By Brian Roe, Sports Writer

ACU will open its 2004 season at home against St. Edwards 5 p.m. Monday in a doubleheader. Junior Lacey Beaston, a transfer from Saddleback College in Calif., is expected to start the opening game for the Wildcats. The Wildcats, led by junior infielder Katie Bryant and senior outfielder Michele Gereaux, will look to improve upon their 24-31 record from a year ago. One year removed, the ACU softball team has a new head coach in Chantiel Wilson, a new ace pitcher in Beaston and a new attitude toward the softball season.

“This off-season we really wanted try and not burn everyone out,” Wilson said. “From what I’ve seen, our girls have been refreshed, renewed and ready to go out and prove that we are a good softball team.”

Though the team returns innings-eater sophomore Heather Cochran and adds Beaston, Wilson said though her team is well-rounded, the offense is a major strength for this year’s squad.

“I think offensively, if you look up and down our roster, 1-6 we are as strong as anyone else in the conference,” she said. “Some of our bottom hitters could hit three or four on other teams.”

ACU will showcase its offensive and defensive skills Monday against St. Edwards. Wilson said she anxiously awaits the season’s start.

“I am a little nervous but more excited,” Wilson said. “We have a great group of girls.”