UT Arlington softball team will be looking for another successful season in the Southland Conference. The Mavericks return 12 from the previous season, including five seniors.
UTA begins its season picked to finish sixth out of 11 teams in the SLC Preseason Poll. While the teams overall record was 23-24, the team finished 17-13 in a tough Southland conference.
"Softball in the Southland Conference is getting stronger from top to bottom every year. We will not take any team lightly," coach Debbie Hedrick said.
But Hedrick has the ultimate confidence in her team though. She thinks her team has enough to win the conference.
"I expect us to contend for the SLC Championship," Hedrick said.
Senior and first team preseason catcher Samantha Chumchal is one of five seniors to return to the lineup. Chumchal led the team with a .324 batting average where she connected on 33 hits, including four doubles and a team high nine homeruns.
Along with Chumchal, last year's Southland Conference Utility Player of the Year-Heather Fortenberry looks to make an impact in her final season as a Maverick. Fortenberry split time on the mound and in the outfield where she recorded a .303 batting average with six homers and a 7-7 mark on the hill. Fortenberry was also named a first team preseason pick.
A new face will be on the mound for the UT Arlington Mavericks as freshman Teri Lyles looks to make and immediate impact. Hedrick expects Lyles to add depth to the rotation.
"Teri Lyles will add depth to our pitching staff and be a strong competitor on the mound for us this year," Hedrick said. "She has good movement on her ball and she wants the ball in pressure situations."
Hedrick expects her juniors and seniors to lead the way this year.
Junior Rebecca Collom who has been a strong voice in the Mavs infield joins the seniors in bringing leadership to the team. The first baseman finished first on the team in doubles (10) and second in hits (36) and was a SLC third team recipient last season.
"I expect my juniors and seniors to be strong leaders and I expect all of my players to play their role to contribute to the success of this season," Hedrick said. "If each of my girls take responsibility for their performance, we will be successful."
Senior pitcher Cara Hulme returns as the Mavs number-one ace on the hill. She was second on the team with home runs last year with eight, right behind Chumchal's nine. Hulme also led the Mavericks in pitching last year with a 3.36 ERA and 13 wins. She also picked up four shutouts last year, the only returning Maverick to have multiple shutouts from last season.
The Mavericks open their season tomorrow at the Texas State Tournament in San Marcos, Texas. UT Arlington takes on Oklahoma State at noon followed by New Mexico at 4 p.m.
