Nov. 8, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Each week heading into the 2007 Samford softball season, a different player will be highlighted in an edition of "Bulldog Talk", a question-and-answer session with one this year's players. This week's featured player is sophomore utility player Rachael Reeves.

The Samford softball team will begin play in its 2007 season Feb. 9-11 at the prestigious Florida State Tournament. The opening date is roughly 14 weeks away and each of Samford's 15 softball players will have their turn to be featured in the inaugural edition of "Bulldog Talk".

Reeves, a native of Mobile, Ala., is the second Samford softball player to be featured this year. She is a sophomore history major and started in 46 of the Bulldogs' 54 games as a true freshman a year ago. Reeves, one of the fastest players on team, tallied 14 stolen bases in 2006, as the Bulldogs ran their way to a school-record 76 stolen bases.

The following is a transcript from Reeves' edition of "Bulldog Talk".

How is this year going so far?
"This year is going well. We won a lot of games this fall and I think we have a good idea of what we need to improve on before the spring season starts. I really enjoyed the benefit game that we had with UAH. It was great to see a lot of fans around supporting our softball team and the good cause."

What has the team improved on since last year?
"I think that this year we are really focusing on stepping up to a higher level in every aspect of the game."

What have you improved on the most since last year?
"I feel that my slapping (slap hitting) has improved a lot since last year."

Last year you played primarily second base, this year you have been given some looks in the outfield. How is that going for you?
"I think it's going very well. It has been awhile since I've been in the outfield so I am definitely learning a lot."

What road trip are you looking forward to this year and why?
"I like going down to Florida State. They have a very nice facility and that's where I played my first game as a freshman last year."

Why should people watch Samford softball?
"Well for example . . . Katie England's two-run homer against UAH . . . Liz Pearse's grand slam last year. That's exciting stuff!"

Check out next week's edition of "Bulldog Talk", as Samford softball's featured player will be junior outfielder Emily Deaux.

Deaux is entering her third season at Samford and has displayed some consistent power numbers since her arrival.