The 2009-2010 Co-Lin Softball team enjoyed a successful fall season despite a rash of injuries. As the Lady Wolves traveled to Alcorn State University to complete the last of their 4 fall playing dates, there were only 10 players who could actually take the field.

Head Coach Allen Kent weathered his most difficult fall with a cautious outlook. Sophomore pitcher/second baseman Terri Hodges suffered a torn ACL. Freshman catcher/utility Haley Sones had shoulder surgery. Freshman outfielder Kayla Coleman re-broke her hand against Southeastern Louisiana.  Coleman has also suffered from a shoulder that has popped out of place numerous times. Freshman pitcher Debra Hamor had surgery to remove a tumor in her pitching wrist. Hamor also rehabbed a torn meniscus in her knee, as well as a nagging ankle sprain. Freshmen Lakin Lockhart and Casey Risher have both had shoulder problems from loose tendons, severely limiting their throwing.

Before the injuries, two players quit the squad, compounding the injury factor. However, Kent has noticed that battling through these tough times has made the whole team stronger. “We have a close knit group of girls who have bonded together. Girls are stepping in and having to learn new positions, which will make us more versatile in the long run. Even though we are small on numbers, we are big in the heart department. We have girls who love the game and who want to be out there.”

Kent added, "We hope to have everyone healthy for the spring. We certainly need our full roster to compete in the tough MACJC South division. There are no pushovers in the South, as everyone brings their A-game each time you go out there."

During the fall, Co-Lin posted victories over Southeastern Louisiana University, Itawamba CC and Holmes CC. They tied another game with Southeastern Louisiana University, as well as reaching a deadlock with William Carey University.

The Lady Wolves put up a good fight against the Lady Eagles of the University of Southern Mississippi, but lost 5-3. USM tacked on another run in the bottom of the 7th inning, pushing the final tally to 6-3. They also played a close game but lost to Belhaven College. Gaining the bittersweet victory against Co-Lin was former Lady Wolf pitcher, Rebecca Rousseau. The final playing date of the fall saw the Lady Wolves sweep Alcorn State University on the road.

"We faced some good teams and held our own, particularly against 4-year schools," said Kent. "That really makes us feel good about our potential in the spring."

Pitching has been a bright spot, as freshman Bethany Pinkston has performed well in each outing. Hamor has been effective, but isn’t throwing like she is capable. Hopefully she can get well by February so she will be good for the long haul. If Hodges can return to last year’s form, she can provide a big boost in the circle

Co-Lin will kick off their 2010 campaign on Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. in Scooba against East Mississippi Lady Trojans.