By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
CLINTON, S.C. – As the 2022 Tennessee Tech softball team begins its campaign on Friday, things are going to look a bit different in the lineup. Eight newcomers are scattered across the 20-player roster, giving the Golden Eagles a different complexion
They'll be put to the test immediately as Tech opens the season at the Blue Hose Invitational, hosted by Presbyterian College. In addition to the hosts, the Golden Eagles will also face Northern Kentucky and South Carolina State in the three-day event.
Schedule changes took effect late last week and are now as follows (all times Central): Friday – vs. Northern Kentucky, 9 a.m.; at Presbyterian, 11:15 a.m.; Saturday – vs. South Carolina State, 9 a.m.; vs. Northern Kentucky, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday – vs. South Carolina State, 11:15 a.m. Live stats may not be available for games not featuring the host school.
The Tech squad showed a lot of improvement in 2021, finishing 13-20 in the Ohio Valley Conference and would have made the traditional postseason tournament field if it had not been sliced down for COVID-19 protocols. The Golden Eagles return their top batter in Nicolle Nysted, who posted a .340 average with 23 RBI, eight home runs and 14 runs scored – despite missing nine games to injury late in the season.
Mackenzie Fitzgerald, the team's top base-stealer as she was a perfect 20-for-20, returns after a fantastic freshman season, collecting 10 doubles, a triple and a home run with 20 RBI as she came home to score a team-best 22 times.
10-game winner Alyssa Arden returns for another season in the circle. Last year, she posted a 3.38 earned run average across 155 1/3 innings, striking out 96 and holding opponents to a .227 batting average. Haeli Bryson proved herself to be a multiple threat in the circle, in the field and at the plate. She finished with a 3.07 ERA with eight victories in 12 starts, struck out 66 over 112 2/3 innings and held opponents to a .258 average. At the plate, she batted .232 with 12 runs scored, 13 RBI, two home runs and six doubles.
The new-look Golden Eagles will feature two Power 5 transfers in Kaylan Cole (Tennessee) and Abby Buettner (Maryland) as well as JUCO standouts Savannah Talley (Chattanooga State) and Sydney Dukes (Walters State). Freshmen on this year's squad include Gracelyn Woollen (Clarksville HS), Makayli Harris (Berean [N.C.] Baptist Academy), Tyler Erwin (Chelsea [Ala.] HS), Jordan Key (Livingston Academy).
Northern Kentucky finished 2021 with a 14-24 record, including 13-17 in Horizon League play. The Norse returns one of its top two run producers a year ago in Kendyl McKeough -- .308 average, seven home runs, 26 RBI and 11 runs scored. They also return three of their top four pitchers, including Madisyn Eads (2.31 ERA, 6-3, 40 Ks) and Lauren Hicks (3.86 ERA, 5-9, 80 Ks).
Presbyterian finished last season with a 15-19 record, including 7-14 in the Big South. The Blue Hose return top run producer Jaiden Tweed, who batted .225, while driving in 13 with a double and five home runs, and their top batter by average in Rebecca Clark (.289, 4 2Bs, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 12 runs scored). Haley Haselden (2.40 ERA, 7-9, 91 Ks) and Jenna Greene (3.10 ERA, 8-9, 116 Ks) are their driving force in the circle.
South Carolina State finished 4-26 last season, including a 3-14 mark in the MEAC. It returns its top two run producers in DeAsia Lowther (.304, 2 2Bs, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 10 runs scored) and Kat Coe (.167, 3 2Bs, 1 3B, 1 HR, 11 RBI). Lowther also finished 3-13 in the circle with a 5.19 ERA and 36 strikeouts.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
