LAWTON, Okla. – When the Cameron University softball program hits the field on Saturday in Arkansas it will start a new era for the program with a new facility, new coach, and a new approach to the game.
 
First year Head Coach Rodney DeLong has instilled a "blue collar" work ethic to raise expectations from a 17 win season a year ago to this year's group of players.
 
"I want to out-work everybody we play, ground balls, weight room, everything we do is blue collar," said DeLong.   "Nothing is going to be given to us and we are going to earn everything we do and that's my coaching philosophy."
 
The 2014 Aggies return 11 players from last season with a young core and only two seniors (Kelsy Hebert and Sam Betts).  Despite the youth, inexperience isn't one of those attributes for CU with each of those 11 seeing a significant amount of playing time last year.   
 
However, climbing upward after being picked sixth in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll and proving outsiders wrong will be an uphill battle for the Aggies with West Texas A&M, Angelo State, and Texas Woman's all cracking the top-25 in the National Preseason polls.  Cameron went a combined 0-10 last year against those three programs.
 
"The biggest challenge is the mentality of our kids, I think they believe that they are better, and they have higher expectations for themselves," DeLong said.  "But until we start playing games the confidence will come with it as well."
 
Adjusting to a new coach shouldn't be an issue for Sonora Zukerman and Kelsey Watson who have played for DeLong before at the high school level and both of whom had extremely successful years.
 
As a freshman, Zukerman hit .357 with 13 homers, and 37 RBI; she was also inside the top-six in the LSC in slugging percentage (.707).  Watson has the potential to be one of the league's top pitchers after winning 50 games and recording 470 strikeouts in two years at Western Community College; she was a two time All-Region Selection and a NJCAA All-American last spring.
 
"They've (Zukerman and Watson) matured both mentally and physically…they are a little smarter about the game, little stronger, and little faster," added DeLong.  "Having those two here with me has really helped with the transition and getting others to buy into the program."
 
Not to be forgotten is Cameron's new athletic complex which has been operating since last summer but has yet to officially be played on; this will change on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 2 pm against Rogers State.
 
Before their home opener, the Aggies will play four games this weekend: two on Saturday against Henderson State and Lincoln University, then two on Sunday against Ouachita Baptist and Delta State. 
 
Coverage Note: There will be no live coverage for Saturday's games, follow cameronaggies.com for results in the evening.  On Sunday, live stats will be provided through Ouachita Baptist.