Despite being underclassmen, the sophomores are viewed as an experienced bunch, with three named to the 2015 All-SoCon Freshman Team and one All-SoCon Second Team honoree.
 
"We knew this class was going to be big for us," Reed stated. "They're going to be instrumental again this year. It's really huge to have a year under their belt. They know what it's like."

The class is made up of Ashley Conner (Dalton, Ga.), J.J. Hamill (Chickamauga, Ga.), Cori Jennings (Brush Creek, Tenn.) and Kailey Palazzolo (Chino, Calif.).
 
"Most of the class faced injuries last year or nagging things they brought with them," explained Reed. "But they were able to push through and make things happen. They're a big part of what we're going to do."

Conner sat out last year with an ankle injury. At Northwest Whitfield High School, she was three-time all-state and four-time all-region. She batted .400 or better all four seasons and broke the program's doubles and RBI records. She also won the team's defensive award five times.
 
"Ashely has worked hard," Reed commented. "She was here all summer rehabbing, so we've seen a lot of improvement out of her."

Moving on to an All-SoCon Second Team and Freshman Team recipient last year, Hamill boasted 38 starts and 42 games played at shortstop. She tallied five multi-hit games and four multi-RBI games. Hamill recorded 28 hits, including four doubles and five home runs.
 
"Jordyn's capable of making homeruns and making things happen offensively," Reed said. "She's also a good defensive player and understands the shortstop game."

The next two sophomores, Jennings and Palazzolo, were also named to the 2015 All-SoCon Freshman Team.
 
Jennings earned SoCon Pitcher of the Week twice. She posted a 2.96 ERA with a 14-6 record, tossing 10 complete games and three shutouts. Jennings made 33 appearances and 24 starts, fanning 78 in 127.2 innings.
 
"We're willing to depend on Cori," stated Reed. "She had some top-25 wins and pitched really well for us. We think she's definitely one of the top pitchers in the country."

Palazzolo is a true utility player, seeing time at first, third and pitcher. She started in 44 games. Making 20 appearances as a pitcher, Palazzolo registered a 3.29 ERA with 50 strikeouts over 58.0 innings.
 
"Last year Kailey played first base, outfield, and pitched and hit," explained Reed. "The thing we need to do with her moving forward is try to have a little bit of focus in one position, so we're going to focus on the outfield and pitching, and we definitely need her on the mound."

UTC opens the season at the NTC Tournament Feb. 12-14 in Clermont, Fla facing Morgan State, Liberty, Akron and Bethune-Cookman twice. The Mocs kick off home action with the Chattanooga Spring Classic Feb. 19-21 at Frost Stadium against Dayton, Detroit Mercy, UT Martin, IPFW and Wright State twice.