Columbia College Softball Ready to Hit the Field

By: MGR and RNW

Photo Credit: Scott Miles Photography

The Columbia College Softball team is ready to throw the First Pitch of the 2022 season. The Koalas will be under the tutelage of Leighann Newberry, who enters her second season at the helm.

Columbia College returns 15 players from the 2021 season and adds eight newcomers to the squad that finished 5-21 overall and in the AAC last season. In the 2022 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Koalas were picked 12th.

While the Koalas returnees more than double their newcomers, Coach Newberry expects her seniors to lead by example.

"I am expecting leadership from all over the field, but especially from my six seniors," Newberry added. "Kristin Wemes is one of those seniors who will lead the team in all aspects and is a big presence from behind the plate. Having senior shortstop Alyssa Diaz returns to the field is allowing us the ability to move other players back into a more natural position."

Kiley Bridgmon is the top returning offensive producer, finishing last season with a .296 batting average, 21 hits, and 14 runs with an on-base percentage of .324.

Diaz rejoins the lineup after being out last season.

As for the newcomers, Newberry will look to senior transfer infielder Wynter Webb and freshman outfielder Kinsley Goza. 

"Wynter Webb and Kinsley Goza are new players who can make a big impact right away. They both showed out in the fall with the two highest batting averages. They are both very productive offensively, Kinsley with the small ball and speed, and Wynter with timely and powerful hits," said Newberry.

Webb, who is also a member of the Koala women's basketball team, joins the Koalas from Chicago State while Goza hails from Springville, Utah.

Having a mix of old and new players can often be tough, but Newberry noted the preseason has helped the team to adapt.

"We are learning to play together as a team and play through whatever is thrown our way," stated Newberry. "We have more depth than before at key positions, which is a huge positive. Our batters really challenged the pitching staff this fall, and I think that has made our pitchers much better."

With so many returnees, the standards and expectations are high, said Newberry.

"My expectations are very high this season. I have a lot of experienced players this season, and they are pushing every day to get better. We want to be competitive in every single game and make sure our presence is known in our conference."

Columbia College will be tested right away, as they open the season with their first six games (three doubleheaders) on the road. The Koalas will open up at USC Sumter (Feb. 3), followed by Brewton Parker on Feb. 9 and USC Salkehatchie on Feb. 12, before returning home for its next five doubleheaders beginning Wednesday, Feb. 16 vs. Benedict.

"We have a tough schedule for the 2022 season," stated Newberry. "I am looking to test my players against both conference and non-conference competitions. Our big conference opponents will include Truett McConnell, Brenau, Milligan, and Reinhardt."

In all, Columbia College will play a 56 game schedule (28 doubleheaders), 15 home doubleheaders, and 13 road contests.