Head coach Rosemary Holloway-Hill is more than ready for her ladies to lace up their cleats and hit the field in 2013.
ULM softball begins its quest for a Sun Belt Conference championship on Feb. 7 when they host the Mardi Gras Classic. Coming off a 9-15 record in 2012, there is nowhere to go but up. The Warhawks look to use their team speed and small-ball strategies to knock off opponents.
“We aren’t blessed with an abundance of long ball hitters, so you have to manage the game well and create ways for offensive opportunities,” Holloway-Hill said. “We’ve got to have hitters step up and realize that we need to score with runners in position.”
Holloway-Hill—who has collected over 700 wins in her 28 years as ULM’s softball coach—called ULM’s team speed her club’s biggest asset. In 2012, the Warhawks set a school record for stolen bases with 105.
The team’s roster is made up of a healthy mix of newcomers and returning veterans. Holloway-Hill expects big things from infielder Janel Salanoa, who was named second team All-Sun Belt by collegesportsmadness.com.
“She’s been a very strong athlete over her four years here,” Holloway-Hill said. “I wouldn’t say we key eveything around Janel, but I like it when she’s up at the plate.”
Although Salanoa is important to ULM’s success, Holloway-Hill was quick to point out that she is counting on her entire team to step up and lead by example.
Senior outfielders Elena DiMattia and Haley McCall are also expected to make significant contributions to the team this season. DiMattia had career highs in almost every offense category after starting in 39 games in 2012. McCall started in 50 games and led the Warhawks in doubles with 14.
Holloway-Hill thinks that she has all of the pieces in place for the team to have a successful season.
“I’m having a great time with these kids. It’s great when a coach feels that from their players,” Holloway-Hill said. “I think of these young ladies as more than just ball players. I love my team.”
The competitive fire is there and the Warhawks are eager to see if that translates into wins.
“As long as we’re all on the right page, I know we can accomplish good things,” Holloway-Hill said.
First-pitch for ULM’s opener against Grambling in the Mardi Gras Classic is scheduled for 6 p.m.
