Softball Season Preview: Eagles seek rebound in 2014
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 30, 2014) – Tallahassee Community College will open the 2014 NJCAA softball season on Friday at the annual JUCO Kickoff Tournament and Showcase in Clearwater, Fla.
The Eagles will play five total games during the two-day event, beginning with a noon first pitch on Friday in the season opener against Hillsborough Community College. Later on Friday, Tallahassee will play Polk State College (2 p.m.) and Palm Beach State College (6:20 p.m.). The Eagles will conclude play in the event on Saturday with games against Florida State College at Jacksonville (11 a.m.) and St. Johns River State College (1:20 p.m.).
Head coach Patti Townsend is entering her 11th season at the helm of the Eagles’ program and is just 15 wins shy of 300 in her NJCAA coaching career.
Recently, TCCeagles.com sat down with Townsend to look ahead to the 2014 season.
TCCeagles.com: Give us an overall outlook on the 2014 season.
Townsend: We’re a sophomore-laden ball club. We’ll have experience and leadership from that group. The freshmen have worked extremely hard, and I’m excited to see how they’ll develop throughout the year.
Offensively, I think we’ll be fun to watch. We’re not going to put up big power numbers, but I think we’ll move the ball well and be exciting to watch on the bases.
TCCeagles.com: What’s the biggest factor for this team from a defensive standpoint?
Townsend: Looking forward to Ashley Dobson coming back and throwing a full season. She’ll be a key for us if we’re going to be successful.
TCCeagles.com: Who are some players you’re expecting big things from in 2014?
Townsend: Te Reo Powhiri Matautia is coming back from knee surgery. I’m excited to see how she plays in a full season. She’s a game-changer. She’s athletic and can hit in the three hole.
Ashley Dobson – longevity with her is key, but she’s throwing the ball really well right now.
Brianna Murillo has been doing a real nice job behind the plate and has been handling the pitchers well.
Alexis Huss has worked really hard on her mobility at first base. I’m looking forward to seeing her grow defensively.
Mariah Rivera is going to be good. She’ll throw a lot of innings for us this season.
TCCeagles.com: Finish this sentence. The season will be a success if…
Townsend: We stay focused. When they get it all together, they’re good. We’ve got to get it together and keep it together. Team chemistry will equal a successful season.
TCCeagles.com: Where is this team’s ceiling?
Townsend: We’re talented enough to go to the NJCAA Tournament. As a whole, we’re probably more talented than the 2011 group (who finished third at the NJCAA Tournament).