we walked 13 or 14 hitters, but now we have maybe walked five hitters in the last five games. Our pitching is doing well.”
Still, however, there was room for improvement.
“We just need to be aggressive at the plate,” Smith continued. “I think we need to be more aggressive early in the count as well as do a better job with signs and executing and understanding certain situations, but those things will come with experience and playing games. Those things are hard to teach.”
10 new freshman players will represent Ole Miss this year, and coach Smith has big expectations for the them. These next few months before season will give many of the new, young players a chance to prove themselves worthy for key playing time.”
“Players that did just enough to get by because they had an idea of starting now have someone behind them. If we think someone is dogging them, we will put someone else on to the number one team and light a little fire under them. There is so much competition now,” Smith said. “The hardest thing is playing in scrimmages and trying to get everybody in. You have to give your at-bats to the people that you think may be projected starters.”
Coming off a record-breaking 2015 season, Smith aims for this years team to keep the ball rolling.
Last spring, the Rebels set records for triples, walks, steals, on base percentage and slugging percentage. As a team, they batted .309 and scored 303 runs, 272 RBIs, and 48 home runs.
