Daily Commercial Softball Preview
Leesburg, Fla. – The Lake-Sumter State College softball team is set to take the field for the 2019 season this weekend.
It was a banner year for softball in 2018. The team broke the program wins record going 32-28 while making a postseason appearance for the first time since 2014. Junior College athletics are always a revolving door with student-athletes because they only get two years to play and then they move on. It is no different for Lake-Sumter softball who had to replace 80 stolen bases on the right side of the infield in the form of Brooke Ferguson and Rachel Phelps. Not to mention the programs all-time wins leader, Jasmine McQuaig, also graduated.
"We are returning seven starters and have several newcomers ready to make an impact," said Head Softball Coach, Jay Miller. "This is an extremely exciting time for us. What we did last year means nothing to us at this point. New season, new book to write."
Abbey Primavera heads up a pitching staff comprised of sophomores Emily "Ernie" Murphy and Allie Geier. Primavera led the team in innings pitched as a freshman with Geier breaking the programs single season saves record along the way.
The middle of the lineup will look very familiar with Jenna Curtis, Nini Underwood and Taylor Dotson all back for their second season. All three hit over .300 and combined to steal 44 bases while driving in 88 RBI's. Lucia Esposito will return behind the plate after starting in 36 games last season. Local products Mackenzie Reeves and Meghan Young both played a pivotal role in 2018 and look to do the same starting this weekend.
"We have got a great mix of new faces and old faces with this group and I cannot say enough about how they have come together as a family," said Miller.
The entire starting outfield will return for LSSC which includes Dotson, Curtis and Taylor Turner. Sophomore transfers Karsyn Connell, Alysha Bolling and Ashlyn Allen will look to make an impact wherever they can during their short stay in Leesburg.
This class of 14 sophomores will welcome nine freshman to round out the roster of 23. First pitch will take place Friday in Leesburg with the Lakehawks welcoming in GA Highlands in double header action starting at 1 pm.