Despite losing to Auburn (1-6), Kentucky (0-9) and Florida International University (5-13) in last weekend’s FIU tournament, the Lady Rattlers are striving to improve their record with the help of new staff, hitting offense and team unity.
“Last weekend, the FIU Tournament showed us and proved to the girls that they could be Division I players,” said new pitching coach Amber Alford.
While team statistics from the tournament proved quite disappointing, first baseman Elisha Scott is optimistic about the Rattler’s schedule.
“Although we lost this past weekend we have a good team,” said the Chipola Community College transfer from Enterprise, Ala.
“We just need to work on our defense and lessoning our errors.”
Pitcher Javetta Dryer said the team put up a healthy fight throughout the tournament.
“We went out there tight. We tried too hard, instead of trying naturally,” the senior physical education student from Lovejoy, Ga. said.
With that in mind players and coaches alike have outlined goals for the season.
“Our goal this year is working on playing a complete game,” said Alford, a former Lady Rattler herself.
On a personal note, Scott, a health science student, said that her goal as a senior this year is to increase her batting average and commit no additional errors for the team.
The team is confident that the changes are already making a positive impact.
“Our coaches offer something new to the team and I like that,” Scott said.
“Our team’s chemistry and unity is great this year. When we get on the field everything comes together.”
The Lady Rattlers are confident and self-assured that they are prepared to take on crosstown rivals Florida State University Friday at 6 p.m. in Seminole country.
FAMU has met FSU in competition for over seven years, and at least 83 times but they only beat them in 2001.
This year, the Lady Rattlers would love to turn the season around with a win against FSU.
The ladies are banking on their batting prowess – and confidence – to pull out a win against the Noles.
“As a hitting team, we have so much going for us,” Scott said.
Dryer, a four-year-veteran of the team agreed.
“FSU is just another team; however, we can never take them lightly,” Dryer said.
“I’ve played them so much it’s like a backyard game. Let’s play.”
This season, the Lady Rattlers are enthused about competing with hopes of taking home their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship.
“I want to leave FAMU with a MEAC ring,” said Dryer.
Contact Christina Hordge at christinahordge@yahoo.com