Troy Softball Ushers in New Style this Weekend

Troy Softball Ushers in New Style this Weekend

2/8/2023 3:31:00 PM | Softball

By: Troy Athletics Communications

TROY, Ala. – New beginnings. Troy Softball ushers in a new era on Friday with head coach Eric Newell filling out his lineup card for the first time as Troy's skipper. A 17-year coaching veteran, Newell is looking forward to seeing his Trojans in action for the first time and seeing their offseason work transitioning to a new style of play pay off.

"We want to score first, whether that's via a squeeze play, moving runners with a sacrifice bunt, hit and run, we want to get on the scoreboard first because I believe that changes the dynamic of the game," Newell said. "We're not going to live and die by the 3-run home run. We want all our players to have in their arsenal the ability to lay a bunt down if necessary and move a runner.

"We're going into the season with a different run-scoring approach than they are used to," Newell said. "We are looking to score first, score often and put as many crooked numbers on the board as we can."

The Trojans return seven position starters from last year's squad that won 31 games overall and posted a 15-12 mark in Sun Belt play, including Sun Belt Preseason Player of the Year Kelly Horne and all-world pitcher Leanna Johnson in the circle.

"Our pitchers are going to give us a chance day in and day out," Newell said. "If we can find ways to play good defense and score a few more runs, then we're going to be in most games because our overall pitching staff is really a strength for our team."

Horne led the Sun Belt with 14 home runs last season and broke Troy's on-base percentage record for the second straight season, while Johnson enters 2023 needing just 17 wins to become the program's all-time leader.

Another key aspect for Newell and his coaching staff throughout the fall and winter practices was developing versatility across his team, with players having the ability to fill in at a variety of different positions depending on the situation and needs of the team.

Audra Thompson provides some of that versatility for the Trojans with the ability to play across the diamond in the infield to go along with a bat that produced 21 RBIs and seven extra-base hits last year. Additionally, the Trojans are loaded with talent in the outfield with the return of Jade Sinness, Taylor McKinney and Anslee Finch, who combined to start 152 games last year, plus Katie Lively, who was an All-Sun Belt selection in 2021 and Florida State transfer D'Aun Riggs. Emma Grace Walker and Jaida McCord will also work their way into the mix in the outfield.

"I've always believed in not closing yourself to one idea or one type of thinking," Newell said. "We're prepared for when we inevitably face some adversity during the year if a player gets hurt or goes into a slump. We're prepared for that, and it's the next player up mentality and our versatility certainly should help us."

Horne returns at second base, where she's been ranked in the top eight nationally by multiple softball publications. Sissy Dunn, a freshman from Brantley, is expected to compete for playing time at first base, while Natalie Turner is in the mix at shortstop and Kennedi Gaton returns after starting 46 games last year at third base, plus Aayanah Hughes can provide depth at multiple positions.

"The team is super excited and would start today if all possible," Newell said. "It's my first time at the Division I level, so there is a sense of excitement and a sense of anxiousness, but there is also a calming presence that it's still just a game and what I've done for almost 20 years. I'm excited and looking forward to this weekend."

In the circle, Johnson is the headliner, having started 37 of Troy's 52 games last year, but Newell has a strong complement of arms waiting in the wings with Libby Baker, Haley Pittman, Olivia Cato and Brookelyn Cannon. Making up the battery will be a mixture of Katelynn de Leon and Emma Faulk.

Troy hosts SIU Edwardsville and Belmont this weekend for the Trojan Invitational with seven games scheduled from Friday to Sunday at the Troy Softball Complex.