New faces, new facilities and same high expectations for Lady Hawks

MONTGOMERY, Ala.  – The Huntingdon softball program will have a new look this season.

The Lady Hawks are looking forward to playing in a brand new facility this spring. A new field, a new locker room and a covered hitting facility are among the newest additions to campus.

In addition to the new facilities, the softball team will begin the season with 27 players, including 18 new players. Huntingdon opens the season with a doubleheader at Berry College on Friday. Game 1 is set for 1 p.m. (Central).

The Lady Hawks were scheduled to open the season at home on Saturday, but the weather forecast forced a change of plans. Weather permitting, Huntingdon will play its home opener on Tuesday when Belhaven comes to town for a doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m.

Head Coach Casey Chrietzberg on the softball team's new facilities: "We are all excited about the new facility. From the locker room, to the new field to the covered batting cages, it has really helped us to make sure we are getting better each and every day. We see the work that has been done, as well as the care and excitement everyone around us has put in to make this happen and get it ready for us to play this year."

Chrietzberg on the influx of new players this season: "We have several new players who we feel can make a great impact on the program. McKenzie Ridgway, Katie Lee, Kaci Cochran and Paige Taylor, to name a few, will be big threats at the plate this year and Alyssa Singleterry, Rayne Ellis and Amari Fleming are tremendous assets for us on the bases. We have many more that can come in at any time and make a huge impact.

"All of these new faces have been greatly influenced by returners like MacKenzie Smelley, Maggie Porter, Samara Miller and Lindsey Selph."

Chrietzberg on this year's team captains: "The team chose junior Paige Taylor and senior Lindsey Selph as our captains this year. Both have done a great job helping us get to this point. They are a great duo. Both of them have different personalities, which have helped in leading the team and bringing the team together. 

"We have two other seniors, Amber Wade and Felicia Peoples, who are great "unnamed captains." They each play vital roles as well and we are lucky to have them on our team."