Trojan News

05.13.2010  |  Softball  |  Viewed 609 times
Coach Ben Tyree commented on Trevecca's opponents in pool play.
 
Coach Tyree on Savannah College of Arts and Design, "We've not seen SCAD play this year, but traditionally they have had a great team. They have one of the best softball tournaments every year and we've been fortunate to participate there in the past. They are battle-tested and we expect a battle. Hopefully we can make the needed adjustments."
 
Coach Tyree on Notre Dame (Ohio), "ND comes from a good conference from which we have played teams. I know they are excited to be at the Nationals just like we are, and we will continue to work on scouting to face them."
 
Coach Tyree on Lee University, "They are ranked No. 2 in the NAIA and obviously a great program from a tough conference. We are familiar with them in a number of ways. They have players from Middle Tennessee that we have watched and even recruited. Their assistant coach, Jennifer Perkins, is a former Trojan and they were a member of the TranSouth a few years ago. Lee has one of the top, if not the best, pitchers in the NAIA who can play with anyone in the country. Coach Emily knows our team very well as does Coach Perkins."
 
Coach Tyree on the team finishing finals last week, "It's great to get finals behind us, as the last several weeks have been stressful with the regular season conference race, hosting the conference tournament, then winning the tournament in such a dramatic fashion with the bid to the National Tournament hinging on every play for two games. All during that time the team had to get all their end of semester papers turned in and tests out of the way. One of our traditions with Trevecca softball has been great student-athletes. Academics has always been a matter of pride to our program. We gave the team a long break last week so they'd be able to think about their exams without any interference from softball for a few days. We know that'll help prepare for more scholar-athletes next year."
 
Coach Tyree on watching Megan Hemmingsen graduate, "She's been such a good leader on this team and at times has tried to put the whole team on her shoulders. She has been a great student-athlete and is prepared to head to UT Chattanooga for her graduate work next year, but softball has been very important in her life. She has been a great captain and we still need her leadership for another couple of weeks. Even though she has already made it through the graduation line, I don't think she is finished just yet."
 
Coach Tyree on how the flooding affected the team, "As I mentioned before the last couple of weeks were full of fun and stress for the team. Obviously the storm and flooding in the Middle Tennessee area was felt by our team. We had just finished playing late into the night on Friday, nearly into Saturday morning. As the team was trying to decompress and prepare for finals and finish their papers on Saturday they were watching the news and seeing so many people affected by the floods and damage. It just added to the stress, not knowing if they would continue on schedule or what might be happening to their family and friends." 
 
Coach Tyree on assistant coach Mike Pruitt's business being flooded, "Unfortunately, Coach Mike was personally affected by the flooding. His business,  located on Wilhagan Road near Mill Creek, was flooded and shut down last week. When the job that puts food on the table is interrupted, it can be a very stressful situation. Throw in all the support he provided to the tournament, and the end-of-season run, and we just want to help him in any way we can. We are all just so thankful that he has come our way at Trevecca. Hopefully, we can relieve some of the pain and agony with a few more wins next week."
 
Coach Tyree on what the Trojans are up to this week, "We are starting back with practice this week and enjoying the time away from books and finals while making the adjustment to focusing on softball. The team is more relaxed and enjoying some time with their teammates and coaches before we begin picking our intensity headed into next week's trip to the Nationals."
 
"We talked about our goal of reaching the NAIA Championships at the beginning of the season and what we needed to do to get here. We are still on the same path and hopefully with a lot more renewed energy after some well deserved rest. We now are focusing on preparing ourselves to be ready for the high caliber teams that we will see at the Nationals. We have faired well this season when facing good pitching and good teams. We expect to continue doing so next week."
 
Coach Tyree on adjusting to  just focusing on softball, "For the first time in I don't know how long we are preparing with all our players at practice at the same time. There were very few practices all year that we had our entire team together due to injury and/or class schedules. What we have done this year is remarkable for that fact alone. The good news is we are healthy and all the classes are over. Now we can concentrate on fundamentals again and work together with a common goal of winning and advancing. Trying to practice with missing pieces every day has been hard but we are stronger and more determined because of it. Our bunch has leaped over so many obstacles this year. We look forward to the journey to Alabama and seeing what more we can do. It's been a great season but in a way, it feels like it's just beginning."