2020 SOFTBALL SEASON PREVIEW
The 2020 Bulldog Softball season kicks off on Friday as Pitt travels to Barton College for an exhibition game beginning at 3:00 PM.
PCC looks to build on a strong 2019 campaign under first year Head Coach Cassie Harrell.
When asked about her thoughts on the upcoming season, Coach Harrell had the following to say:
Given the recent success of the softball program and this year's pre-season ranking of #14, what are your expectations for the team as you head into your first season as head coach?
"With DII Region X adding 5 first year programs (Brunswick Community College, Catawba Valley Community College, Cleveland Community College, Southwest Virginia, and Caldwell Community College) the competition level and expectations I have for the team will be enhanced. Every team we face will be very competitive, so our focus this season will be to stay consistent, improve as we progress into the season, and overall just play our game. As a first year head coach, I am very excited about the opportunity to lead these young ladies and uphold the tradition of success. Having the privilege of being Jennie Harp’s (former Head Coach) assistant for the past 3 seasons has prepared me for this opportunity. Being pre-season ranked #14 speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, as well as the program. Our team shares one common goal, which is to win the Region X Conference Tournament."
Your team returns 3 players from last year's club. What do you expect their impact will be on the field this season?
The 2020 team returns 3 players from last year’s Region X Regular Season champion squad: right-handed pitcher/utility (Emily McGee), right-handed pitcher/1st base (Rebekah Williams), and infielder (Michaela Lockridge).
McGee earned a 2nd Team NFCA All-American Utility award in 2019. She appeared in 16 games while starting 10 of them last season, finishing with an overall record of 9-1. In 76.1 innings pitched she held her ERA to a 2.11, ranking her 2nd best in Region X Division II. McGee had a .385 batting average along with 20 stolen bases.
Williams fulfilled the role of the closing pitcher last year. She was able to step into several very big ball games and was a true game changer. Williams is very poised, helping her have a great command of her pitches. This season she will find herself in more of a starting role, allowing her to lead the Bulldogs to success.
I’m expecting big things from all 3 of our returners because of their experience. Coming up short in the Region X tournament last season left them with some bitterness they now use as motivation and determination when they look to lead the rest of the lady Bulldogs this season. They know what to expect within the conference and understand what it takes to be successful.
Which newcomers do you expect significant contributions from?
We have added 12 true freshmen and 1 transfer to the roster. After losing 8 starters last year, the newcomers will be given lots of opportunity and playing time. We have a great group of freshmen. Their athleticism, speed, and knowledge of the game will help us pave our wave to success. Marissa Roach (Greenville, NC) will let her athleticism take charge in the outfield for the Bulldogs this season. She is coming off a great senior year at South Central High School, posting a career high .510 batting average with 48 RBI’s. Summer Campbell (Washington, NC) will serve a big role at the plate along with managing the duties of the short stop position. Campbell was a four-year member on the varsity team of Washington High School and had a career batting average of .500. Alexis Phillips (Greenville, NC) from DH Conley High School will look to find a role in the lead-off spot this season. During the fall season, Phillips was able to utilize her quickness to get on base. Phillips is very experienced and knowledgeable of the game; we will look to use her leadership in the infield this season. Although these mentioned newcomers stood out with impressive achievement during the fall season, I expect and look forward to seeing significant contributions from each player in the program.
