Softball Fall Season Update

On a cool fall afternoon, College of Coastal Georgia head softball coach Danny Baxter watches closely as his Lady Mariners practice.

With just 3 returning players from last year's team that went 24-26 overall and 10-10 in Georgia Junior College Athletic Association play, Baxter is looking for incoming players to step in an contribute right away.

Because the official season doesn't begin until the spring semester, the team is taking advantage of fall ball, which includes not only practice, but games against travel teams as well as other four-year institutions.

Baxter said practices have focused on basic offensive and defensive skills and he has sought to identify the unique skill of each incoming player.

So far, Baxter has been happy with the team's pitching, defense and work ethic.

“This group is working very hard,” Baxter said. “They're getting up for 6 a.m. running 3 days a week with very few complaints.”

Although the 12 of the 15 girls on the team are new to the program, Baxter does have some proven commodities, most notably outfielder Danielle Smith who hit over .300 with three home runs last season.