The Tigers’ softball season kicks off Friday at the Florida International University tournament where they will play five games in three days. Memphis’ record has been up and down since 2012, but they have not reached the .500 mark since 2011.
           Last season, the Tigers went 26-31 (7-11, AAC), which is their best record since head coach Natalie Poole took over. After taking over in 2012, Poole has been making the changes that she thinks will take their program to the next level.
           “In some ways we had to dig out of a hole, so it took a little longer than anticipated,†Poole said. “But I definitely think that this program is on the rise, and what’s being done is going to last.â€
Kyler Trosclair throws the ball. She earned American Athletic Conference Player of the Week for the first time in her career after her performance in the Blues City Classic.
           Coming into the season, the American Athletic Conference preseason polls have the Tigers in fifth. While the fifth place prediction is not ideal, coach Poole and her team understand it and look to surpass it.
           “There’s always a little bit of a chip on our shoulders that people see us as being very average and mediocre, and I think we have the mindset and the maturity on the field to do that.â€
           The team is returning their top three hitters and top pitcher from last season. That experience and leadership gives the team confidence to have their best season since 2011 when the Tigers went 36-14.
           “A level of maturity and experience goes a long way, and I think that’s something we’ve struggles to have in the past,†Poole said. “All the kids that are going to be on the field have gotten experience from the time that they’ve gotten on campus.â€
           In their lineup, the Tigers return four of their top five RBI producers and all four players who batted more than .300 returning. Lindsey Stickrod, Brooke Lee, Tyler Johnson and Lindsay Crowdus combined for 104 of the teams 206 RBI’s and all but Crowdus totaled 16 of the 20 homeruns for the Tigers.
Hannah Harrell lays down the bunt in a game against USF. She started all 57 games last season and led the team with 27 stolen bases.
           With a solid and experienced lineup, the pitches feel less pressure and stress on the field.
           “It means the world to them (the pitchers) that they don’t have to not give up a hit and know that we have the ability to come back and score runs,†Poole said. “They are able to throw to the strike zone without pressing and be relaxed.â€
           Even though the lineup features some power hitters, Memphis still relies on speed and small-ball. The team stole 89 bases last season and 55 sacrifice hits.
           “I anticipate for a couple of those kids to get on base more this season, so our stolen base opportunities should rise,†Poole said. “We brought in kids that play small ball, and we can’t keep them out of the lineup because of their production.â€
           The Tigers play their first 14 games on the road, playing in three different tournaments before playing 27 of their remaining 40 at home. The month of March will be an important one for the Tigers because they will play 20 home games, 15 straight at to start the month, to just two road games.
           Last season, Memphis finished 14-7 at home while going 12-24 at away games and neutral sites. It will be vital for Memphis to do well at home if they want to meet their goal of playing above .500.
Coach Poole evaluates the game with associate head coach Andy Lott. Poole is entering her sixth season as a Tiger after three seasons at McNeese State.
