The 2019 University of the Ozarks softball team made vast improvements from the previous year and now the 2020 squad aims for even bigger things under head coach Denise Godwin. In Godwin's first season, the Eagles improved their batting average more than 20 points from the previous season. Godwin's squad also improved its run production. And, the team's ERA was lower, while the team defensive fielding percentage increased in her first season. The Eagles also won three series in the American Southwest Conference, arguably the toughest softball conference in NCAA III. 

"The girls have been working hard," said Godwin. "Their attitude is positive. They are looking forward to a new season. They are hungry for the opportunity to play. We are really excited to get the season started." 

Eight players return with starting experience for the upcoming 2020 season. The Eagles also return two of their four pitchers from last season. Among the returners with starting experience include junior outfielder/pitcher Jaela Martin, junior outfielder Brittney Dean, junior outfielder Megan Madden, junior utility player Elisa Cantu, sophomore catcher/third baseman Tori Reiber, junior catcher/infielder Riki Haase, sophomore catcher/infielder Sierra Jasna and senior catcher/third baseman Sydney Key. In 23 at-bats, Martin hit .391, and in 27 games, Dean posted a .352 batting average. Madden was named All-Conference last season after hitting .304 with 31 hits and 19 runs. She ranked third in the ASC in sacrifice bunts with eight. Cantu produced seven sacrifice hits, while Reiber had four doubles and 11 RBI. Haase doubled twice and tripled once, while Jasna posted a .976 fielding percentage. Key is the team's lone senior. The former Clarksville High School star hit .255 with a team-best six home runs. She had three doubles and 24 RBI. "Sydney is an outstanding leader for us," said Godwin. "The other girls certainly notice her work ethic." 

Leading the pitching staff will be sophomore Candace Rogers. Rogers earned All-Conference after posting six wins in her rookie season while tossing 86.1 innings. She fanned 28 batters and appeared in 24 games, second-most on the team. She also recorded four complete games and one save. She finished fourth in the ASC in games finished with 11. Newcomers to the team include Alex Dollins from Coupland, Texas; Cody Sparks from Lamar; Macy Pelts from Lamar; Codi Shannon from Ozark; and Britney Kirk from Dardanelle. 

"We do have a young team," said Godwin. "We will have girls playing their first games collegiately. I see it as a good challenge for them to take the opportunity to step up and show what they can do. Our new girls will make an impact right away. I am excited to see what they can do. I think they will step up and perform." 

2019 Record (ASC): 12-28 (9-21)
2019 Conference Finish: 11th
2019 Post-Season Tournament: None
Returning Starters: Riki Haase, INF, Jr.; Megan Madden, OF, Jr.;  Sydney Key, C/3B, Sr.; Tori Reiber, INF, So.; Elisa Cantu, OF, So.;
Newcomers: Alex Dollins (OF); Cody Sparks (C/OF); Macy Pelts (1B); Codi Shannon (INF); Britney Kirk (RHP/1B) 

Returning Leaders - Batting
2019 Top Batting Average: Jaela Martin (.391)
2019 Top RBI Producer: Sydney Key (24)
2019 Most HR: Sydney Key (6)
2019 Most Runs: Megan Madden (19)

Returning Leaders - Pitching
2019 Lowest ERA: Candace Rogers (5.43)
2019 Most IP: Candace Rogers (86.1)
2019 Most Strikeouts: Candace Rogers (28)
All-Conference Players Returning: Megan Madden (Honorable Mention, OF); Candace Rogers (Honorable Mention, RHP)
Program Playoff Appearances: One (2018)

Coach Prather Quote:
"We do have a young team. We will have girls playing their first games collegiately. I see it as a good challenge for them to take the opportunity to step up and show what they can do. Our new girls will make an impact right away. I am excited to see what they can do. I think they will step up and perform." 

2020 Schedule
FEBRUARY
15 at Jarvis Christian (DH)
16 at Austin College (DH)
21 at *McMurry University (DH)
22 at *McMurry University
28 vs *Hardin-Simmons (DH)
29 vs *Hardin-Simmons (DH)

MARCH
6 at *Sul Ross State (DH)
7 at *Sul Ross State
18 vs Hendrix (DH)
20 vs *Howard Payne (DH)
21 vs *Howard Payne 
27 vs *Louisiana Colllege (DH)
28 vs *Louisiana College
31 vs Central Baptist (DH)

APRIL
3 *at East Texas Baptist (DH)
4 *at East Texas Baptist 
10 *at LeTourneau University (DH)
11 *at LeTourneau University
14 at Hendrix (DH)
17 *vs Belhaven University (DH)
18 *vs Belhaven University
24 *vs Texas-Dallas 
25 *vs Texas-Dallas (DH)
30 at ASC Championship Tournament

MAY
1-2 at ASC Championship Tournament

*American Southwest Conference Game
Home Games In BOLD