Just like every other winter and spring athletic team in 2020, the Lady Eagle softball team had their 2020 season come to an unexpected halt amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Eagles made it through nearly half the season and finished with a 14-10 overall record. Kim Dean’s team won three of their last four games prior to the cancellation of the remainder of the season.

Just like many other winter and spring sports, the Lady Eagles return a majority of their players from last season.

Outfielder Mekhia Freeman and infielders Olivia Creamer and Shirley Faith headline an Eagle offense that has a world of potential. As a team, the Eagles averaged over five runs per game last season.

For the most part, the Eagle defense was stout in 2020; the Lady Eagles finished the year with a fielding percentage above 95%.

However, despite averaging more than five runs, the Eagle defense also let up an average of more than five runs per game. To improve in 2021, the Eagle defense must step up to reduce that number.

The 2021 schedule for the Lady Eagles is extremely tough. The team is currently set to take on Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Georgia this season, all of which are currently ranked within the top-25.

There is no doubt that this gauntlet-type schedule contributed to the fact that the Eagles were picked to finish No. 7 in the Sun Belt. However, with the amount of talent on the Eagles roster, Georgia Southern could easily exceed those preseason expectations.

After the cancellation of the annual Bash in the Boro, the Lady Eagles season is set to begin on Feb. 19, at the University of Florida Bubly Invitational. The team will play a combined five games, three against No. 6 Florida and two against Charlotte.