Story by Maggiann Ackerman
Contributing writer
mackerman@murraystate.edu
When Murray State’s softball team returns to the diamond this Friday, Sept. 26 against John A. Logan, fans should expect to see several new faces.
The unfamiliar faces consist of freshmen Madison Culver, Grace Vaughn, Jensen Striegel, Abby Shoulders, Lindsey Carroll, Hannah James, Carly St. George, Sophie Bingham, Morgan Dodd, and Jordan Childress.
Along with new additions, fans will notice a very aggressive playing style, which is the primary goal softball Head Coach Kara Amundson wants to see during the fall season.
“[We want] to be okay with making mistakes if you’re playing aggressively; that’s how we learn,” Amundson said.
The attitude of the team this year will also be different. Amundson wants each player “to be a shark,” because regardless of the circumstances presented, “a shark is still going to wake up every day and rule the ocean.”
Amundson’s excitement for this season was apparent through her enthusiasm about her players. She said she’s had no issues with leadership on the team.
“They’re very hard workers, and everyone is willingly stepping up,” Amundson said.
Her excitement was amplified by the fact she has multiple players to fill positions which keeps practices competitive and players accountable.
Despite the rocky 16-36 season the Racers had last year, Amundson is optimistic about what this year will bring.
“I think the thing I’m most looking forward to is riding the peaks and valleys with them, so far it’s been a blast to show up to practice every day and we have plenty of talent on the team this year,” Amundson said.
Looking further into the fall season, the Racers will travel to Carbondale, Illinois, Sunday, Sept. 30 to compete in a round robin against the Saint Louis Billikens and Southern Illinois University.
In October the Racers will conclude their travel for the season and host Shawnee Community College on Friday the 12th and wrap the season up following the pair of games versus Lipscomb University on Saturday the 20th.