SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University's softball program has initiated its fall training, with a focus on teaching hitting philosophies and implementing the team's system. Additional work is centered on building endurance and strength through SCU's weight training and conditioning program.
 
"Key points for us this fall will be to have our fundamentals be sound, to increase our quickness on the field and establish the ability to perform under pressure," said Santa Clara head softball coach Lisa Mize. "It's also a time to work on our weaknesses and recognize our strengths. We need each student-athlete to understand what their strong points are and where improvement is needed."

Important dates this fall:
Friday, Oct. 22: Scrimmage game @ San Jose State 3 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 29: Scrimmage game @ San Jose City College 3 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 6: Alumni Game @ Bellomy Softball Field 11 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 7: Scrimmage games @ Stanford 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Saturday Nov. 13: Scrimmage games @ Gavillan College 11 a.m./1 p.m.
Friday Nov. 19:  Close of practice
 
Mize has brought in an impressive group of first-year players, who will debut in 2011. Freshman Jessica Turner is an accomplished prep pitcher and the offense should benefit from the additions of Stephanie Fisher, Kelly Scribner and Krista Jensen.
 
Those new players complement all-league returners Jackie Nicora and Briana Knight – who were among best offensive players in the Pacific Coast Softball Conference a year ago.
 
Santa Clara's official 2011 schedule has yet to be announced but the team will open its season the weekend of Feb. 19-20, 2011. Spring practice is set to begin on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011.