Softball Begins 2023 Season at Home Against Ursuline College

LAKELAND, Fla. - The Florida Southern softball team will open its 2023 season at home Sunday against Ursuline College at the Chris Bellotto Field in Lakeland, Fla. The Mocs and the Arrows will compete in a doubleheader with start times of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

2023 Season Opener

Opponent – Ursuline College Arrows
Date – Feb. 5 at 10 a.m./12 p.m.
Location – Chris Bellotto Field
Live Stats - http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statbroadcast.php?t=1&gid=sflo
Live Video - https://www.sunshinestateconference.tv/floridasouthern/

 
The Mocs return this year with enthusiasm for the 2023 season. Last spring, the team struggled to generate momentum as they went 18-29 overall and 7-23 in the Sunshine State Conference. Three Mocs earned honors during the season last year in, Myah Moy, Destiny Colgate, and Maddi Conner, earning All-SSC honors. Colgate and Conner will be returning for the 2023 season.

This year, head coach Mo Triner has high hopes for the Mocs. Although the loss of Moy and Jadin Dewith may pose some holes in the roster, Triner is confident that the team's work ethic will make up for those losses. "The conference looks strong this year, said Triner. "but we have been working on our mental game, and channeling that nervous energy to benefit us. I tell the girls to eat the pressure and perform. That's what it will come down to this season, especially for our pitchers."

The 2023 Roster
The Mocs are excited to have Conner back on the field for a 5th year. She is a two-time recipient of the SSC Commissioner's Honor Roll (2019, 2020). Conner primarily plays first base but could see some action behind the plate this year. Triner is experimenting with second base, giving reps to sophomore Jadyn Bushnell, senior Kelsey Peck, and a new face to the Mocs but a very promising freshman, Kenleigh Smith. Third base will rotate between junior transfer Taylor Thomas, sophomore Mariah Rodriguez, and freshman Kelly Keating. Junior Kiki Morris will remain at the center and will not be pitching this season. Returning for their senior years, Leanna Kelly and Jessica Bryson are pushing each other to prepare for the left field. Triner plans to use the girls in different positions based on the type of teams they are playing. 

Pitchers
Junior transfers Taylor Thomas and Ashley Blessin will be pitching for the Moccasins along with returners seniors Mel Rogers, Kaylee Cowart, and Tiana Hernandez. Hernandez had four starts in the circle in the 2022 season, appeared in 12 games, and struck out 17 batters off 25 hits. Triner believes that the success of the team relies on the success of her pitchers. Cowart is a fantastic asset against big-swinger teams since they are not prepared for the slower speed of the ball. "It all comes down to our pitchers and if they can hit their spots,'' stated Triner. "I am confident in the work these pitchers have done to have a successful season."

New Faces
This year, the Mocs welcomed two junior transfers in Thomas transferred from Seminole State College of Florida and is currently listed as first base, third base, and pitcher. At Seminole, she was named first-team all-conference, first-team all-state, FCSAA All-tournament team, and NFCA South Region Second Team. Blessin transferred from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. At Marshall, she was named NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete, a 3-time Conference USA Academic Medalist and received Commissioner's, Honor Roll. Triner commented on Blessin's persistent work ethic which is inspiring her fellow pitchers to intensify training. The team also brought on three freshmen, Smith, Keating, and Mykava Pittman, as well as a sophomore walk-on, Chloe Johnson.

Coaching Staff
Head coach Mo Triner, an alum of the University of South Florida, started as an assistant coach at FSC in 2020 and was named the second head coach in program history for the 2021 season. "I feel good where we are at this season. I believe we have come a long way since I arrived here. The culture is good, and the communication between me and the girls has improved from last season. They are really starting to get excited about playing and getting that edge on their competitors".

Triner is assisted by second-year assistant Marti Littlefield and USF alumni who played under coach Triner, Mia Fung.

2023 Florida Southern Softball Home Schedule   
February 5 - 10 AM/12 PM - Ursuline (DH)
February 24 - 6:00 PM - Eckerd College*
February 25 - 1/3 PM - Eckerd College* (DH)
March 3 -  5/ 7 PM - Wilmington University (DH)
March 4 - 2/ 4 PM - SW Minnesota State (DH)
March 8 - 4/ 6 PM - Lander University (DH)
March 10 - 7:00 PM - Florida Tech 
March 11 - 1/ 3 PM - Florida Tech (DH)
March 14 - 5/ 7 PM - Post University (DH)
March 15 - 5/ 7 PM - Hillsdale College (DH) 
March 22 - 5/ 7 PM - West Georgia (DH)
March 24 - 6:00 PM - Saint Leo University
March 25 - 12/ 2 PM - Saint Leo University (DH) 
April 6 - 6:00 PM - Lynn University 
April 7 - 1/ 3 PM - Lynn University (DH)
April 14 - 7:00 PM - Nova Southeastern University
April 15 - 1/3 PM - Nova Southeastern University (DH)