DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University softball, under first-year head coach Natalie Ruechel, has big expectations entering the 2019 season. With experienced returners and a strong recruiting class, the Cougars' depth and potential is unprecedented. The Cougars kick off their season Friday at the Piedmont College Classic, beginning with a noon game against Emory & Henry College.


FIVE KEYS TO THE 2019 SEASON

UNPRECEDENTED DEPTH
This year's Averett softball roster is arguably the deepest in the program's history in terms of talent and depth at each position. The Cougars have a variety of options at each position, and first-year head coach Natalie Ruechel plans to use that to her advantage. She has a number of players who can play multiple positions, plus a large pitching staff. With so many good options to choose from, she will have options for a variety lineups based on the situation or game. The depth has also created good competition within practice, which she said has made the team better each day.


RUN PRODUCTION
During her years as an assistant with the Cougars, getting on base has been the mantra. Now as the head coach, Ruechel has also emphasized run production. Scoring more runs this season will be a priority, which should help the Cougars in those close games. Last season, Averett lost 10 games by one run. The coaching staff is looking for players to hit for power and find the gaps, as well as stealing bases. So far, that philosophy is paying off in practice during batting practice.

 
HUNGRY RETURNERS AND TALENTED NEWCOMERS
Averett returns a solid roster of returners, including two past all-conference performers. They are led by junior Kaitlyn Aherron, a former USA South Conference Rookie of the Year, who batted .404 last season with 12 doubles and 22 runs batted in at the plate and nine wins in the circle with 117 strikeouts.

"She has grown into a fierce competitor who has tremendous game sense," Ruechel said. "She's a kid who wants the ball and will do anything to help her team win."

Other key returners who will be in important roles are senior outfielders Taylor Hodges and Essence Pulliam.

"These two have senior urgency and it's been fun watching them compete every day in practice and step into leadership roles."

Averett returns nine players who were a part of the 2017 USA South Tournament championship team that played in the NCAA Regionals. In addition to other returning juniors and sophomores with starting experience, the Cougars brought in a loaded freshman class that will make an immediate impact in the lineup.

"I am excited to watch some of them step into very important roles," Ruechel said of her freshmen.

Freshman Anna Coleman will see action behind the plate and freshman Kaity Sullivan is expected to be a force in the circle. Freshman Hannah Thompson will also be a huge component in the Cougars' lineup, providing offensive power while playing multiple positions. Other freshman such as Erin Rankin, Cameron Stamm and Lauren Johnston have had good preseason practices as well.

 
'SO WHAT? NEXT PITCH' MENTALITY
Ruechel said the Cougars have been putting a strong emphasis on the mental game and focusing on staying in the moment.

"We can't do anything about the last pitch or our last at-bat, whether it be a strike out or giving up a home run. What we can control is the next pitch or getting that next out," she said. "The team has really bought into the 'So What? Next Pitch Mentality.' This allows us to be in the moment and control what we can. This also translates into life and our academics. We know that we will have to go up against tough opponents, battle adversity all season long on the field, in the classroom and throughout our entire life. If we can stay focused on the next pitch and always bounce back, we can hang with anybody and battle through anything the game or life throws at us."


TOUGH NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE WILL TEST THE COUGARS
The Cougars go up against several tough opponents including two-time defending national champion Virginia Wesleyan University. Playing traditionally strong teams such as Virginia Wesleyan, Berry College, Christopher Newport University and Birmingham Southern College will help Averett prepare for the always competitive USA South Conference slate.
"I'm excited to see how we match up against these teams who have consistently been in the Top 25 rankings," Ruechel said.

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Watch the 2019 Averett softball preview here.