Sept. 8, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A host of new faces joined together for the first time for a full team practice, as the South Carolina softball team took their first on-field instructions from head coach Beverly Smith and her staff.

Smith and assistant coaches Janelle Breneman and Calvin Beamon went through the basics today, working mostly on throwing and fielding before spending the last bit working on their hitting. The team broke down in groups and worked on many skills during the afternoon practice under the hot sun at Beckham Field.

“I thought it went great,” Smith said. “It was fun for us as coaches to evaluate our players. We got to see them for the first time today. We’ve been chomping at the bit to get out here.

“I saw a lot of hard work and hustle out here today, a lot of girls enthusiastic about playing softball.”

Among the newcomers were three freshmen that signed in the fall of 2009, Chelsea Hawkins, Dana Hathorn and Julie Sarratt. They were joined by another freshman, Sarah Eidt, sophomore transfers Molly Brossart and Samantha Garcia and junior transfers Kelley Dillon, Kaela Jackson, Kylie Morin and Jackie Slawson.

The Gamecocks have eight days until their fall schedule commences with a single game against Spartanburg Methodist College at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17.