Softball 2/9/2024 9:13:00 AM

OAKWOOD 2024 SOFTBALL PREVIEW

Oakwood University softball finished on a high note last season and as a result coach Bob Harris is optimistic about the Ambassadors' fortunes as they visit Stillman College today in their season opening doubleheader. The first pitch is slated for 1 p.m.

Oakwood, fielding its first team in more than a decade last year, opened the season 0-10, but won six of its last 10 games, including four straight to finish 6-14.

Now, with an entirely revamped team with only three returners, Harris believes the
Ambassadors will be much-improved from a year ago.

"We have more talented players," Harris said. "We'll be better because more of our players know the game.

"Our defense should be better. A lot of those balls we didn't catch last year in the outfield should be outs this year. I'm excited about that. Our offense is a work in progress, but that should improve over the course of the season."

Pitcher Sydney Arnett and outfielders Jana Morrow and Kaley Fuller are Oakwood's top returning players, but the newcomers should hold their own, Harris said.

Newcomer Taytum Lowe is expected to start at first base and she will be joined in the infield by second baseman Ashlyn Hallman, third baseman Anna Jones and shortstop Taylor Mancone.

Joining Morrow and Fuller, who will be in right field and center field, respectively, will be Katie Johnson.

Morgan Arbitelle will be behind the plate, while Arnett, Lowe and Hallman will spearhead the pitching rotation, Harris said.

"Taytum is a left-hander and throws four different pitchers and Ashlyn throws three different pitches," Harris said. "We like that group."

Offensively, Harris said Jones, Mancone and Alexis Copeland should provide the Ambassadors with some much-needed power that they lacked last season.

Follow the Ambassadors
Visit the official home of Oakwood University athletics at Oakwood University - Official Athletics Website.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#13 Morgan Arbitelle: C/Utility; Freshman

#33 Sydney Arnett: P/1B; Junior

#5 Alexis Copeland: P/Utility; Junior

#42 Kaley Fuller: OF/Utility; Sophomore

#4 Ashlyn Hallman: 2B/P; Junior

#16 Katie Johnson: OF; Junior

#11 Anna Jones: 3B/C; Junior

#6 Taytum Lowe: P/1B; Freshman

#12 Taylor Mancone: SS/Utility; Freshman

#10 Jana Morrow: OF/C; Junior

Players Mentioned

#13 Morgan Arbitelle
: Freshman
: C/Utility

#33 Sydney Arnett
: Junior
: P/1B

#5 Alexis Copeland
: Junior
: P/Utility

#42 Kaley Fuller
: Sophomore
: OF/Utility

#4 Ashlyn Hallman
: Junior
: 2B/P

#16 Katie Johnson
: Junior
: OF

#11 Anna Jones
: Junior
: 3B/C

#6 Taytum Lowe
: Freshman
: P/1B

#12 Taylor Mancone
: Freshman
: SS/Utility

#10 Jana Morrow
: Junior
: OF/C