Feb. 12, 2010

Preseason Interview with Coach Cochran and pitchers Garcia & Sanders: Click Here

Call SB Contact Michael Stambaugh for more details - 386.481.2278

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman Softball are set to open the 2010 softball season, as they travel to Jacksonville, Fla., for the JU Tournament, Feb. 12-14. B-CU's staff and players are looking to build off the momentum that concluded the 2009 season as they open the new year.

The Wildcats made a solid run through the conference season, going 7-5, after having an up-and-down season in the non-conference schedule. The conference performance earned B-CU a second seed position in the Southern MEAC division at the conference championships. The team really came together at the tournament, in Ormond Beach, Fla., blowing past Hampton and Howard in the opening rounds, and upsetting Florida A&M in the semifinals. However, the Wildcats fell to FAMU in two games of the Championship final.

For their performance in season, two Wildcats earned all-conference honors. Both earned a spot on the second team All-MEAC squad, Allison Garcia at pitcher, and Simone Ceasar in the infield.

Following the conclusion of the conference tournament, MEAC officials announced the selections for the MEAC Softball Championships All-Tournament Team. Two Wildcats were honored and named to the squad. Allison Garcia (pitcher) were both honored by the conference for strong performances in the conference tournament, which helped B-CU to a 3-2 record and a championship game appearance.

In the 2010 season, the Wildcats take on the schedule with a more experienced squad, returning eight of nine starters from 2009, only losing one player to graduation last year, left fielder Ashley Taylor. To compliment their returning roster, the Wildcats have added five new players to the roster.

Aurelia Gamch - 5-2 - Fielder and Pitcher -  Madera High School, Madera, Calif.

Joanna Hernandez - Infielder - Bishop Alemany High School, Lancaster, Calif.

Michelle Banuelos-Smith - 5-4 - Infielder/Outfielder - First Lutheran High School, Mission Hills, Calif.

Toni Davis - 5-6 - Infielder/Outfielder - Pasadena High School, Altadena, Calif.

Bianca Savulak - 5-4 - Infielder/Outfielder - Atlantic High School, Port Orange, Fla.

Heading into Saturday's opening, rescheduled due to heavy rains in Jacksonville, of the JU Tournament, B-CU will be facing some larger schools, starting with UNC Greensboro at 2:30 p.m., and Virginia Tech at 4:45 p.m. On Sunday, due to the rescheduling, B-CU closes out the tournament facing Drexel again at 11:15 a.m. The Wildcats lose the tournament opening game with Drexel and an afternoon mathup with Jacksonville on Friday, due to the rains.

Coach Chris Cochran recognizes the challenges in the tournament, as she is making lineup adjustments to grab the most success from her roster's talents.

"We're excited to see who we are, and where we are at this point in time," said Head Coach Cochran. "We've got some people who are going to be playing some different positions for us this year, so it will be good for them to get out there and get their feet wet."

"There are certain things we have to do to be successful," noted Cochran of the team emphasis. "We have to have a little bit more offense than we had at times last year. Our pitchers need to continue to improve. Rather than just necessarily looking at who the opponent it, we're looking at what we can do to help our team be successful."

Stay tuned to www.B-CUathletics.com for game recaps and tournament information from the JU tournament over the weekend.