By: Evann Carpenter, Charlotte Media Relations Intern – UNC Charlotte
Charlotte, N.C.– The Charlotte 49ers softball team concluded their fall season last Saturday on a high note heading into the 2014 campaign back in the Conference USA.
“The fall gave us a chance to mix up line ups,” said Coach Aimee DeVos.
The 49ers picked of wins in six of the eight games during the fall season. Charlotte lost their first two games against UNC Greensboro before reeling of six straight to close the season. Charlotte picked up two wins against Spartanburg Methodist JC, 6-2 and 4-0. “Our pitching staff was strong throughout the fall and we have shown early that we have depth.”
Charlotte also picked up two against Pfeiffer in a decisive 14-1 victory and a dramatic 7-6 win in the bottom of the seventh inning. The final two wins came over St. Andrews, 7-3 and Queens, 5-1, on Saturday, Sept. 28 at home. “Offensively, we had solid production from the entire team, returners and new players. “
Charlotte added four freshmen this offseason to a predominant upperclassmen team. Charlotte added Paige Wall, Beth Blackburn,Brittany Mitchell, and Mackenzie Hauser to provide depth throughout the season. Sophomores Courtney Carroll and Jessica Plemmons will continue to add depth for the 49ers.
The Niners have a lone senior in Chelsea Ingersoll, but seven juniors, Jackie Kleinsmith, Samantha Slade, Hayley Lewis, Natalie Capone, Lexi Betancourt, Jessie Fennell and Chelsea Lisikatos will be looked upon for leadership heading into the spring season. “We were able to work the new players and returners into multiple positions which will prove to give us position depth for the spring. “
“The coaching staff is excited to continue working with the players and preparing for the 2014 season.” Charlotte opens their 2014 Conference USA campaign with non-conference foe Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs, N.C. on Saturday, February 8.
