University of Houston Athletics
Softball Pitchers and Catchers Report for Practice
1/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 11, 2007
HOUSTON - The University of Houston softball team opened practice this week as pitchers and catchers reported for workouts at the Cougar Softball Stadium.
This is the first time in program history that pitchers and catchers have reported to practice a week earlier than the rest of the team.
"The reason we had pitchers and catchers report a week earlier than the rest of the team is because we have such a large staff," head coach Kyla Holas said. "It allows our five pitchers to get into a routine. and it gives them a head start on getting ready for the season."
Holas has been impressed with how each pitcher has returned from the month layoff.
"Each one of our pitchers looks good, and I was surprised at how good they came back," Holas said. "It's easy after having a month off to take a break. We challenged each of them to come back ready to go, and they have each stepped up."
The Houston pitching staff is coming off an impressive 2006 campaign and returns four-fifths of a rotation that set program single-season marks for wins (40), strikeouts (421), earned runs allowed (115) and shutouts (18).
The Cougar pitching staff will spend this week of practice, focusing on conditioning and mechanics. Holas has been pleased with how the unit is coming along so far.
"Each pitcher is starting to get back those little things after not throwing for a month," Holas said. "They'll be ready to go seven innings a lot sooner with this extra week and not feel that they're playing catch-up."
The rest of the Houston softball team reports for practice on Tuesday and will have slightly more than three weeks to get ready for the Wilson/DeMarini Invitational. The Cougars host Texas-Arlington, Mississippi and Michigan on Feb. 9-11.
