EVANSVILLE, Ind. – With the start of the 2017 season just two days away, the University of Evansville softball squad looks to build on the success that it enjoyed last season when the team had one of the top ten turnarounds in the country.
 
Today, we let the Purple Aces tell their own story as they prepare for the season to begin.  We sat down with pitcher Emily Lockhart, infielder Susan Norris and outfielder Olivia Cheatham to set the scene.
 
Lockhart enters her second season with the Aces and tossed over 43 innings in her freshman campaign.  Working more as a closer last year, Lockhart is excited about the opportunity to step into the starting role.
 
"I think last year I was more of a closer and did not throw as many innings, but threw against more teams.  It gave me an idea of what the teams have for when we go to face them," Lockhart said.  "Last year, I spoke with the coaches after last fall and we saw that I would be better as a closer at that point.  This year – I have been working on my pitches and knowing what you need to start and pitch in this conference has helped to be better prepared."
 
She also knows what to expect from the anchor of the pitching staff – Morgan Florey.
 
"In terms of Morgan, she is a great pitcher to have on the team.  We know she can play against anyone," Lockhart added.  "In terms of the rest of our crew, we have a lot of different backgrounds from groundball to strike out pitchers who can contribute and combat what other teams may have.  Our depth is a lot better and takes some pressure off of us.  You know that no matter what situation you have, there is a pitcher who will do well in that spot."
 
Susan Norris was a member of the All-Defensive Team last season and is excited about the chance to play with the rest of her teammates on the infield.  Last season, Morgan Lambert, Chandra Parr, Michal Luckett and Norris manned the majority of innings in the infield.  All four return this season.  The four combined to start 165 games last season.  Catcher Hayli Scott also started 36 games and appeared in 46.
 
"Most of us have been here for at least a few years and it helps to know their range and how much ground they can cover, you know what they can do," Norris said.  "You know they can get the out.  Knowing that we all have the experience, we know what to expect so now it is time to just attack on that."
 
In much of the same fashion that they infield remains intact from last season, the outfield is also returning from 2016.  Sophomore Olivia Cheatham, who started 37 games in 2016, explained the benefit of having her outfield teammates back once again.
 
"We have a lot of variety in the outfield with different speeds and arms.  Each one of us can contribute and it is good to have that depth," Cheatham said.  "It is nice that we have all played together for a few years; that has helped us to bond and communicate better." 
 
Cheatham explained how her crew each brings something different to the table and can contribute immediately.
 
"Everyone will contribute.  We have six outfielders - three left field slappers while our three right-handers are more power hitters.  We made such a big step last year that we cannot expect that same jump again," Cheatam explained.  "Having the same girls back, we know what everyone can do.  We are in good shape to reach our goals if we keep working hard.  We have a tough start with some great teams and know that will help us in the conference."
 

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