COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Softball recently kicked off its preparation for the upcoming 2018 campaign. Beginning with their first practice on Jan. 8, the Tigers officially have one month to prepare for their season-opening road trip to Tempe, Ariz., for the Kajikawa Classic (Feb. 8-11).

Throughout Mizzou's practice schedule, Mizzou Softball Sports Information Director, Andy Oldenburg, will provide reports to give Tigers fans an exclusive look into the team's progress.

Jan. 8-16 // Devine Pavilion

• Similar to years past, only players who passed their required conditioning tests are permitted to practice with the team. On day one of official Spring practice, less than 10 Tigers suited up, but head coach Ehren Earleywine saw gradual improvement each day with all 26 Tigers ready to go on Jan. 15.
• During the first week of practice (Jan. 8-12) and the full team not yet present, activities were limited to light drill work amongst hitters and pitchers. Position players also split up into their respective areas for early repetitions.
• With 13 newcomers this season (11 freshmen, two transfers), Coach Earleywine possesses a larger than usual roster. To help with workflow and ensure enough coaches instruction with each player, the Tigers have entered the Devine Pavilion in waves to help break up drill work and stations.
• Beginning this week (Jan. 15-19), the complete 26-player Mizzou roster is now present and allows for the Tiger coaching staff to run a "normal" practice day. This includes a dynamic warm-up, stretching, throwing, situational drills, base running, live batting practice, intersquads and much more.
• In both outfield and infield work, Coach Earleywine has used an array of Tigers across multiple positions. Amanda Sanchez, Brooke Wilmes and Paige Bange have primarily been at third base, Braxton Burnside and Kendyll Bailey have seen time at shortstop, Bailey and Kolby Romaine have anchored down second base and Rylee Pierce and Sanchez have patrolled first base.
• At catcher, a trio of freshmen in Hatti Moore, Trenity Edwards and Katherine Kadlec have led the way in situational drills and bullpen work with the Tigers pitching staff.
• In the outfield, Regan Nash, Tajiah Ellison, Raime Cohen, Callie Martin, Taylor Kirby, Gabby Garrison and Cayla Kessinger have all received reps at nearly every spot throughout fall ball and spring practice.
• A few of the everyday infielders also at times have partook in outfield drills, continuing to give Coach Earleywine additional depth and possible different looks once the season arrives.
• Similar to this past Fall season, newcomers Delaney McDannold, Kara Decker and Abby George, alongside Cosette Tomita, have seen time at a variety of spots on the field and earned a "super utility" role.
• In the circle, returners Danielle Baumgartner and Madi Norman will serve as the veteran hurlers. The newcomer trio of Eli Daniel, Nalani Scates and Lauren Rice are new to the Mizzou scene this year and have all looked sharp since day one.
• The five Tiger pitchers have flourished and remained competitive, as the opening day starter nod is still up for grabs. Norman brings the most experience to this year's staff, including 19 games started a season ago for Mizzou. Baumgartner has appeared in 61 games over her two-year stint with the Tigers, accumulating a solid 2.73 ERA.
• Daniel and Scates both starred in their previous stops before joining Coach Earleywine in Mid-Missouri. They were both the ace on their respective pitching staff, as Daniel made 49 starts for Brenau University (NAIA) and Scates tallied 36 starts for Ohlone Community College (JuCo).

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