Jan. 15, 2002

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford Softball team began its 2002 season with a pair of practices on Monday and Tuesday. Pitchers and Catchers reported for practice on Monday and the rest of the teamed joined in on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs are coming off a 26-37 season in which they won their last five regular season games and went 2-2 for a third place finish in the Trans America Athletic Conference tournament. Samford returns nine players off last season's team including four seniors. The addition of four junior college transfers and only one freshman will give Head Coach Mark Voisard an experienced lineup in 2002.

"This is an experienced team, I think we have more balance and depth than we have ever had at Samford," says Voisard. "There is not much difference from the caliber of player in the starting lineup and coming off the bench."

Seniors Janet Middleton, Mindy Shunnarah, Michelle Dickey, and Rebekah Phillips take on the leadership roles on the team. Middleton was an All-TAAC performer in 2000 and is the school's career doubles leader while Shunnarah is a three-year starter at shortstop and is the captain of the team. Outfielder Michelle Wright returns for her junior season. She set a school-record with 18 doubles last season while leading the club in runs batted in. Wright earned TAAC All-tournament honors least season.

Second team All-TAAC catcher Angela Bednark leads a sophomore class that gained valuable experience last season. Abi Casillo is the teams leading returning hitter and pitcher Erin Landsburg each garnered All-Freshman team honors last season.

Joining the Bulldogs in 2002 are transfers Amber Fuller (Pelham, Ala.), Deanna Resmondo (Birmingham, Ala.), Tammy Stevens (Hueytown, Ala.), Dana Saffles (Springville. Ala.), and freshman Kelly Smith (Chattanooga, Tenn.).

The Bulldogs will open the regular season on Feb. 8, at the Bama Bash in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Against Alabama, Evansville, and Maryland.