UMO softball preview: Kylis spent time searching for a supporting cast

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on January 31, 2014 1:47 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- Jaime Kylis searched for a few understudies during offseason recruiting.

The University of Mount Olive head softball coach wanted to assemble a supporting cast to help the program make a return appearance on college softball's biggest stage -- the NCAA tournament.

The Trojans are poised for an encore performance since eight full-time starters return. Just one full- and two part-time starters graduated off of last year's team, which logged 34 wins.

"We were looking for players who could fill a supporting role to what we have now," said Kylis, whose team is predicted to win the 2014 Conference Carolinas championship.

"We brought in two players at the turn of the semester who will look to make an immediate impact. (We will) continue to invest time in our game by getting our work in, keep the energy on us at all times and never stray from the goal of heading back to the NCAA tournament.

"This group expects to win the conference tournament. They are focusing on that NCAA bid."

The entire pitching staff returns.

Senior right-hander Carly White led the team in earned run average (1.76), wins (13), mound appearances (26), starts (20), complete games (16), innings pitched (129), strikeouts (67) and held opposing teams to a .233 batting average.

Five-foot-3 sophomore Madison Johnston finished 8-3 and earned a spot on the all-Conference Carolinas tournament team last season. Clinton native Lauren Smith was named the Conference Carolinas tournament MVP, and picked up the save in a 10-inning win over North Greenville in the championship game.

An all-conference selection last season, first baseman Beth Overman ranked among the team leaders in several offensive categories. The junior from Elizabeth City batted .358 with 21 extra-base hits and 36 RBI.

Kalie Smith returns to the hot corner along with middle infielders Katie Moore (second baseman) and Jennifer Jones (shortstop). Moore, Jones and Overman each started all 49 UMO games in 2013.

Catcher Erin Brogan moved into the starting lineup in late March and batted .306. Kelsey Akers and Savannah Becker are expected to patrol left field and center field, respectively.

"I learned (in the fall) that with this team, they are a year older and wiser," Kylis said. "They are ready for new, tougher challenges and they like to be heard. I don't feel that we are changing anything for this spring.

"However, we continue to let them feel free to tell us what they see on the field, so they have a voice. We want them to have ownership of our progress as a program."

Infielder Madison Stewart and catcher Haley Rollins joined the Trojans this semester. The freshmen are outfielder Ashleigh Mason, pitcher/designated player Caitlin Ewers, second baseman and Rosewood alum Scout Anderson, outfielder Kenan Bunn and catcher Jordan Sutton.

UMO launches its 2014 season Saturday against Peach Belt member Armstrong in Savannah, Ga. The Trojans will play their first 10 games on the road and face perennially-strong programs from the South Atlantic and Pennsylvania State Athletic leagues.

Kylis' team opens its home season Feb. 20 against Wingate.

"Our schedule this season is extremely tough ... have added some more Peach Belt and SAC schools," Kylis said. "We have requested tough schedules in the tournaments we are in (because) it doesn't do us any good to play teams that won't challenge us.

"When we get to conference play, I'm hoping we've already seen the toughest talent in our region, which should prepare us well for staying in the top of our conference."

And the keep the curtain open for that long-awaited encore.