LAWTON – Despite a shortened 2020 campaign and the uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cameron University softball team's expectations are high heading into the new season.
 
The Cameron Aggies will get their softball season underway on Thursday in the OC/UCO Invitational, where the Black and Gold will take on one of their eight opponents who were listed in the NFCA preseason top-25 (Central Oklahoma, receiving two votes).
 
In a year that has a lot of uncertainty, one thing is for sure, Aggie head coach Kayla Adams will always focus on strength of schedule. "I think if you are going to be great, and be ready for the [the postseason], you need to play the best teams up front," is Adams' mindset as the Aggies once again face one of the toughest schedules in Division II.
 
The Lone Star Conference helps bolster the Aggies strength of schedule as the conference sees five of its members ranked in the NFCA preseason top-25, with two more receiving votes. CU is picked to finish in the middle of the loaded LSC, "This conference is an extremely tough conference, there are no weak teams, the Lone Star Conference is the best conference to be in hands down. We were picked right in the middle of the pack and we are out to prove something by competing day-by-day and pitch-by-pitch."
 
A year ago, the Aggies went 4-4 within the conference in the shortened season, ending on a two game winning streak for an overall record of 16-11. The expectations this season for Adams' club? "Get to the super regionals."
 
The Black and Gold certainly have the talent to get there. Led in the circle by someone who has her name all over the CU record books, Bethany Hines. Hine along with Breley Webb and freshman Jocelyn Bright contributing in the circle, give Cameron the depth needed to withstand their tough slate.
 
Hines tossed 94 innings a year ago to the tune of a 3.80 ERA, 87 strike outs and held hitters to just a .287 average against the senior. Webb added a quality 33.2 innings with an impressive 3.74 ERA. Webb had four outings in which she gave up two or less runs in the circle.
 
Even as a freshman, Bright will make an impact with the 2021 Aggies, and as Adams points out, she will get the benefit of "learning behind Bethany and Breley this season." Coach Adams adds that Bright will be quite the bright spot for CU, "she is going to be a great kid to follow for the next four years."

Khmari Edwards will look to lead CU at the dish, as the 2019 NFCA All-American was able to produce a .352 average in 2020 across 88 at-bats. The Del City, Okla. native slapped seven doubles to go along with her two triples and a pair of home runs last season.
 
Fellow 2019 All-American Brenna Busby will look to cause chaos at the plate and on the basepaths again. In her 27 games a year ago, Busby was able to swipe 19 bags, with only three unsuccessful tries. Busby provides more than just speed, as she led the Black and Gold in homers a year ago with six.
 
Busby and Hines are two of four returning seniors from last season, a list that included speedy outfielder Kaylyn Smith and reliable back-stop (and newly married) Callie Christensen. Christensen has been a prominent cog in the CU lineup since her freshman year, and last season, she led the squad with a .364 averaged and 26 RBI. Smith hit .247 in 73 at-bats while scoring 20 runs and stealing a quintet of bases.
 
Additionally, Webb will not just be a key piece in the circle but at the plate as well. Last season, the sophomore offered some timely hitting, driving in 13 runs and scoring 11 times herself.
 
Cameron's 2021 campaign begins at a familiar site, the OC/UCO Tournament taking place in both Oklahoma City and Edmond. CU's first game is slated for 12:30 p.m. on Thursday against Southern Nazarene, followed by a battle with Ouachita Baptist at 3 p.m. Friday, CU will be back in OKC at 10 a.m. to take on Northeastern State, before traveling over to Edmond for a meeting with Central Oklahoma at 3 p.m.
 
All four games this week will have live video (free of charge) and live stats provided by the OC and UCO sports information staffs. Oklahoma Christian will be allowing fans at the games played on their campus, but Central Oklahoma will NOT be allowing fans at the games played there.