MORRIS, Minn. – Despite a foot of snow on the ground in Morris the 2013 softball season is just a couple days away for the Cougars. On Monday Minnesota Morris will take on Macalester in the Vadnais Heights Sportscenter in Vadnais Heights, Minn. The double header with the Scots will begin at 1 p.m.
 
Prior to the season opener we spoke with Head Coach Heather Pennie about her expectations and goals for the 2013 season. She said, “We need to improve on last year and we expect to do so in 2013.” Hard work this fall and in the preseason will help the Cougars improve off their 2012 season. They are picked to finish second in the UMAC this season.
 
Offensively the Cougars will be led by the 2012 UMAC Player of the Year, Molly Olson. Olson along with teammates, Jordan Iverson and Natasha Wiebold are going to be called upon to spark the offense. Pennie is excited about the mix of speed and power in this year's team, though she expressed the need for the Cougars to cut down on strikeouts.
 
On the defensive side the team will return first baseman Kelsey Draper and third baseman Kristy Hoge at the corners. There is a lot of speed in the outfield which will help the Cougars cover a lot of ground and hopefully cut down on extra base hits.
 
In addition, Pennie is excited about her pitching staff, primarily the depth and difference in the arms she can send to the circle. Transfers Mackenzie Weatherly and Sam Hanson will join with freshman Brooke Decker as options for Pennie. Mackenzie “likes to hit spots and move the ball around” explained Pennie. “On the other hand Hanson can throw hard and mix it up,” continued Pennie.
 
Following Monday's double header the Cougars will play Saint Benedict's on March 15, before going to Myrtle Beach, S. C. for their spring trip. In Myrtle Beach the Cougars will play eight games in five days starting March 17.