Looking to improve on last year’s season the AACC softball team is going into the 2015 campaign with confidence when they kick off the season Thursday, March 5.

Although the Pioneers have made it to the tournament the last two years, finishing second in 2013, their journey to make it back this year will be no easier. A new challenge has been introduced, the addition of a district tournament. Athletic Director Duane Herr has full confidence in the team and third year coach Renee Ferguson.

“They know how to get there. She certainly knows how to get there,” Herr said. “It’s just another step to prepare for but certainly not an unreachable task.”
This new roadblock has not diminished the programs confidence in its ability to return to the national tournament this season.

“There is a pretty consistent group of elite teams that are making it.” Herr said. “And we try to schedule them in the regular season so we have a good look at what we’re facing in the national tournament.”

Head coach Renee Ferguson was concerned about the new format but has already put a program in place to ensure her team is ready for the additional challenge.

“It does concern me a little bit.” Ferguson said. “This year we’ve put in some more training, like leadership training, personality training, so we’re prepared for that next level.”

This year’s squad looks nothing like last season’s team with only four returning players from last year’s roster, according to head coach Renee Ferguson, she doesn’t consider that an issue.

“I’m absolutely not concerned this year.” Ferguson said. “Even though we’re a young team, we’re not inexperienced. I actually feel like I’m in a better place than I have been the last two years.”

Assistant coach Kasey McDowell agrees noting how the team has started to gel leading up to opening day.

“At first it was kind of rough because they were all new and didn’t really know each other that well.” said McDowell. “As we practiced, they kind of meshed more and it’s getting better every day. They’re getting excited. We still have a lot to work on, but other than that I think we’ll be okay for our first game.”

Coach Ferguson is pleased with the make-up and attitude of this year’s