Softball Opens Official Spring Practice
1/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 12, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama softball team began official spring practice Monday. The Crimson Tide practiced at the Alabama Softball Complex for over three hours as all 18 players reported for the first workout of the new year.
"The kids were great," head coach Patrick Murphy said. "There was a lot of high energy and everyone was glad to be back. Amanda Locke looked really good hitting. Olivia Gibson and Jazlyn Lunceford stood out in their first official practice. The first day we are just trying to get everything back to normal and getting our arms ready."
The Crimson Tide worked on all aspects of the game on Monday, working heavily on the fundamentals, including an intense infield practice and bullpens.
"Today was exciting," senior outfielder Brittany Rogers said. "It is kind of surreal that it is my last year out here. It was just exciting to get out there with the team and work with a very good unit again. It felt like Christmas lasted forever so everyone was anxious to get back."
Alabama returns 11 letterwinners from a team that made its longest appearance at the Women's College World Series in school history. Included in the players that return are All-Americans Brittany Rogers, Charlotte Morgan, Kelley Montalvo and Kelsi Dunne. Lauren Parker returns as well after earning All-American honors after the 2007 season.
Alabama will open the 2009 campaign at the South Alabama Kickoff Classic in Mobile, Ala. The Tide will open play against Northwestern State on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. Alabama will have its home opener on Friday, Feb. 13 against Notre Dame in the BAMA Bash.
