The Tennessee Tech softball team is up for a challenging run as it tries to bounce back from a mediocre season in 2013. The Golden Eagles ended their season going 11-11 in the conference for an overall 7th place finish. Tech lost early in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament against SIU Edwardsville and Eastern Kentucky to end last season.
Head Coach Bonnie Bynum said she thinks the Golden Eagles are well prepared for the season.
“We have worked hard this pre season, and despite few opportunities to get on the field because of weather,” said Bynum. “We have worked hard in every element and situation that has been presented.”
The 2014 season looks challenging for the Golden Eagles as they go toe to toe against six schools that played in last year’s NCAA tournament, including the College World Series runner-up from last year, the University of Tennessee. Senior Catcher Chelsea Burgess said she sees the Vols just like any other team.
“Playing Tennessee is just like playing any other team,” said Burgess. “Yes they may have been the runner up in the Women’s College World Series last year, but they put on their cleats and uniforms just the same as we do here at Tech.”
The Golden Eagles opened their season with national tournaments, including the Plainsman Invite hosted by Auburn University. The Golden Eagles are still looking for their first win after returning to Cookeville 0-5.
This weekend, they travel to the Phyllis Rafter Memorial Tournament hosted by Kennesaw State. Then finally the Frost Classic hosted by UT Chattanooga. The Golden Eagles then begin their season playing on the road at East Carolina.
The Golden Eagles will play a total of 17 games before coming back to Cookeville for their home opener on March 5 against Holy Cross.
Senior Catcher Kendall Hooper believes her team is ready for the upcoming season.
“Preseason training changed a little bit with the new strength coaches that were brought on staff at Christmas, but they have done nothing but better prepared us for the season,” said Hooper.
OVC play will begin on March 15 against Jacksonville State.
