By Loren Miller, USU Eastern Sports Information:

PRICE – Utah State Eastern softball will begin their third season as a program on Friday in Henderson, Nevada.

Friday’s game will also be the beginning of a new era under a new head coach, Ryan Smith.

Coach Smith was hired in August right before the school year taking over the program.

With a solid group of returning starters mixed in with transfers and incoming freshman, Smith is excited to have depth in his first season.

“We were a pretty good team last year and with those returning this year and the freshman mixed with the transfers we that came in, I think we have really good depth this year,” said Smith.

Returning this season for USU Eastern is all-conference players Carlyle Levy, Avery Blackhurst, McKenzie Dorney, Ashley Sweat, and McKenna Gubanich.

Smith said with the change in coaching staff and implementing his system, the returning players have been a big help to him.

“I think they have helped me unify this team even through bumps in the road,” said Smith

Dorney, who played mostly in the middle infield for the Eagles last season, is excited for the opportunity to learn and play under the new staff.

“I like the new coaching staff a lot and he has a lot of experience. He knows how to get our confidence up and motivate us,” said Dorney.

With all the talent and experience coming back, the returners will still have to compete with talented freshman who Smith says have done well in pushing the sophomores.

One of those freshman that has been consistent and ready to make an impact is infielder Alicia Cruz.

Cruz sat out last year and watched the Eagles have a good year and is eager now to finally lace up the cleats.

“I am excited to be getting closer with my teammates and finally getting to play. It was hard to watch last year and not be able to play,” said Cruz.

With the Fall scrimmage schedule in the rearview mirror, Smith says the upcoming non-conference schedule will be important in preparations for conference play.

The Eagles will play in tournaments in Henderson and Yuma, Arizona before opening their conference schedule in the beginning of March.

“I want to get a better understanding of who does what a new pressure. We want to establish our roster and get into the flow of everyday softball,” said Smith.”The talent is there but we have to try and put it altogether. We do that by building confidence and trust in one another.”

The main goal for the Eagles this season is to focus on themselves and focus on the mental side of the game. Smith believes that if they do those things that will result in positive results on the field.

“Our goals are to control what we can control not batting averages and wins. Control our effort and attitude so we can go in and have quality at bats,” said Smith.

To accomplish those goals, Cruz says that its about team chemistry and unity that will be a factor.

“We want to pick each other up when someone is down. It is very helpful and lets each other know that we have each other’s back,” said Cruz.

Dorney said that when conference season picks up, the Eagles will have to go into every game like its their last and leave it all on the field.

“We have to go into every game like it is the tournament and that it is do or die. We can’t overthink the team and just play the game.

Another component that will help contribute to having another good year for USU Eastern is the pitching.

The Eagles will be relying on Levy and freshmen Nyah DeRyke, Bri St. Clair, and Tanzie Gasu to help lead the Eagles defensively.

Smith feels confident in his pitching and the different skill set each one brings to the circle.

“We got four pitchers that are all different. We have the ability to mix it up during games or in series with other teams,” said Smith.

First pitch for the 2019 season will begin on Friday at 1 p.m. against Eastern Arizona at Stephanie Lynn Craig Park in Henderson.

None of the games in Henderson will be broadcasted this weekend.

The Eagles will have their first home series of the year against Snow College on March 1 and 2 at the Carbon County Fairgrounds.

Every home game will be broadcasted on the Scenic West Digital Network.