Trevecca softball continues development with freshman-heavy roster

By Maven McGregory

Senior Reporter

Trevecca’s Softball team is focusing on growth and development this season as their roster is made up of mostly freshmen and sophomores, a younger team than most of the competition this year.

The team holds an overall record of 15-13 and a 11-13 record in the GSC (Gulf South Conference). 

“The goal is to get better. 17 of the 23 girls are all freshmen and sophomores. 
They’re young and inexperienced. It’s a hard league that we play in. We’re just getting our boots on the ground and starting to put it all together,” said Ben Tyree, Trevecca’s softball head coach.

Tyree said the Trojans’ development has given both challenges and opportunities as players continue adjusting.

 “Our hitters are not in the position they’ve been in before. We’re just trying to pitch better. Our defense is pretty good, and we are starting to hit our mark now,” said Tyree.

He added that the team is playing fewer games than many of their opponents.

“You get to play as many games this year or early in the season because our staff is pretty shallow. Everybody else has played 25-30 games, and we’ve played 16-17 games. 
So, we’re probably about 10 games behind where we need to be,” said Tyree.

Annalise Mecklenburg, a freshman, said despite the challenges the team faces, they continue to be in support of one another.

“Whenever someone doesn’t do their best on a play, like, the next person right behind it just picks someone up and says it’s okay, we’re going to get the next out and next play,” said Mecklenburg.

 Mecklenburg has started 18 games and earned GSC’s Freshman of the week ending March 22 after hitting .625 with two home runs, four RBIs and five runs scored.

She credits her achievements to her coaches and teammates.

“I’ve worked really hard to get here and it’s just such a blessing to be here with my teammates and my coaches who give me these great opportunities, but it’s felt really amazing to be able to see my hard work show this season so far,” said Mecklenburg.

The Trojans remain focused on working together to win each game.

“As each week goes by, we continue to work hard and play together. We’re learning more to appreciate each other. Playing for our seniors and playing for each other helps us play with less stress, and that, ultimately, helps us win,” said Mecklenburg

The team will face the University of Alabama in Huntsville in a double header on April 17  at 2 p.m.