WKU Softball head coach Amy Tudor and fifth-year seniors Maddie Bowlds and Shelby Nunn met with the media Tuesday morning just days before they kickoff the 2022 season.

Tudor first discussed the team’s pitching situation, and who would be stepping up this season after losing some dominant players in that position last year. 

“Getting Katie [Gardner] and Shelby back is huge for our program, they had great success at the Conference USA Tournament, and they had great success in the NCAA tournament,” said Tudor. “We’re excited about this pitching staff and all the differences they bring to our program.”

After their outstanding performance last year winning the C-USA Championship, many are wondering how this season will compare. Several Hilltoppers have already earned preseason achievements. Nunn was named C-USA’s Preseason Pitcher of the year. Nunn again was listed on the Preseason All-Conference Team along with senior Taylor Davis and Bowlds.  

WKU placed third out of 12 teams in the conference’s preseason ranking. The Hilltoppers have a tough schedule ahead of them, facing several Power Five opponents such as Ole Miss and Alabama. 

“I think it’s important to play the best teams you can play; it gets you prepared for the post-season and ultimately that’s our goal,” said Tudor. “Our culture is the best it’s ever been. We’re like a family. The girls care about each other, and they’ve shown that in their practices off the field [and] on the field.” 

Nunn and Bowlds also commented about their outlook on the season ahead of them. 

“We have the best chemistry that we’ve ever had,” said Nunn. “We generally care for each other as a team and we’re here for each one of us.”  

“I really think we have everything that we need to be successful,” said Bowlds. “All in all, I trust this offense more than I probably have in the past.” 

To start their season, the Hilltoppers will head to College Station, Texas, Feb. 11 to play in the Aggie Classic Tournament this upcoming weekend. 

Softball Reporter Lynda Eernisse can be reached at [email protected].