Belmont/Lipscomb Music City Classic Schedule
Feb. 6 - vs. South Dakota State - 2:30 p.m.
Feb. 7 - vs. IUPUI - 10 a.m.
Feb. 8 - vs. Indiana State - 12:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 - vs. Lipscomb - 3:30 p.m.
With high expectations and young talent, the Ball State softball team heads to Nashville, Tenn., this weekend for the Belmont/Lipscomb Music City Classic to open its season.
“We’ve had some really strong practices, especially the past couple days," head coach Tyra Perry said. "You can tell it’s game time. There’s a little extra pep in our step.”
The annual preseason coaches' poll picked Ball State to finish second in the Mid-American Conference West Division.
Entering her second season as coach, Perry looks to improve from last year's strong season. The Cardinals went 33-19 overall with a 12-4 record in the MAC, winning their third consecutive regular season championship.
Ball State hasn't won the conference tournament since 2010, however.
In order to strengthen the coaching staff, 2014 graduate Jennifer Gilbert, who helped lead the team to a regular season championship last season, has rejoined the team as a volunteer assistant coach.
Perry praised Gilbert's ability to help the players come into their own and develop their game.
“She’s a natural at coaching and as a teacher, so players really look up to her because of her success and her approach," Perry said. "She has instantly, as a coach, made the program even better – similar to what she did for us as a player.”
With the help of Gilbert, the Cardinals are looking to develop a freshman class that will mix with the veterans to make for a successful season.
Freshmen Julia Bailey, Leigh McAnally, Elise Sandberg and Carolyn Wilmes will look to make an immediate impact for the Cardinals.
Along with the freshman class, the team has added a couple transfers.
India Steward, originally from Western Kentucky, will be playing center field for Ball State. Another impressive transfer whom Perry is excited about is Rachel Houck. She played her freshman year at Louisville and is expected to have a strong presence at the plate.
With only three seniors on the team, the Cardinals are looking to develop into a powerhouse in the MAC for years to come.
Perry and her staff have an eye for talent, and are looking to build on last season's success.
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