Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) softball rd Austin College Sarah Harman
The squad has many differences from year’s past and the first difference you will notice with this year’s Lady Lions team is the size. It has nearly doubled since last season. Having more players will give each position more depth hopes Harman, “This core group has been working so hard since we first came together in September. You can expect that this program will be making steady advances to establishing consistent excellence throughout this season.”
The Lady Lions will return three seniors. Ashlyn Stanfill (2B) will return as a veteran to the mid-infield, Hannah Lee (P) will continue to see significant time on the mound and Ashley Nop (OF) will return to right field.
SAGU will also return second team all-conference outfielder Bailey Balloun . Balloun comes back with the highest batting average and stolen bases from last season. Catcher Kristin Stringer returns with a 0.248 batting average. She led the team in doubles in 2016.
There’s many new faces that Lady Lions fans will come to recognize. Division 1 transfer sophomore and Waxahachie-native Cheyenne Fults will play at both the first and third base position. She will also bring strength to the batting lineup.
“While we have key returners and transfers, our incoming freshman will be pushing for starting spots as well,” explains Harman. Newcomers Destinee Vindiola and Baylee McBrannon will be competing for time in the outfield. Kayla Milstead will also see time at third base and catcher.
As for pitching duties this season, senior Hannah Lee will get help on the mound. Lee returns as SAGU’s top pitcher statistically and pitched over 165 innings for the Lady Lions in 2016. Rachel Ray (transfer-junior) will be sharing some of the pitching duties and freshman Adrianna Barnes will be able to come in relief for both.
SAGU’s first two doubleheaders will be on the road. The Lions open their home season on Friday, February 10, 2017 against University of the Southwest (New Mexico).
The Lady Lions will begin Sooner Athletic Conference play on March, 3, 2017 when they host University of Science & Arts-Oklahoma .
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
Contact: Natalie Tristan, SAGU SID, [email protected]
