Kansas softball begins practice, releases fall schedule

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas softball began preparations for the 2018 season with its first team practice of the fall at Arrocha Ballpark and head coach Megan Smith announced the fall schedule of exhibition games for the Jayhawks on Wednesday.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with how our first practice went — it might be one of the best first practices we have had since I’ve been here,” Smith said about her team. “We are always pumped to get out as a full team for the first time. We have so many newcomers, we were anxious to see them out there with all our great returners.”

It was the first chance for KU’s group of eight newcomers to compete with their new team as a whole, including 2017 NFCA All-Region honorees Erin McGinley, a senior outfielder, and Harli Ridling, a senior catcher.

KU’s incoming class includes freshman outfielder Addie Balderston, sophomore utility Sam Dellinger, freshman catcher Shelby Gayre, freshman outfielder Brittany Jackson, junior pitcher/utility Brynn Minor, freshman infielder Sydnee Ramsey, sophomore infielder Miranda Rodriguez, freshman pitcher/utility Tarin Travieso.

“You always look to see what type of impact newcomers are going to have immediately,” Smith continued. “With some of our transfers, they are coming in like upperclassmen – they aren’t scared to speak-up and lead. I certainly saw that today. Our upperclassmen also did a really good job of showing our newcomers how we do things and being patient with them and taking the time to help coach them, too. That’s really special when you see your returners take the time to get the new players acclimated. I thought they worked really well together today.”

The Jayhawks will work up to their first fall competition date on Saturday, Oct. 7 against the University of Saint Mary at 10 a.m., followed by a 12:30 p.m. first pitch against Cowley County Community College.

The following week, Kansas plays host to Baker on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. On Oct. 18, Minor will play her former team as back-to-back defending NJCAA national champion Butler County Community College visits Arrocha Park for a 6 p.m. first pitch. The fall season concludes against Johnson County Community College on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m.

All fall games will be held in Arrocha Ballpark at Rock Chalk Park.

2017 Kansas Softball Fall Schedule
All times Central. All games played in Arrocha Ballpark at Rock Chalk Park.

Saturday, Oct. 7
Saint Mary – 10 a.m.
Cowley County Community College – 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 11
Baker – 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 18
Butler County Community College – 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 19
Johnson County Community College – 6 p.m.

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