Season Preview: Grace Softball Prepped For 2023 Season
February 13, 2023 at 11:38 p.m.
Season Preview: Grace Softball Prepped For 2023 Season
By Grant Cook-
Under the Coolen’s, last year’s Lancer squad proved to be a tough matchup for any opponent. Grace had five games against NAIA ranked teams that were decided by one run.
Along with improving their win total by nine games in the 2022 season, the Lancers also knocked off No. 17 Marian on the final day of the season.
“We want to keep building on last year's progress,” said coach Coolen. “Our goal is to continue establishing our culture as we push to make the postseason.”
Two players that Grace will lean on as they strive to continue to improve on last season’s success, are Jeri Ellis and Cassie Hayes.
Ellis was a dangerous bat in Grace’s lineup last season as she led the team with 49 hits and was tied for the team lead in stolen bases. Ellis also possesses a valuable two-way skill set, as she also served as the Lancers’ ace pitcher a season ago.
As a sophomore, Hayes made tremendous strides and established herself as one of Grace’s most consistent hitters. Hayes blasted eight home runs during Crossroads League play and finished as the Lancers’ RBI leader.
“Ellis and Hayes made the All-Crossroads team last year and are expected to have big roles again this year,” commented the Coolen’s, “We’re also excited to see the sophomore and junior class continue to develop and have a bigger impact this year.”
The Coolen’s will boast a quartet of seniors, Ellis, Carly Ruiz, Ashley Beckler and Laikyn Lowe, who will be looked on to take on additional leadership roles within the program this season.
Grace softball will also welcome eight freshmen to bolster this year’s team. “We signed a good 2023 class and are excited to see them mature and develop going into the season,” the Coolen’s said.
An essential factor in Grace achieving its goals this season will be the transition of individual talent into one cohesive unit. “Coming together as a team and buying into our roles is going to be the key to success. Getting behind one another, playing sound defense, and never backing down from a fight,” Coolen added.
On the field, the Lancers hope to employ an aggressive play style this season. “We swing and pitch well, but we will really want to do a great job at playing fast and aggressive to put pressure on the other team.”
“We are very excited entering year two,” Coolen added. “ We have lots of good young talent coming in the door this year, and our upperclassmen continue to mature and become great leaders. We are excited to get the season under way and look forward to playing in front of Lancer nation again.”
Grace’s season kicks off on Friday at 1 p.m. with a four-game series against Tennessee Southern. The Lancers first home stand will be on March 18th.
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Under the Coolen’s, last year’s Lancer squad proved to be a tough matchup for any opponent. Grace had five games against NAIA ranked teams that were decided by one run.
Along with improving their win total by nine games in the 2022 season, the Lancers also knocked off No. 17 Marian on the final day of the season.
“We want to keep building on last year's progress,” said coach Coolen. “Our goal is to continue establishing our culture as we push to make the postseason.”
Two players that Grace will lean on as they strive to continue to improve on last season’s success, are Jeri Ellis and Cassie Hayes.
Ellis was a dangerous bat in Grace’s lineup last season as she led the team with 49 hits and was tied for the team lead in stolen bases. Ellis also possesses a valuable two-way skill set, as she also served as the Lancers’ ace pitcher a season ago.
As a sophomore, Hayes made tremendous strides and established herself as one of Grace’s most consistent hitters. Hayes blasted eight home runs during Crossroads League play and finished as the Lancers’ RBI leader.
“Ellis and Hayes made the All-Crossroads team last year and are expected to have big roles again this year,” commented the Coolen’s, “We’re also excited to see the sophomore and junior class continue to develop and have a bigger impact this year.”
The Coolen’s will boast a quartet of seniors, Ellis, Carly Ruiz, Ashley Beckler and Laikyn Lowe, who will be looked on to take on additional leadership roles within the program this season.
Grace softball will also welcome eight freshmen to bolster this year’s team. “We signed a good 2023 class and are excited to see them mature and develop going into the season,” the Coolen’s said.
An essential factor in Grace achieving its goals this season will be the transition of individual talent into one cohesive unit. “Coming together as a team and buying into our roles is going to be the key to success. Getting behind one another, playing sound defense, and never backing down from a fight,” Coolen added.
On the field, the Lancers hope to employ an aggressive play style this season. “We swing and pitch well, but we will really want to do a great job at playing fast and aggressive to put pressure on the other team.”
“We are very excited entering year two,” Coolen added. “ We have lots of good young talent coming in the door this year, and our upperclassmen continue to mature and become great leaders. We are excited to get the season under way and look forward to playing in front of Lancer nation again.”
Grace’s season kicks off on Friday at 1 p.m. with a four-game series against Tennessee Southern. The Lancers first home stand will be on March 18th.
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