Clarksville, Ark.-University of the Ozarks second-year head softball coach Roland Rodriguez has seen both progress and enthusiasm increase within his team as it enters the upcoming 2017 season.

"Our level of enthusiasm has risen significantly," said Rodriguez. "They are excited because they see progress. The overall approach on how we do things is better. Their enthusiasm to work at their craft has gotten better. They are coachable and provide feedback to me. The environment is different."

The Eagles made substantial strides from the previous season under the veteran coach and aim for even more success this season.

In his first season at Ozarks, Rodriguez's impact on the program helped the pitching staff lower its ERA and improve offensive production. The 2016 team hit more home runs and recorded more extra base hits than the previous season.

Fueling that improvement were Krysten Shavers, Laken Gray and Kayla Gray. Now seniors, Rodriguez expects the trio to lead by example.
    
"I've told our seniors I want them to lead with quality example both as a player and a person," he said. "I want them to enjoy their senior year. Their leadership will fall into place as they take care of business. I don't want to put everything on their shoulders. I want them to play relaxed."

Shavers led the team in homers (5) and total bases (52) while batting .294. Laken Gray hit .281 with four doubles. Kayla Gray recorded 24 hits, including two doubles, one triple and one home run.

In all, six starters return for the 2017 season. All-Conference designated player and pitcher Hannah Oler returns for her junior season. Oler led the team with 23 RBI and ranked second in batting (.354). She also had 47 total bases to go along with four doubles. Oler will play a key role in the circle after posting a 5-8 record in 89.1 innings. She threw one shutout and six complete games. She recorded 26 strikeouts on the year.

"We need our pitching staff to remain healthy," he said. "We are asking two or three people to carry the load for us. Our offense needs to support them."

Individual skillsets have gotten better from a year ago, according to Rodriguez.

"As the skillsets become better individually, the better we become collectively," he said. "It is about team results, not individual results. Our goal is to get better every time we hit the practice field. And, we want to see progress moving forward."

Rodriguez landed eight newcomers for the 2017 season.

"I want our newcomers to find a way to contribute," he said. "Some may be asked to play immediately and there are others who will have a role."

The Eagles compete in one of the toughest NCAA Division III softball conferences in the country. While the Eagles finished 11-25 overall and 11-19 in conference play last season, Ozarks had a number of close losses early in the season and could have finished higher than ninth. With just four more wins, Ozarks could have finished as high as sixth in the conference standings.

"We don't want to look too far ahead," he said. "If you don't set your sights on what is in front of you, you will stumble. We will worry about our opener and then get ready for the next series."

In the rigors of the American Southwest Conference, it is important for each player to rely on one another, according to Rodriguez.

"They need to rely on each other," he said. "It is important for them to understand they can count on each other. We tell them to stay strong between the ears. I don't want small distractions to get in the way of what we are trying to accomplish."

Ozarks will open the season against Howard Payne University February 10 in Brownwood, Texas.

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