Softball Preseason Notebook...
By Dana LeRoy (@ZipsDana / @ZipsSB) Jan. 25, 2014, Softball
Although the outdoor conditions in Akron have not been favorable for the last few months, it hasn’t stopped the softball team from working hard to prepare for the 2014 campaign that is quickly approaching. From hosting camps and clinics on campus at Stile Athletics Field House to kicking off spring practice, the Zips have been making the most of their time indoors.
Head coach Julie Jones recently spoke at a coaching clinic sponsored by the OHSAA in Columbus, addressing over 800 high school fastpitch coaches about different aspects of the game. The Zips’ coaching staff is also set to host a coaching clinic of its own on Sunday, Jan. 26, from 7-11 a.m. at the field house. The staff will cover philosophies on fielding mechanics, hitting, situational drills, baserunning, pitching and conditioning. The attendees will also be able to observe Akron’s staff during an actual practice in the afternoon.
Last weekend, the field house was home to 14 high school teams that participated in one of the Zips’ team camps. Jones, her staff and her team have seen an impressive response to their offseason camps during the 2013-14 academic year. During the winter months, Akron has hosted a total of 54 teams and 900 student-athletes at its team camps.
Coach Pratt talks to teams in the field house during Team Camp on Jan. 19.
UA’s preseasons skills clinics will conclude with the final day of instruction set for Sunday, Feb. 2 at the field house. Spaces are still available for all sessions, including: beginning and advanced pitching, power hitting, bunting, slapping and baserunning, and fielding skills. Click here to register.
The Zips officially begin the 2014 season on Friday, Feb. 7-9, when they travel to the Southeastern Louisiana Invitational. Akron will open with a doubleheader against Texas Tech and Alabama State. Check GoZips.com next week for the complete season preview!
Softball in Fall Swing...
By Dana LeRoy (@ZipsDana /
@ZipsSB) Oct. 11, 2013, Softball
The Zips have been busy since school started, racking up wins in the offseason as they forge ahead in fall ball action.
Akron has gone 7-0 so far during its fall schedule, and although the games don’t count toward the spring season, head coach Julie Jones has been able to get a look at her team in a variety of different lineups.
Jones has guided UA to fall victories over Tiffin (7-1), California Pennsylvania (3-2), Cleveland State (3-1 and 5-4 in eight innings), Fairmont State (3-0), Hillsdale (6-1) and most notably, Ohio State (6-4 in nine innings).
Akron returns 13 letterwinners overall from last year’s squad and welcomed four newcomers – two freshmen and two transfers – for 2013-14. Right-handed pitcher Sara Pearson, a junior transfer from Memphis, has already made a big impact in the rotation, combining with MacKenzie Conrad to lead the Zips in the circle.
The Zips will wrap up their fall schedule on Saturday, Oct. 12 at noon when they host rival Kent State at Lee R. Jackson Field. The game also marks the kickoff of the Zips vs. Flashes Alumni Challenge, which both programs announced today.
Tomorrow wouldn’t be a bad day to enjoy the beautiful fall weather and take in some Zips softball!
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