Emory, Va - Head Coach Tommy Forrester led the Wasps softball team to their most successful season since 2007. In his first year at the helm, Forrester won 23 games, which is tied for the third most in a single season for E&H. The Wasps finished seventh in the conference and went on to the ODAC Tournament.

Regarding his early success, Forrester said, "Our softball program took a huge step in 2014. It was a fun season and we are proud that we could bring a winning record back to the team and return to the ODAC tournament. Now in 2015, we believe in our team and believe that we can continue to elevate our play and increase in excellence. "

The team will look to continue their winning ways after only losing three seniors from the previous season. They will rely heavily on their veteran pitching staff. Brandy Bryant, a senior, posted nine wins in 21 appearances in the circle last season. All the while, her 60 strikeouts led the team. Bryant also tied for second in the ODAC with 3 saves. Taylor Banner posted 9 victories on the season as well. The junior was lights out on several occasions, posting four shutouts. That number was tied for the third most in the conference. The team will also look towards seniors Katie Grimm and Roxanne Hillman to provide quality innings in the circle. Last season, Grimm went 4-0 with a 1.57 ERA. She completed both games that she started and spent most of her pitching duties in relief. Hillman was 1-0 with a 4.82 ERA.

Hillman will also be asked to provide punch in the Wasps' lineup. She was named to the All-ODAC Second Team as a designated player in the 2014 season. In her 50 at bats, Hillman had a .380 batting average, hit 2 doubles, 1 home run, and 11 RBIs. Junior Taylor Doss was named to the All-ODAC Third Team as the team's starting first baseman. Doss was a workhorse for the Wasps. Her .389 batting average was second on the team, while she led in triples (3), home runs (5), and RBIs (31). Senior Bethany Anderson hit .270 in her 37 at-bats. She finished up the season with 2 extra base hits and 9 RBIs. Junior Hannah Bays started all 38 games in right field last season while hitting .321. Bays finished second on the team in home runs and RBIs, with 4 and 21 respectively.  The Wasps will look to key contributors Riley Pudney and Jordan Chrisley to keep producing this year. Pudney started all 38 games at shortstop as a freshman. She led the team with 26 runs and 11 doubles, while stealing 8 bases. Chrisley started all 38 games at catcher. She led the team with a .396 batting average on her way to being named to the All-ODAC Third Team.

Forrester made strides in his first season as the Emory & Henry softball coach last year. With a strong core and seven freshmen joining the squad, the Wasps are likely to move up in the ODAC standings. Coach Forrester stated, "Our team is very excited to start the season.  We had a good fall and have had great preseason practices. Our combination of skill and heart will make us a very hard team to beat."

Leading Returners

Batting Average – Jordan Chrisley, .396

Hits – Jordan Chrisley and Taylor Doss, 44

Home Runs – Taylor Doss, 5

RBIs – Taylor Doss, 31

Stolen Bases – Jordan Chrisley and Riley Pudney, 8

Wins – Brandy Bryant and Taylor Banner, 9

Strikeouts – Brandy Bryant, 60

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-Photo courtesy of Caleb Johnston, E&H '15