The lady lion's softball teams begin the 2010-11 year looking to rebound from a disappointing 2010 season.  The lady lions played with a depleted roster during the year mainly due to injuries but there were some bright spots including Justine Kroner being named to the SSAC all conference team for the 2nd year.  Chelsi Sawyer also had a good year defensively and provided excitement on the bases.

This year's team will be lead by Senior Captain and 2 time all conference selection Justine Kroner.  Justine had a great 2010 season and will be looked to continue her excellent level of play she has displayed during her career at Emmanuel.  Also returning will be centerfielder Chelsi Sawyer who will be looking to have a breakout year, utility player Elise Fowler, infielder Kayla Jordan, outfielder Heather Tolbert, and red shirt infielder Stephanie Norton.

Newcomers:  The Lady Lions welcome 15 new team members to the program this season.

Pitchers:  The pitching staff will include junior transfer Jordan Najafi who will be the leader of the pitching staff.  Sophomore transfer Molly Lecroy and Freshman Kinley Hallman will give the lady lions a good combination on the mound that can be depended on to pitch quality innings.

Catchers:  The Lady lions have three catchers on the team including freshman Keisha Addison, Hayley Baird, and sophomore transfer Whitney Hillman.  All three players have good arms, bats, and will give the team much needed depth at the position. 

Infielders:  The infield will include third baseman Britt Duckworth & Kristan Agan, with second baseman Brittany Smith, Stephanie Norton, first baseman Kelly Griesemer, Jessica Stephens, and Sophomore Kayla Jordan.  Shortstop will be anchored by Sr. Justine Kroner but Agan & Norton can play the position if called upon. 

Outfielders:  The outfield for this season will include freshman Ashley Caruso, Kim Thomas, Jill Gibson, Ashley Gianfala, & transfer Kirston Prescott along with returnees Chelsi Sawyer, Elise Fowler, and Heather Tolbert.    

Team Strengths:  The lady lion's biggest asset will be in depth at every position.  The team is at least 2 deep which will give each player plenty of competition for playing time and also allow Coach Sanders flexibility with lineups and strategy during the game.  The lions are also hungry for success this year and hope to return the program to the level of the 2008 season when they set a school record for wins with 32 and were crowned NCCAA Regional Champs.

Areas of Concern:  Youth is the biggest concern for the coaching staff early in the season but a full fall schedule should allow for the team to come together quickly and adjust to college softball. 

Schedule:  The lady lions play in the toughest softball conference in the NAIA with over half the teams in the conference being ranked during the 2010 season.  The team will play in 3 tournaments early in the season to help prepare for the grueling SSAC schedule.  The lady lions will also compete in the NCCAA Regional tournament in May at North Greenville University.

Coach Sanders on the 2011 Lady Lions softball team:  "I am extremely excited about this group of young women that we have put together.  On paper we have everything we need to be successful but desire and team chemistry will be the keys to the season.  These ladies are also good students and will represent our College well.  We have a lot of new faces and I look forward to getting to know them and blending them with the players we have now.  This season should be fun to watch.