2023 Season Preview: Softball
WEST POINT, Ga. (February 8, 2023) – After a 32-20 overall and 18-10 AAC conference record in 2022, the Point Skyhawks softball team sets out to start their 2023 campaign on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at home in a non-conference double-header against Brewton-Parker starting at 3:00 P.M. This year's team is one of the most senior led team's in Skyhawk softball history with 14 seniors on the roster for the 2023 season. The Skyhawks will look to their players experience as a key factor in their search for a championship run this season.
Head Coach Jennifer Tyler is entering her 12th season as the head of the softball program that she started back in 2010-2011. Coach Tyler will be assisted by Coach Sarah Bowles, in her 12th season and Coach Todd Striblin, in his second season. Coach Tyler shared some insight to her team's mindset entering the season, as well as some goals for this season.
Team's Mindset
"Determination. We have quite a few players using their extra covid year which is making our senior class large with 14. With that, we are bringing a ton of experience to the field as well as players that have been here multiple years and know and understands our expectations for the program and how we like to represent Point University. "
Goals for the season
1. Eliminate our one run loss games.
2. Make it one step further and play pass the AAC Conference tournament, regionals and World Series.
3. After finishing up the 2022 season with a team batting average of .300, our goal is to hit .325 as a team.
4. The current wins record is 32 in a season, and we would like to surpass that win total.
Top Returners (2022 statistics)
1. Haley Lyner (SR) - .391, 70 hits, 52 runs scored, 18 doubles, 4 triples, 8 home runs and 52 RBIs in 52 games played. Lyner was named to the 2nd team all-conference in 2022.
2. Taylor Knight (SR) - .349, 45 hits, 27 runs scored, 7 doubles, 8 home runs and 28 RBIs.
3. Return all 3 starting pitchers in the circle return for the 2023 season.
Mary Michael Burnham (SR) – 11-6 record, 2 saves, 120 IP, 2.92 ERA and 48Ks.
Katelyn Jiles (JR) – 13-4 record, 1 save, 109.1 IP, 2.82 ERA and 49Ks.
Ashlynn Hamm (JR) – 6-8 record, 4 saves, 95.2 IP, 2.78 ERA and 26Ks.
Top Newcomers
1. Tia Coleman will bring power to the offense.
2. Skye Loftin and Wellsley Henderson will bring solidity and depth to the corners.
3. Transfer pitchers Chloe Mitcham and Maggie Harris, plus freshman Raley Thorn will add depth and experience to the circle.
2023 Schedule
The Point Skyhawks softball program will compete in 48 regular season games starting Wednesday, February 8, 2023, against Brewton-Parker at home. The Skyhawks will play 20 non-conference games and 28 regular season games this season. Those 20 non-conference games are Brewton-Parker (Feb 8-home), Stillman (Feb 10-away), Clark Atlanta (Feb 15-home), Thomas (Feb 17-home), Stillman (Feb 18-home), Tuskegee (Feb 22-away), Brewton-Parker (Feb 25-away), Agnes Scott (Mar 21-away), Clark Atlanta (Apr 12-away), and Thomas (Apr 18-away).
AAC Conference Games (30 games)
Mar 1 – Tennessee Wesleyan
Mar 4 – Columbia (SC)
Mar 6 – Reinhardt
Mar 8 - @ Kentucky Christian
Mar 14 - @ Brenau (GA)
Mar 17 – @ Johnson (TN)
Mar 18 - @ Montreat
Mar 23 – @ CIU (SC)
Mar 25 – Milligan
Mar 29 - @ Truett-McConnell
Apr 1 – Union (Alumni Day)
Apr 4 – @ Bryan
Apr 6 – St. Andrew's
Apr 15 – Bluefield (Senior Day)