Softball Hits the Field for First Practice of 2011
1/16/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 16, 2011
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama softball team took the field for the first practice of 2011 Sunday at Rhoads Stadium. The Crimson Tide practiced for three hours, working on defensive fundamentals and baserunning before taking live batting practice to close out the day.
"We had a high energy, upbeat practice today," head coach Patrick Murphy said. "The hitting today was awesome. Jackey Branham, Courtney Conley, Amanda Locke, Whitney Larsen, Jackie Traina and Keima Davis all looked great hitting the ball. You could tell we had some beginning jitters on defense though.
"This is going to be another fun group to watch," Murphy added. "We have a really good combination of speed and power. This should be a very competitive group."
The Tide looks to defend its Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament championships this year. Alabama returns nine starters from the 2010 squad that received the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, including SEC Pitcher of the Year Kelsi Dunne and SEC Freshman of the Year Kayla Braud.
The team welcomes four newcomers in Kaila Hunt, Ryan Iamurri, Jordan Patterson and Traina. The freshmen were named the No. 3 signing class in the nation by ESPN Rise last year.
The Crimson Tide will open up the 2011 season at the Hibbett Sports/Easton All-Alabama Softball Classic at Liberty Park in Vestavia Hills. First pitch will be Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. when Alabama faces Samford.
