Softball begins fall practice

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- The Middle Tennessee softball team opened up fall practice on Thursday with a three-hour workout at Blue Raider Field.

The squad braved the unseasonably cool temperatures while working on various team and individual drills including infield fielding and hitting exercises.

“We were very excited to get everyone together for the first time today,” said softball head coach Sue Nevar.

The Blue Raiders will practice five times each week through the end of October in preparation for the 2012 season which begins in mid-February.

In addition to intrasquad practices, the team will host doubleheader scrimmages at Blue Raider Field against Belmont on Sept. 24 and Lipscomb on Oct. 2. Also, as part of alumni weekend at Middle Tennessee, the Blue Raiders will host an alumni exhibition game on Sept. 30, featuring current players against alumni.

The squad will hit the road when they travel to Chattanooga, Tenn., to take part in the UTC RBI Classic on Oct. 8-9. The tournament includes games against Chattanooga, Chattanooga State, Motlow State and Marion (Ala.) Military.

“Our goal is to have the most productive fall practice session since we have been here,” Nevar said. “We have created a condensed, compact schedule which will help us accomplish our goals this fall.”

Middle Tennessee returns 13 players from the 2011 squad in addition to welcoming six newcomers to the program.

“It is critical that we develop good team chemistry over the next several weeks,” said Nevar. “We need to establish a level of intensity, energy and stamina in order to set the tone for the upcoming season.”

All practices and exhibition games are open to the public. Following fall practice, the team will break before beginning preseason practice in January.

Fall Schedule
Sept. 24 vs. Belmont (DH) at 2 and 4 p.m.
Sept. 30 – Alumni exhibition at 6 p.m.
Oct. 2 vs. Lipscomb (DH) at 1 and 4 p.m.
Oct. 8-9 at UTC RBI Classic

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.