MORRISTOWN, TN – There will be a lot of new faces on the field for No. 8 Walters State in 2024, however, the Lady Senators return some key sophomores in hopes of making another postseason run.
The Lady Senators are coming off a sixth-place finish at the 2023 JUCO World Series and a 55-4 record. That postseason run led into a good fall for Walters State, as they now prepare for the 2024 season.
"We played some good Division 1 teams this fall and played well," Walters State coach Larry Sauceman said. "With Tori (Coffman) on the mound, you've got a chance to win a bunch of them. And our other pitchers did well, too. Overall, I thought we did well in the fall and are shaping up for the spring. Having our sophomores back makes a big difference."
The returners for Walters State start in the circle with Tori Coffman. Coffman is coming off a freshmen season that saw her named an NJCAA First Team All-American. Coffman finished the season at 32-2 and an ERA of 1.14. She totaled 296 strikeouts.
"The big thing for her this year, and all the sophomores, is to just stay humble," Sauceman said. "Tori gives us a chance every time in the circle. And we've got some good depth behind her this year that will help a lot."
Coffman will be once again throwing to her battery mate this season in catcher Jules Johnson. Johnson was All-TCCAA First Team last season after hitting .348 with 21 home runs and 70 RBIs.
Other returning starters for Walters State include outfielders Kailey Dixon and Abigail Taylor. Dixon was the Lady Senators leadoff hitter last year and will be in the same spot this season, after hitting .415 and driving in 38 runs. Dixon also stole 27 bases.
"It's huge having her at the leadoff spot," Sauceman said. "I'm probably going to let her swing more this year. I can see her leading the game off with home runs, doubles or triples. She's just a pleasure to watch."
Meanwhile, Taylor hit in the nine-spot last season and finished with a .381 average and stole nine bases.
Other sophomores that are back for Sauceman include Abby Davidson, Alex Blanton, Haidyn Campbell, Jayden Salts and Carley Cook.
In terms of new players, Sauceman has to fill a lot of spots in the field. During the fall, freshman Brooklyn Copley played third, freshman Nora Mack played shortstop, freshman Imari Golden played second and freshman Olivia Neese played in the outfield.
However, Saucmen said that all of those spots are open and has a lot of depth to rotate players in-and-out when needed.
"All of those jobs are open and hopefully some of these new girls step in and do a good job," Sauceman said. "We have a big roster, so we've got some depth in terms of who all gets to play."
Backing up Coffman on the mound, Emma Myatt comes from Claiborne and pitched in some big spots during the fall. Sauceman also mentioned Hayley Lawing, Makayla Ramsey, Gracie Slatton and Charley Clark as pitchers who could see time in the circle this year.
"Myatt did well in the fall," Sauceman said. "We're lucky to get her when we did. And then we have three or four others that can step in there. I like what we've got there."
As far as the schedule goes, it's a tough one for the Lady Senators. Non-conference games include tournaments in Oxford, AL and Gulf Shores, AL. For conference play, Walters State will host Motlow State, Southwest Tennessee, No. 11 Chattanooga State, Dyersburg State and both Cleveland State and Roane State for two games. The Lady Senators will travel to Columbia State, Jackson State, Volunteer State and Cleveland State and Roane State for two games.
"Gulf Coast, we play them in Gulf Shores, they've got a good team," Sauceman said. "Central Alabama is always good, as well. The conference is always going to be tough. Chattanooga is always going to be tough. Vol State and Dyersburg will be pretty good, as well."
In terms of goals, it's about getting back to Oxford, AL and the JUCO World Series.
"These are great kids and good people," Sauceman said. "They're going to try really hard. And with Coffman out there, we have a chance to get back to Oxford. I'm looking forward to this year. I know they are, too."
Walters State's season is slated to begin on Saturday, February 3, at home against Snead State. The doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
Rob Harvey
Walters State Community College
Sports Information Director
Cell: (423) 779-8880
Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu
Website: www.ws.edu/athletics