University of Houston Athletics
Softball Opens Practice Indoors
1/17/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 17, 2007
HOUSTON - The University of Houston softball team spent its opening days of practice Tuesday and Wednesday inside the Athletics/Alumni Center with freezing temperatures outside.
It was the first time that the team has practiced together since the end of the fall season. Pitchers and catchers reported for workouts last week.
"It's nice to have everyone back and start practicing as a full team," head coach Kyla Holas said. "It deflates you when you have to practice inside, but the team's excitement has really taken over the practices."
Houston opened practice by spending more than an hour in the batting cages on the Yeoman Fieldhouse turf. The Cougars finished the workout by moving to the sport courts for infield practice, while the outfielders worked on footwork and fundamentals on the Athletics/Alumni Center floor.
"Our biggest problem is that the surface inside is really fast," Holas said. "It's one of those things that when we get out onto the field later in the week, the ball will seem like it's going slower to our infielders. Our defense is right where we left off. We've moved some players around, and I was glad to see those people on those spots perform knowing where we are going for the season."
The Cougars hope to return outside later in the week when temperatures are slated to warm up.
"We're looking to get outside later in the week," Holas said. "We have to deal with the weather situation day-by-day. Our goal is to do as much as we can inside and continue to keep things accomplishment."
Houston plays host to the Wilson/DeMarini Invitational, welcoming Texas-Arlington, Mississippi and Michigan to the Cougar Softball Stadium on Feb. 9-11.
