Sunshine for softball

EAST PEORIA — Coach Heather Doty and the ICC softball team got an early start to their season by heading to sunny Florida for the JUCO Kickoff Classic, which began January 29, the first day that the NJCAA allows teams to compete competitively.

Being able to play competitively before many of the other region 24 teams definitely has its advantages. In the years prior to participating in the JUCO Kickoff, the softball team would be confined to the gym until late February, which Coach Doty said, “Got long and boring.” The ability to add real games, the outdoors and much nicer weather early on helps break the monotony. “It helps us be focused in practice,” Doty said.

With practice starting as recently as January 11, the tournament will also give Doty an earlier-than-normal look at her team in game situations and make adjustments accordingly.

“It really helps us to stay focused and know what we have to work on so when we get into our region schedule, we are ready to go,” Doty said.

“Our lineup is not ever set, I do know who will pitch, and who will catch, but other than that we move people around throughout the spring. That way we can figure out what our best lineup is for our regional tournament,” Doty said. “People will be given opportunities in different positions to see who the best fit is”.

Coach Doty does know returning 2014 Region 24 first-team member Erica Phillips will be pitching often. “Erica is probably my ace, she is a pitcher who is just calm, cool and collective and I can throw her into any situation and I know she is going to succeed,” Doty said.

Prior to the season, the Cougars voted on team captains. Along with Phillips, sophomore pitcher/third baseman Juell Hodges will look to provide the team the leadership that is necessary for a successful season. Phillips, for one, is ready to take on the responsibilities.

“[As a team captain] I already feel that I have to be a leader, and me being the ace pitcher then makes me feel even more that I have to be a leader out on the field,” Phillips said.

Before the Cougars flew to Florida, with the excitement mounting, NJCAA top incoming freshman Joy Treasure was very much ready to get outside.

“I am really excited, I am excited to get out of this gym… it’ll be nice to go down and play in the dirt,” Treasure said. “I am excited about good competition”.

34 teams will participate in the tournament with eight states being represented and, aside from newcomer to the kickoff and fellow Illinois school Kaskaskia College, the other attending schools have had the luxury of being able to play outside regularly. Hopefully the exposure to the shining sun will be enough to power the Cougars on to a win.