Lady Panthers softball getting jump on reload

Claflin University’s Lady Panthers softball team is ready to reload for a new season.
The Lady Panthers were scheduled to play in a tournament the weekend of Oct. 3, but flooding in Columbia forced cancellation of the University of South Carolina event. Although their official season does not start until spring 2016, the players are training hard.
“Our motto this year is reloaded, because we lost eight players but brought in 14 new players, Coach Matisse Lee said. “This is a new start.”
“We don’t want to rebuild, but want to reload since that means you already have what you need right there,” Matisse said.
“ We have been doing conditioning and bodyweight training with Anthony Shuler Jr. from Life 4D Living. I want returners to continue to work hard and show what we’re all about,” Lee said.
“I’m looking for our senior Courtney Burns to be more vocal,” Lee said. “She really has a lot to bring to the team.
“And other seniors will show freshmen how it’s done. This is about to be a great season.”
“As a senior on the softball team, I’m praying for an injury-free team this year,” said RayShannon Maxwell, senior second baseman. “I’m expecting for us to work hard with our tough schedule and win not only the Eastern Division but the SIAC championship.”
The Lady Panthers will play South Carolina State University at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Claflin home field.