Tennessee softball co-head coach Ralph Weekly announced that pitcher Ashton Ward and first baseman Jen Lapicki will not to return to the Lady Vols next season.
“We told Ashton her role next season would be to hit and be a reserve outfielder,’’ Weekly said. “She would not pitch for us any longer, as we will focus on our two sophomores and two freshmen pitchers.’’
Lapicki, who started at first base and occasionally at catcher, was not on scholarship and can transfer and play right away.
“Jen Lapicki did a great job for us and we wish her well,’’ Weekly said. “We have eight starters returning and four incoming players, three of whom were Gatorade Player of the Year in their respective state. We are looking forward to next season.’’
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Comments » 11
rclarkfork#639958 writes:
They will be back on top soon.
vol4gzus writes:
Is this a case of numbers? Also case of here are our plans and where you would be...is this going to work for you? Sounds like Lapicki was collateral damage with no scholly anyway. The Ward situation became evident more and more as the season went on. She got sick didn't make trip out to games against Northwestern etc and had a few opps after that. None stellar and that said look at what we recruited and signed for 2010 to tip our hand on Wards future.
smokeyfan9 writes:
I wouldn't call Jen collateral damage at all. As far as Ashtons pitching performance goes, none of the pitching staff lived up to what is expected. You have one that's suppose to be your future complaining about being tired on Sat. after pitching on Fri. The whole pitching staff needs work.
rocky_topper writes:
See ya!
rockytopron writes:
Until the Weeklys get it into THIER heads that THEY need to improve, our team will fall short again.
SomeGuy writes:
What's going on? The Weeklys are starting to remind me of Fulmer. They bring in talent but don't develop it. What good is a bunch of Gatorade players of the year if you can't win games with them? This is starting to get old.
fpcoach writes:
The Lady Vols will be back in the national spotlight soon. The team was very young this year yet still had a winning season. The main issue this year was pitching and that will improve. I've known Cat for a long time and she is one of the hardest workers i've ever seen. The transition from high school to college is huge. In HS she relied on her speed and TSSAA umps that call outside pitches strikes. The Weeklys are good coaches and we are lucky to have them. The team will compete for the SEC Championship next season. Cat, go to work and show the Vol nation what a lot of us already know.
gatorade3 writes:
Until someone gets their head out of the sand and takes a good long look at what is going on....it will continue.
gatorade3 writes:
If Jen is collateral damage...why would you beg her to stay...You have starters leaving.....What is the problem....There are alot of things that have been left unsaid by the players....they learned real quick...you keep your mouth shut....at least while you are there....Jen is a good kid and deserves better...Everything that glitters is not GOLD.....
Biggie writes:
Exactly. If it wasn't for Monica Abbott, who needed no coaching, nobody would even know who the Weakleys are
prcothran writes:
With a two year record of 30-7,27-5 as a freshman,the press release concerning Ashton Ward is a bit confusing.I admit most releases I have read are from Clemson,and transfers happen for a variety of reasons,but concerning players they always thank the player for their contribution and wish them well.I believe this public press release is more a reflection of the coach than the player.Parents of recruits...buyer beware.My daughter,a UT softball fan,and I wish Ward and Lapicki well.
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