SB: Mavericks wrap up fall practice
10/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Oct. 30, 2015
By Brooke Ortale | UTAMavs.com
ARLINGTON, Texas - The UT Arlington softball team wrapped up fall practice this week setting high expectations for the season to come. UT Arlington coach Kristie Fox is very pleased with what she has seen.
"I really like the energy of this group," Fox said. "They work hard and they have fun. I'm excited to see them continue to grow as a group."
With a 2015 season that saw the Mavs break numerous offensive records, but struggle defensively, they feel they have made big strides on both sides of the ball. Sophomore Sandra Mendoza and freshman Laura Curry hope to solidify the defense with stability up the middle.
"They play really well together and I look for them to continue to grow as leaders, being verbal and taking control of the infield," Fox said. "As far as taking care of the ball, they do a really good job at that."
An area in which the Mavs feel they can improve on is their approach and aggressiveness at the plate.
"That comes with being really young," Fox said. "A lot people are feeling like they have some pressure to try and earn a spot, but I think the more they get comfortable and the more they fall into their roles, the better we'll get with being more aggressive at the plate."
Over the course of the fall season, the Mavericks have created a competitive atmosphere, bringing in eight newcomers that are pushing the returners for a spot on the field. Curry feels as though her freshmen class will help make an impact on this year's team.
"We're adding a lot to this team," Curry said. "A lot of them are really fast, so we are adding speed to the team and a lot of athleticism. So they have a lot of assets and it just helps over all."
With the fall season now officially under their belt, the Mavericks are looking forward to the spring, but Fox hasn't forgotten what got them to this point.
"It's an exciting time to be a part of this program," she said. "We're so grateful for all the girls that have set the foundation these past couple years. I'm excited to see them use that as a foothold as we move into the Sun Belt season this year."
Information regarding the team's schedule will be released soon. Follow @UTASoftball for news and updates.
