Softball team caps season with a 16-1 CIAA record

The Lady Rams softball team has a chance to post its best record in more the nine seasons in its return to the CIAA.

The team has posted a 25-11(16-1 conference) record after a doubleheader sweep against conference rival Fayetteville State University April 16 to end the season.

"I believe that the team is playing better because they have something to play for this year and that is a title," said head coach Lataya Hilliard-Gray.

"In previous seasons, the players only could play for a win-loss record and that is not what players really want to play for."

The Lady Rams have seen drastic improvements on both offense and defense. They had more hits, RBI, runs, stolen bases, home runs, and extra base hits than last season. The Lady Rams also increased their batting average from .235 -.312.

"During practice, we take at least 30 minutes to perform hitting drills," Hilliard-Gray said.

"It helps the hitters drive the ball better."

Behind the arms of sophomore duo Tiffany Burgess and Brittany Lane, the pitching improved with opponent's batting averages dropping tremendously from .310-.277.

"We have always had good pitchers," Hilliard-Gray said.

"Because of our training regimen it allows for the pitchers to throw more innings and it helps with their energy levels."

A testament to how hard the pitchers' training was Brittany Lane's perfect game against the St. Augustine's College Falcons April 1.

Winston-Salem State is preparing for their first CIAA softball tournament since 2006 and will be trying to win its first title since 2000.

"I am claiming this as our year," Hilliard-Gray said. "But we are staying humble."

The conference tournament is a double-elimination tournament. The Lady Rams will be trying to dethrone the Chowan Hawks, the current champions.

The Lady Rams head into this tournament as the clear favorites because they only have one conference loss this season.

"I think we gave that one game away," Hilliard-Gray said.

"We need to play from the first inning to the ninth."

The doubleheader scheduled for April 5 against Lenoir Rhyne was canceled due to inclement weather and will not be rescheduled.

"It would have been great competition for us," Hilliard-Gray said.

The Ladies are first in the Southern Division and said they are very excited about their first chance at post-season play.

"It encourages us to do better," Hilliard-Gray said.