KU Softball Amped For First Fall Practice

LAWRENCE, Kan. – After several weeks of individual workouts, Kansas softball was excited to step on the field for the first time together as fall practices began on Monday afternoon at Arrocha Park.

It is the first time this season entire Jayhawk squad has practiced all together outside of the weight room.

“We’ve had a few good weeks of individual instructions,” said head coach Megan Smith. “We’ve laid the ground work and had a chance to get the freshmen acclimated to our system. It’s great to see them on the field together working on team concepts. It’s been great in the weight room, but it’s even better to see them all together on the field.”
 
KU will have a full week of team practices before opening the fall slate Sept. 28-29 at the Kansas Fall Invitational. The Jayhawks host Washburn University, Labette Community College, Cowley County Community College and Butler Community College.
 
“This weekend is going to be a challenge for us because we only have a week of practices together before we play,” Smith said. “That is different this year. We normally have more time before the fall games start. We will treat this weekend like practices, moving people around to see where they fit. The bottom line is that we will go out, have fun and let the freshmen get the nerves out of their system.”
 
Kansas is coming off one of its best seasons in recent years. In 2013, KU led the nation with a batting average of .345, which also set a new Kansas and Big 12 record. The Jayhawks’ 34-16 (.680) record in 2013 marked the team’s best winning percentage since the 1992 season when KU went to 45-10 (.818) and advanced to the Women’s College World Series.
 
The Jayhawks are geared up for another great season as 11 letterwinners return and seven newcomers join the squad.
 
The first pitch of the Kansas Fall Invitational is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sept. 28 against Washburn.
 
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