During the off season, the Lady Panthers know each day of hard work brings them one day closer to their goal: a SWAC championship. Last season, the softball season was nothing short of rough. While watching the Panthers go through their warm-up exercises, they can be described by one word…focused. The Panthers know that this season will be a season of change.
Last season, the Lady Panthers had a record of 7-31-1, a conference record of 6-12, and missed the SWAC tournament for the first time in ten years. Last season, in 21 batting statistical categories, the Lady Panthers ranked eighth or lower in 18 categories. In 22 pitching statistical categories, the Lady Panthers ranked seventh or lower in 10 categories, although out of the 11 statistical fielding categories, the Lady Panthers ranked fifth or higher in five categories. On the bright side, the Panthers had two players who pulled rank in the conference; Amberly Fuller, ranked ninth in the SWAC for runs batted in, and Nikki Lilly, ranked second in the conference for stolen bases, steal attempts, and third for runs scored. After losing one of their pitchers to injury, the Panthers relied heavily on the arm of Analisa Gonzales. For the season she had 99 strikeouts, pitched 179 innings, and 21 complete games.
Head coach Raymond Burgess, positive and friendly spirit, looks to see only great things from the Lady Panthers this season. The Lady Panthers are predicted to finish last in the division. When commenting on the prediction, Burgess said, “I respect what they say, but I don’t believe it. We did a lot of off season recruiting this year and got a good bunch of players. Potentially, this is the best team in recent years, and as long as we stick together, we will be all right. The team that plays together, wins games.”
Sophomore outfielder Tamara Laster said, “Our number one goal is to win the SWAC, the team’s chemistry is great, and we look forward to doing big things.” The past two or three years have been tough, and regardless of what they say, the softball team wants to win.
The coaching staff is a complete group of individuals who are committed and dedicated to help the ladies bring the SWAC championship back home. The staff consists of Burgess, assistant coaches Lana Williams, Vernon Bland, and volunteer assistant Paul Thomas. Burgess calls this group, “The best coaching staff I’ve had around me.”
Overall, the Lady Panthers are ready to take the conference by storm and bring the championship back to Prairie View. Five returning players, five pitchers who can pitch and hit, and with the talent of the transfer and new recruits, the Lady Panthers will pull off some upsets this year. When asked to describe the team in one phrase, Burgess said, “Great expectations with God first.”
The Lady Panthers will open up the season with a doubleheader against Sam Houston State on Feb. 9 in Huntsville, Texas. Starting at 2 p.m. On Feb. 10 the Lady Panthers will host McNeese State in a tripleheader that starts at 10 a.m. in the softball field behind Blackshear Stadium.