UMO softball preview: Trojans eager to take next step in program

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on February 5, 2015 1:49 PM

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By RUDY COGGINS

rcoggins@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- After two consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional, the University of Mount Olive softball team seeks redemption.

And a little more respect.

They're eager to extend their postseason to at least a third game after going 0-2 during each of their past two trips.

"They want to make that stride into being a regional competitor," said newly-minted UMO head coach Mandy Sansbury. "Most of the programs that go to the regionals go every year. We've been for a couple of years (and) we want to continue that, but now we want to up our achievement.

"I think it's completely realistic."

UMO launched its 2015 campaign Sunday and a split doubleheader with perennial Peach Belt power Francis Marion (S.C.) University. The Trojans took the opener, but fell in the nightcap.

Depending on field conditions from Monday's rainy weather, Mount Olive (1-1 overall) opens the home portion of its season today with a twinbill against in-state foe Shaw University. First pitch is 3 p.m. at Nancy Chapman Cassell Field.

Tabbed second in the Conference Carolinas preseason coaches poll, the Trojans nearly return their entire starting lineup from 2014. Sansbury expects to rely on those letter-winners, including a pair of all-conference performers -- outfielder Kelsey Akers and first baseman Beth Overman -- to provide leadership on team with several new faces.

Akers, who hails from Burlington, batted a crisp .427 and swiped 19 bases. Overman mashed five home runs and was almost flawless with her glove, recording a .991 fielding percentage with a team-leading 401 putouts.

Overman cranked out a home run, tied a single-game school record with three doubles and collected seven RBI against FMU.

"We have the talent because we really didn't lose much and we brought in some talented players," said Sansbury, who admitted the fall was a challenging adjustment period, but the team's "tone" has changed since Christmas break.

"(Effort) is far beyond softball with them. They work hard in the classroom. They work hard in the field. Even if we have a day off, a majority of them are going to be out here taking their own reps and do what they can to make sure they're best they can be every day."

That's especially true for UMO's pitching staff.

All-conference performer Carly White, who won all four games inside the circle during the 2014 league tournament, graduated. Maddie Johnston and Lauren Smith return to the rubber after combining for 11 wins and more than 200 innings of work.

Sophomore left-hander Caitlin Ewers continues to heal from an ACL injury and could be a "big factor," says Sansbury. Also in the bullpen are two freshmen -- Kylie Ward and Kayleigh Jonas.

Overman anchors a defense that posted a team fielding percentage of .956 last season. Second baseman Kristin Power, shortstop Akers, third baseman Jazmin Montgomery and catcher Anna Ingram -- a Rosewood alum -- worked the infield in game one against FMU.

Taylor Carter, Ashleigh Mason and Savannah Becker patrolled the outfield.

Sansbury put some different faces on the field in game two. Sierra Vanzant and Erin Brogan played behind the plate. Ewers and Jonas threw behind Smith, who encountered some middle-inning trouble and endured the pitching loss.

"Other kids coming in are pushing the starters more this year, so I think that's made them even better," Sansbury said. "We have options (to put) out there if something isn't going the way we want. We have several kids who can go out there and get the job done.

"I'm excited about the outfield, especially when you play a field as big as (Cassell Field) is."

The diamond's dimensions are 215 down the lines and 225 to straightaway center field.

UMO will have to play to its strengths -- speed, hitting and a "go-get-them" attitude. One year ago, the Trojans recorded 54 stolen bases, knocked 20 balls out of the park, collected 212 RBI and compiled a .291 batting average as a team.

Sansbury anticipates those numbers will rise this spring.

"From what the kids are telling me, they feel like they're getting better offensively," smiled Sansbury. "In a conference like this which is a hitting conference, you're going to have to out-hit teams any way. I think we have a strong defense ... a solid core of pitching.

"I have a lot of kids who are competitive."

And working toward a common goal -- return to the NCAA tournament and get that first postseason win in program history.