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Having a ball this fall
By Joanna Meade ’06
STAFF WRITER

There are a few more hungry, sweaty athletes in Prothro in the evenings these days than some students might be used to seeing. That’s because every single varsity sport is practicing right now. Fall ball is in session for spring varsity sports such as lacrosse, tennis, and softball, in addition to the regular season practices for field hockey, soccer, volleyball, and swimming.

Having seven varsity sports practicing at one time puts a lot of stress on athletic trainer Shelly Taylor and her staff. Taylor added that fall ball has been offered in the past but has not been utilized. This year is the first year everyone has taken advantage of the opportunity to get in a few more practices.

Out of season practices are common at many schools and have a variety of benefits. Jennifer Crispen, head field hockey coach said, “Out of season practices are important in team development and the teaching of upper level skills.”

Lacrosse player Julie Sellers ’06 commented that there are more girls showing up at practices than in years past, which makes practices easier and seem more worthwhile.

Fall ball also gives the incoming first years a chance to meet upper class women, as well as the experience of playing a varsity sport in college for the first time. Crispen said, “A plus for spring sports playing fall ball is that the athletes are afforded the same opportunities to make friends and connect as the fall sport teams. Single sport athletes whose sport runs in the spring have always been denied that experience.”

“Our incoming freshmen have a lot of potential,” Sellers said, “and I know will add a lot to our team.”

The Old Dominion Athletic Conference limits out-of-season practice to four weeks, 16 practices, and one competition. Sellers enjoys that practices are similar to the regular season because it gives the rookies an opportunity to see what spring practices will be like. “It really gets us upperclassmen excited about playing and more willing to try to get in shape,” she said.

The field hockey and soccer teams will also have out-of-season practices in the spring.

The lacrosse team will have a scrimmage on Sept. 23, during homecoming weekend against the alumnae.

Athletics Calendar – Home Games

Saturday, Sept. 24
HOCKEY vs. Alumnae Game 2 p.m.
SOCCER vs. Emory & Henry College 4 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 25
SOCCER vs. Salem 12 p.m.
HOCKEY vs. Wilson College (PA) 3 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 30
VOLLEYBAL L vs. Salem College 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 11
HOCKEY vs. RMWC 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 13
HOCKEY vs. Washington & Lee 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 15
HOCKEY vs. Transylvania Univ. (KY) 11 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 16
SOCCER vs. Averett Univ. 12 p.m.
HOCKEY vs. Sewanee (TN) 2 p.m.