@MizzouSoftball Practice Report (Jan. 19, 2017)
1/19/2017 10:08:00 AM | Softball
The Tigers begin ramping up efforts inside Devine, outside at University Field
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Softball entered its second week of practice on Monday, Jan. 16, as head coach Ehren Earleywine continues to prep his team for the upcoming 2017 campaign. The Tigers are only 22 days away from their season opener at the Charleston Southern Tournament (Feb. 10-12) in Charleston, S.C.
Throughout Mizzou's practice schedule, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications Andy Oldenburg will provide practice reports to give Tigers fans exclusive glimpses into the team's progress.
Tuesday, Jan. 17
- The Tigers are nearly 100-percent in full practice participation, as only roughly five players have yet to pass their 300's conditioning tests
- For those still searching to pass their 300's, the Tigers' strength and conditioning crew have begun individual plans and workouts to help reach their specific goal
- With a nearly full roster practicing on a daily basis now, Coach Earleywine has begun "normal" practice routines. This includes individual work with coaches, team stretching and throwing warmups
- Following the trio of standard practice activities, the team will then go into a variety of drills, dependent on the day. This may include 1st and 3rd offense, two pitch, positional defense, batting practice and intersquad
- On this particular day inside Devine Pavilion, Assistant Coach Adam LaLonde created a new fun relay drill to coincide with throwing warmups
- Next, the Tigers hitters partook in two pitch, which gives each individual two opportunities to put the ball in play. For example, if the first pitch is a ball or fouled off then the second pitch must be put in play in order to successfully complete the drill
- Two pitch allows for a consistent flow of hitters and the ability for defenders in the field to see a wide array of situations
- The Tigers closed their early evening practice with batting practice, as roughly four groups of hitters work on situational hitting. This includes bunting, hitting to the opposite field, two-out hitting, etc.
- Towards the last round of each individual group, Coach Earleywine calls in senior Cheyenne Baxter, sophomore Danielle Baumgartner and redshirt sophomore Madi Norman for "live BP" with Tigers hitters
Wednesday, Jan. 18
- With temperatures reaching the lower 50's, the Tigers had the opportunity to practice outside at University Field
- Following normal team stretching and throwing, Coach Earleywine led a round of infield fungos, as players had the opportunity to get multiple repetitions at their respective defensive positions
- Juniors Amanda Sanchez and Paige Bange worked at third base, freshman Braxton Burnside suited up at shortstop (after missing the last two weeks with injury), redshirt freshman Jolie Duffner and sophomore Kolby Romaine worked at second base and senior Kirsten Mack led duties behind the plate
- Also during infield fungo work, Assistant Coach Gina Schneider led defensive work in the outfield with senior Natalie Fleming, sophomore Raime Cohen and sophomore Rylee Pierce
- The Tigers once again closed their practice with batting practice and live BP mixed in with the aforementioned Tigers pitching trio
- Baxter particularly shined in the circle against Tigers hitters, routinely producing swings and misses. When batters made contact, it was regularly foul balls or lightly hit balls in the infield
- Bange stood out at the dish among the early hitting groups, making solid contact on numerous occasions during live BP. This upcoming season, the Tiger junior will once again be counted on as a super utility player and one of the top pinch-hitting options off the bench
Visit MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou Softball. You can also find the Tigers on social media by liking us on Facebook (University of Missouri Softball Team) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouSoftball).
