MONTGOMERY, Ala. ------ The Auburn Montgomery softball team will open up the 2017 season later today in Gulf Shores, Ala., as head coach Eric Newell enters his third season with the program.
 
Last season, Newell led the Warhawks to a school-record 53 wins, and for the first time in team history capturing the Gulf Shores Invitational and Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament title. He additionally led the team to their fifth consecutive NAIA World Series where the team finished fourth.
 
This year, Newell will call upon his seven returners, which include five seniors, for leadership and guidance as the program welcomes nine newcomers.
 
Starting in the circle, senior Rachel Ragland will step into a leadership role for the Warhawks, as she acquired a 17-2 record last season with a 1.23 ERA and 126 strikeouts. "We will look to Rachel for a lot of leadership this year in the circle," Newell stated. "She had a nice junior campaign, and we will need her to have a big year for us." Freshmen Chanel Newcomer and Taylor Tiffany will also see some time in the circle this season. "Both Chanel and Taylor showed us they can compete and battle in the fall, and we will see what they are made of this year," Newell said. Rounding out the staff will be transfer Kaylin Finch, who was named the Southern Athletic Conference Player of the Year during her stay at Tuskegee University.
 
Behind the plate, senior Sarah Angulo will anchor the position, and bring a wealth of experience to the position. Newell mentioned, "Sarah brings a lot of senior leadership and consistency to our team. She has been a part of two national championship teams, and played very well behind the plate for us last season." Also jumping behind the plate will be freshman Abby Krueger. "Abby has really done some nice things and had a good fall for us behind the plate. She is very athletic and does all things well on the field," Newell said.
 
Turning to the infield, the Warhawks will be led by returning starters junior Rose Schmidt and senior Sydney Dishman. "Anytime you have returning starters you have to be excited," Newell mentioned. "Rose started for us in every single game last year, and she continues to work hard every day. Sydney had a really strong year for us at first base last year. She is gritty and tough as nails. We have high expectations for both of them this season." Also returning are seniors Marisa Nieves and Victoria Creamer. "Marisa brings experience, leadership and stability at the second base position," Newell said. "Victoria continues to work hard on and off the field, and will also provide some key leadership this season." Freshmen Parker Pinholster and Kendall Tucker will also compete for time on the infield this season. "Parker gives us an option at both short and second, and is a true athlete in everything she does. Kendall has really impressed us as a freshman, and has been our most improved player from day one. She will compete for time this season because of her true athleticism," Newell declared. Finishing up on the infield will be transfers Christy Hendrix and Kaylin Finch. "Kaylin has been getting reps at both third and short, and brings a lot to the table offensively. She provides a dynamic we haven't had. Christy has a huge upside offensively, and has a good chance to work her way into the DP position. She is upbeat and encourages her teammates extremely well. She did an excellent job in the fall of being clutch and executing to get the job done," Newell stated.
 
In the outfield, junior Amy Persinger and Ragland will be the key returners. Persinger led the team in hits with 58, and finished the year with a team-best .349 average. "Amy provides us with a very consistent offensive attack with her work ethic and what she brings to the table. She has continued to work hard and is a consistently good ball player. Rachel gives us an option in right field as well because of her speed and arm strength. She fields her position really well and gives us options in the outfield," Newell said. Transfer Kalee Sparks looks to make an impact right away for the Warhawks as well. "Kalee has filled in nicely in left for our team this season, and consistently surpasses our standards and expectations. She swings the bat well and is not afraid to dive for a ball in the outfield." Finally, freshman Jaycie Walker will provide an option in the outfield as well. "Jaycie has really turned into one of the better hitters on our team. She is disciplined and displays power at the plate with her ability to drive the ball consistently," Newell said.
 
The Warhawks schedule features 10 home games, with a combination of five tournaments spread out through the year. "We're going straight after it to open up the season this year. The (Gulf Shores) tournament is something we are excited about, and is a great way for our team to experience some good Division II teams," Newell mentioned. "We are going to have to bring it opening weekend, as all the teams we play will provide a good measure of where we are as a team." After Gulf Shores, the rest of February features an array of tournaments for the Warhawks both at home and in Young Harris. "These tournaments this season will tell us a lot about our team and where we are headed in future years to come throughout this NCAA transition."
 
When asked about his team this season, Newell mentioned the word invest has become a sort of motto. "We want to invest in everything we do, and that pertains to academics, on the field, off the field, in your teammates and in your coaches. We are not going to back away from anybody this year, and will grit our teeth and get right in the middle of it and fight," Newell declared. "We want this season to be meaningful and to see what we are made of."
 
The Warhawks will open up the season later today at 1:30 p.m. to face Mobile, and then play No. 8 North Georgia at 4 p.m. in Gulf Shores, Ala.

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