Brittany Russ, Sports Information Graduate Assistant – Northwestern State University
NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State softball team opened practice for the 2014 season Monday afternoon under the direction of sixth year head coach, Donald Pickett.
The Lady demons will battle through a tough schedule ahead, complete with four SEC teams, six NCAA regional qualifiers and three NCAA super regional participants.
“We’ve gotten off to a good start and it feels nice to get back into a routine,” said Pickett. “Our pre-conference schedule has some good teams in it, and it will put us in a competitive state for the conference season.”
NSU returns 11 letterwinners, including 2013 All-Southland Conference first team selection Brianna Rodriguez, and position players Cheyenne DelaGarza, Cali Burke, Tara McKenney, Brittany Virgoe, Natalie Landry and Shenequia Abby. Returning pitchers
Louisiana-Monroe transfer Kayla Boening and nine other newcomers have joined the squad and are looking to make a lasting impression on the season. Second team All-Southland pick, Kaylee Guidry, and sophomore Baylee Gray return to the mound as well.
The 52-game schedule kicks-off at the Troy Subway Invitational in Troy, Ala., with contests against North Florida and the host Trojans on Feb. 7, Alabama the following day and Middle Tennessee State on Feb. 9.
