MGCCC softball hopes for repeat performance in 2009-10

Sarah Smaltz hit 13 homeruns in 2009.

After coming off a very successful season that included winning a Region 23 title and going to the NJCAA National Tournament for the second time in three years, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is more than ready to begin fall practice and build on last season’s 28-12 performance.

Brittany Fields went 13-4 in the circle for Gulf Coast in 2009.

“We have a good nucleus of returning players this season,” Long said. “We have to try and develop good chemistry early and have intense practices every day.”

Much of last year’s team that featured 19 freshmen is back, including Megan Colvin, who earned the Defensive Most Valuable Player Award at the NJCAA Tournament. The Stone County native hit .432 with five homers in 2009. She’s joined by incoming sophomores Cassie Slaton of Ocean Springs (.373 batting avg.), lead-off hitter Tiffany Fuller of Warren Central (.316 batting avg.) power-hitting catcher Sarah Smaltz (.360 batting avg., 13 HR in 2009) and shortstop Julie Mercer from Sugarland, TX (.328 batting avg.), and pitcher Brittany Fields of Lucedale (13-4, 2.87 ERA in 2009).

Long, the reigning Region 23 Coach of the Year, is also excited about his incoming freshmen class. It’s highlighted by pitcher Linsey Dickerson (Stone Co.), who was last season’s Mississippi Player of the Year. She’s joined by nine other freshmen, including former Stone teammate Courtney Fairley, Ana Aguirre (Harrison Central), Bailey Babin (Long Beach), Taylor Brian (Harrison Central), Jacki Burri (East Central), Amber Carpenter (George County), Kayla Herbert (Pascagoula), Maddi Tibilier (Ocean Springs), and Leslie Williams (St. Martin).

“Our goal will be improve everyday and be competitive,” Long added. “I feel good about our squad and I think it will be up for the challenge of being one of the teams to beat this season. If we can play at a high level, this team could be special.”

The Lady Bulldogs began the fall season by going 1-1-1 at the Alabama Southern Tournament Sept. 12.