Carson-Newman softball to battle with eight regional qualifiers in 2013
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman’s head softball coach has ensured that the Eagles will see a challenge on the diamond in 2013 with eight regional qualifiers lining the slate. C-N’s 28-year head coach Vickee Kazee-Hollifield has the Eagles also playing four of the top eight finishers in the southeast region from 2011.
For an audio interview with head softball coach Vickee Kazee-Hollifield, click here.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman's head softball coach has ensured that the Eagles will see a challenge on the diamond in 2013 with eight regional qualifiers lining the slate.
C-N's 28-year head coach Vickee Kazee-Hollifield has the Eagles also playing four of the top eight finishers in the southeast region from 2011.
"It's paramount (to play a tough schedule) to get to regionals," Kazee-Hollifield said. "We play in a highly competitive region, so it's important to go with the best.
Among SAC opponents, Lenoir-Rhyne finished the season ranked no. 20, while Catawba and Anderson each made regional bids. Hollifield said there is no rest when it comes to conference play.
"Every year (the SAC) gets stronger and stronger, there's a lot of parity," Kazee-Hollifield said. "It used to be you could take an inning off. Now, you can't even take a pitch off."
Among nonconference competition, Queens, USC Aiken, Augusta State, Columbus State, Armstrong and Flagler all had strong postseason showings in 2011. The games against Columbus State, Armstrong and Flagler are all a part of the Mid-South Classic in early March.
"That's been a good tournament for us," Kazee-Hollifield said. "Those are top-ranked teams nationally. We've had some big wins at that tournament, so we always look forward to going back, but what a challenge it will be."
The Eagles get started February 2 with a doubleheader against Belmont Abbey. C-N then plays six of its next seven at home with a lone road trip to Erskine on February 16.
"That hasn't happened for us in my 28 years that I've been here," Kazee-Hollifield said. "To have all these home events with such good teams, I hope that we can build some confidence early on."
The schedule is flip-flopped from 2011 when the Eagle softball team played four of its first five away from home. Carson-Newman finished last season with a 34-22 record.
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