Whether its playing in a brand new stadium, having eight new faces on the team, or returning 11 players from last year’s squad that set the single season all-time wins mark, the ETSU softball team looks to build on its successes both on and off the field and finish the season as Atlantic Sun conference champions in 2009.
The Lady Bucs have some unfinished business to take care this softball season after being a win away from playing in the conference championship game a year ago in DeLand, Fla. Unfortunately, for ETSU, they ran into the hottest team of the double-elimination tournament and lost twice to eventual champion, Campbell.
“Since the moment we finished the 2008 season our staff has been preparing for the 2009 season,” comment Mangrum, who enters her fourth year at the helm for the Lady Bucs. “We had the sweet taste of victory winning 30 games, but we left the season with a bitter taste in our mouth knowing we could have finished stronger. We feel confident in the plan of action we have established for this year and look to build on the success of last season. I believe we have all the tools to win a conference championship and our goal is to work harder than our opponents every single day at practice until the season comes to an end next spring. We realize that a great team will beat individual talent and our focus this fall is building a strong chemistry with our players and coaches.”
“I am very proud of my team’s accomplishments both on and off the field,” said Mangrum. “I want to thank Bob Baker (director of academic services) and his staff for their hard work and having our program reach new academic records.”
During the summer and last May, some ETSU softball players were able to showcase their talents in Australia and in state championships.
In July, Hardy and Cason were fortunate enough to play for Team USA in the Australian Friendship Series. Both Lady Buccaneer players raised $4,500 to travel to “the land down under,” and compete against teams from Australia, New Zealand and one other team from the U.S. Their team, which consisted of only nine players, won all eight pool play games and three tournament contests – resulting in a Gold medal for both Lady Buccaneer standouts. Hardy helped her team in the circle and at first, while Cason saw time at short and in left field.
Playing against some tough international teams and facing stiff competition helped Cason and Hardy grow as players. In the end, the trip helped both girls realize this year’s team has an excellent shot of winning the Atlantic Sun championship. A winning attitude and a core group of players is exactly a great foundation for the Lady Buccaneers as they gear up for their inaugural season in ETSU’s new softball stadium – which is located off Greenwood Drive behind the Kroger shopping center.
After breaking ground this past December, the construction has been flowing at a rapid pace. The facility is currently ahead of progress and is expected to be completed this October. The stadium will feature: TV-quality lighting, 500 seats, gated entry concourse, bathrooms, concession and merchandise stands, scoreboard, dugouts), a playing surface with complete drainage and irrigation systems, and a practice infield.
The ETSU softball team will continue with its fall practices as they prep for competition in two fall tournaments. The Lady Bucs host one of the tournaments, which takes place Saturday, Sept. 27 at Metro-Kiwanis Park. ETSU will play three games that day, beginning with King College at 10 a.m.
For more information on Lady Buccaneer softball, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.

Author