Ralph Weekly: Lady Vols return 'with a passion'

Tennessee started practice for the 2012 softball season on Monday indoors.

It wasn't their choice. With light rain, fog and temperatures in the 50s, the decision was made to start things off on the football turf inside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Complex.

"Today was a really exciting day for our team as everyone reported back to campus after the break in shape, healthy and with a passion to prepare for a new season," Lady Vols co-head coach Ralph Weekly said in a UT release. "We held solid defensive fundamental and hitting sessions as our players eagerly began their preparations for what should be a challenging year during both our preseason and Southeastern Conference schedules."

The Lady Vols return 15 letter-winners, including nine players — junior second baseman Lauren Gibson, junior third baseman/outfielder Raven Chavanne, sophomore pitcher Ellen Renfroe, junior outfielder Kat Dotson, sophomore shortstop Madison Shipman, senior catcher Ashley Andrews, sophomore first baseman/third baseman Melissa Davin, senior utility player Shelby Burchell and junior pitcher Ivy Renfroe — that started at least 31 games a year ago.

In addition to a high-profile class of four freshmen that were rated No. 2 in the nation, including pitcher/infielder Cheyanne Tarango, catcher/infielder Hannah Akamine, pitcher/infielder Haley Fagan and infielder Hannah Trainer.