Tuesday, January 14, 2003

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Jan. 14, 2003) -- Practice is in full swing for the East Tennessee State softball team. Under the direction of new head coach, Amy Fuller, the Buccaneers look to improve from last year's 25-32 record. The team finished fifth place in the Southern Conference with a 9-12 mark led by Danielle Spetar (Knoxville, Tenn.). As a freshman Spetar earned All-SoCon second team honors and batted .256 with eight home runs, and stole 13 bases. ETSU also returns junior pitcher/shortstop Tiffany McVay (Sale Creek, Tenn.), who went 8-10 on the mound with a 3.50 ERA and hit .268 with six home runs and 16 stolen bases. Other top returnees include: Miranda Byerly (Jr.,1B) Rhea Holler (Jr.,OF/C Amy Moore (So., C/OF) Sheryl Clark (Jr.,C) Lindsay Lane (So./3B) Mary Beth Hazelwood (So./SS) Jolene Holthaus (Fr., P) Julia Chance (Jr., IF/UT) The Buccaneers begin play on Feb. 14 in a doubleheader at South Carolina State. ETSU's first home contest will be Mar. 5 versus Mars Hill.