“Last year was a year of firsts,” head softball coach Phil Berry said. “This season we are focusing on taking it to the next level.”
Last season, the Lady Bisons softball team played its first year after the university dropped the sport in 1985. At the beginning of the spring season, the team was projected to rank 11th (last) in the Great American Conference (GAC). They finished the season in fourth place, qualifying for the conference tournament with a record of 32-26.
“We immediately became competitive and earned respect (in the conference),” Berry said.
According to the GAC softball standings, the team is projected to finish fifth this season. The team has a goal set for the season to win 40 games.
“I think last year we made everyone realize that we are a force to be reckoned with,” senior pitcher Amber Rollins said.
Winning is contagious, and the Lady Bisons have their mind set to make winning a norm.
“The girls got a taste of success last season, so they intend to build on that,” Berry said.
He said this season is not about outcome-oriented goals.
“The girls have adopted the slogan ‘Win the Day,’ so they are setting about to do the right things every day,” Berry said.
For the team, the focus lies on being better people and taking care of what needs to be done in front of them instead of what is to come.
“I just want to go out there and be the best that I can be,” Rollins said.
The team makes this goal possible by the support they give each other on and off the field.
“Beyond performing well, last year was one of the best experiences of my life just because of my teammates,” Rollins said. “We basically became a family within the first week.”
Berry said the foundation of faith and trust sets this team and the women apart from other teams in the conference.
Along with support of each other, the team has had a significant amount from support from the student body. According to Berry, the student support at Harding has been special and the team encourages students to attend games.
“We ultimately hope to create the same atmosphere as the one in the Rhodes,” Berry said.
The team’s first home game will be Jan. 31 at noon against Christian Brothers University at First Community Stadium.
