AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South
Carolina Aiken softball team recently received votes in the NFCA
Preseason Top 25 Poll.
The Pacers were among 12 teams that received votes as the squad
picked up three. Armstrong State and North Georgia were both in the
top 10 but no other squad from the PBC was recognized outside of
the three.
USC Aiken is coming off a 34-16 season. The Pacers registered a
third-place finish in league play a year ago and a berth in the
NCAA Tournament. Snyder's squad picked up the program's
first-ever victory in the NCAA Tournament and ended up winning two
contests before being eliminated.
The Pacers return six position players with a wealth of starting
experience in Sarah Montei (OF), Victoria Burkett (OF), Samantha
Chubb (3B), Ashley Metts (SS), Madison Labrador (2B) and Magan
Thrower (1B). Andrea Daring (C/1B) and Makenzie Barbor (Util.) have
seen a lot of action and have earned several starts as well.
In the circle, USC Aiken returns Taylor Morgan, who picked up 10
wins last year and has 21 in her career. She's already among
the all-time leaders in school history with 308 strikeouts.
Snyder brought in several student-athletes that will contribute
immediately, including senior transfer Danielle Payne (P). He also
added Ericka David ©, Lyndie Dorgan (P/OF), Karly Kinard (P),
Sydney Murphy (C) and Dani Reeves (Util).
The Pacers open their 2015 slate at home on Feb. 7 against Queens.
First pitch is slated for 2 p.m.
