The Rattlers will look to build off an 18-31 season in 2022. It should be noted that the Rattlers play a very tough and aggressive non-conference schedule. They will look to improve under new leadership. Camise Patterson was elevated to head coach after serving as the interim head coach for the summer and fall of 2022. Patterson served on the 2021 and 2022 teams as the assistant coach. Coach Patterson has two freshmen and two transfers.
The team returns their top two producers at the plate in seniors Destiny Cuevas and Nyah Morgan. Cuevas led the team with a .324 average, 12 doubles, and 25 runs in 2022. Morgan (.284) led the team in RBI with 30. Three others batted .280 or above in seniors Jania Davis (.281) and Jane’a Mobley (.280), and sophomore Kiauna Watson (.282). On paper, they return what should be a productive line-up.
Innings were spread out evenly over four pitchers in 2022. Three of the four will return in 2023, with senior Cris’Deona Beasley (8-11) leading the way. In 2022 Beasley threw 99.2 innings with 82 strikeouts and a 3.70 ERA. Sophomore Lauryn Peppers (3-4) posted a 2.84 ERA with 43 strikeouts over 62.1 innings. Senior Nadia Zenteno (2-8) will also be in the mix this season.
They will still face a solid schedule in 2023. It will be a bit lighter than what they saw in 2022. They will open the season against Jacksonville State on the road at Mercer on February 10, 2023. The key to success for the Rattlers will be improving the circle. If they can reduce the number of runs given up in 2023, their offense should provide enough support to move forward in the conference standings.
