The Lady Pioneers Season Kickoff

Last updated on March 1, 2023

By: Ryan Hanna

Volunteer State Community College’s women’s softball team kicked off its new season with eight wins in its first 10 games. 

The team’s hitters have led the charge early on, scoring seven runs or more in each win so far this season. As a result, the Lady Pioneers have amassed a +44-run differential through just 10 games so far. 

The team traveled to Oxford, AL Feb. 23, and 24, for a national preview tournament. There the team beat Three Rivers Community College, Gordon State College, and Snead State CC, but lost five-three to McLennan Community College. 

The team’s Twitter account provided the final update on the preview tournament, tweeting, “Your Lady Pioneers move to 8-2 after the end of the National Preview Jamboree! Winning Game 3 against Gordon State 8-3, & winning game 4 against Snead State 1-0!” 

In addition to the early hitting successes, the pitching has matched it. With the first shutout of the season under their belt, an eight-zero win over Jackson College Feb. 10, Lady Pioneers pitchers have combined for a 2.72 ERA so far. 

“I think we’re a pretty young team, we have a lot of freshmen that came in and are playing,” said outfielder Madalynn Ray. “There’s not a lot of us sophomores.” 

After last season’s second-round playoff exit, the team aims to go further in the Tennessee Community College Athletics Association playoffs (TCCAA). 

“I think all around we’re very strong with not a lot of weak links this year,” said outfielder Sydney Harris. “I think we can do as well if not better than last year, and maybe even make it to the national tournament.” 

Next up, the Lady Pioneers will begin conference play Friday, March 3, with a three-game weekend set against Chattanooga State CC. Conference games will follow every weekend through April 29.