Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Softball season preview: Breeden excited for talented outfield
2/10/2021 12:30:00 PM | Softball
This is the last in a series as we get ready for the start of MT's softball season on Feb. 12. To learn more about this year's Blue Raiders, head to pitchers and infielders.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — If there's one thing head coach Jeff Breeden likes about his Middle Tennessee outfield going into the 2020 season, it's the depth he can utilize.
Two starters — sophomore Kelci Hill in center and senior Claire Smith in left — are returning, leaving one spot open for a new starter to step into right field.
Freshmen Jaya Herring and Shelby Sargent and junior Savannah Freeman all looked ready to step into the part in the fall. Breeden loves the athleticism they bring, especially Freeman, who has been the team's best base stealer the last few seasons, tying for the Conference USA lead with 15 steals on 18 attempts last year. Her .912 stolen base percentage is currently third all-time at MT.
"We used our freshmen quite a bit in the fall, and they did really good for us, and Savannah has gotten better with her outfield skills," Breeden said. "I think, just looking at it, we have athletes everywhere, and we're deep."
Whoever takes over in right field will have the benefit of playing next to two girls who are experienced and talented.
Smith has 135 career starts under her belt, while Hill was one of C-USA's best freshmen last season. She led the team and the league's freshmen in hits and was one of five Blue Raiders to start all 28 games.
"Kelci is a great player," Breeden said. "She tore it up offensively last year and had a good fall this year. She's a very good player."
The Blue Raiders will kick off their season Feb. 12 at the Alabama State Classic. Their first home game will be March 12 against Dayton in the MTSU Invitational.
"As we look at our schedule, it will probably change and be fluid," Breeden said. "We know that we'll have some COVID issues that pop up … but we'll have a quality schedule for our fans to see."
Here are the outfielders on the roster:
Claire Smith, Sr., Lebanon, Tennessee (Wilson Central High School)
• Played in all 28 games, 24 starts, .281 BA, 3 2B, 7 RBI, 8 R, .974 FLD% in 2020
• Tied for fifth all-time at MT in stolen base percentage (.909)
• Career numbers: 146 games played, 135 starts, .291 BA, 104 H, 47 R, 24 RBI, .938 FLD%
Kelci Hill, So., Murrieta, California
• One of 5 Blue Raiders to play and start all 28 games in 2020
• Led team and C-USA freshman in hits (32); second on team in at-bats (91), doubles (4); hit both of MT's triples in 2020
• .352 BA, 32 H, 4 2B, 10 RBI, 14 R, .440 SLG%, .372 OB%, 40 total bases in 2020
Savannah Freeman, Jr., Spring Hill, Tennessee (Independence High School)
• Pinch ran in 22 games in 2020; led team, tied for C-USA lead with 15 steals on 18 attempts
• .912 stolen base percentage is third all-time at MT
Jaya Herring, Fr., Cedar Hill, Tennessee (Jo Byrns High School)
• No. 54 outfielder in the class of 2020 by Extra Inning Softball
• 4-year starter in softball and basketball, all-district twice in both
Shelby Sargent, Fr., Murfreesboro (Oakland High School)
• All-District in 2016, 2018 and All-Tournament Team in 2018
• Fury '02 travel team won the 2015 ASA National Championship
Ashlee Jacoway, Fr., Murfreesboro (Oakland High School)
• Two-time Murfreesboro Post All-County Team, All-District; 2018 TSCA All-State; 2019 DNJ All-Area Team
• Fury '02 travel team won the 2015 ASA National Championship
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — If there's one thing head coach Jeff Breeden likes about his Middle Tennessee outfield going into the 2020 season, it's the depth he can utilize.
Two starters — sophomore Kelci Hill in center and senior Claire Smith in left — are returning, leaving one spot open for a new starter to step into right field.
Freshmen Jaya Herring and Shelby Sargent and junior Savannah Freeman all looked ready to step into the part in the fall. Breeden loves the athleticism they bring, especially Freeman, who has been the team's best base stealer the last few seasons, tying for the Conference USA lead with 15 steals on 18 attempts last year. Her .912 stolen base percentage is currently third all-time at MT.
"We used our freshmen quite a bit in the fall, and they did really good for us, and Savannah has gotten better with her outfield skills," Breeden said. "I think, just looking at it, we have athletes everywhere, and we're deep."
Whoever takes over in right field will have the benefit of playing next to two girls who are experienced and talented.
Smith has 135 career starts under her belt, while Hill was one of C-USA's best freshmen last season. She led the team and the league's freshmen in hits and was one of five Blue Raiders to start all 28 games.
"Kelci is a great player," Breeden said. "She tore it up offensively last year and had a good fall this year. She's a very good player."
The Blue Raiders will kick off their season Feb. 12 at the Alabama State Classic. Their first home game will be March 12 against Dayton in the MTSU Invitational.
"As we look at our schedule, it will probably change and be fluid," Breeden said. "We know that we'll have some COVID issues that pop up … but we'll have a quality schedule for our fans to see."
Here are the outfielders on the roster:
Claire Smith, Sr., Lebanon, Tennessee (Wilson Central High School)
• Played in all 28 games, 24 starts, .281 BA, 3 2B, 7 RBI, 8 R, .974 FLD% in 2020
• Tied for fifth all-time at MT in stolen base percentage (.909)
• Career numbers: 146 games played, 135 starts, .291 BA, 104 H, 47 R, 24 RBI, .938 FLD%
Kelci Hill, So., Murrieta, California
• One of 5 Blue Raiders to play and start all 28 games in 2020
• Led team and C-USA freshman in hits (32); second on team in at-bats (91), doubles (4); hit both of MT's triples in 2020
• .352 BA, 32 H, 4 2B, 10 RBI, 14 R, .440 SLG%, .372 OB%, 40 total bases in 2020
Savannah Freeman, Jr., Spring Hill, Tennessee (Independence High School)
• Pinch ran in 22 games in 2020; led team, tied for C-USA lead with 15 steals on 18 attempts
• .912 stolen base percentage is third all-time at MT
Jaya Herring, Fr., Cedar Hill, Tennessee (Jo Byrns High School)
• No. 54 outfielder in the class of 2020 by Extra Inning Softball
• 4-year starter in softball and basketball, all-district twice in both
Shelby Sargent, Fr., Murfreesboro (Oakland High School)
• All-District in 2016, 2018 and All-Tournament Team in 2018
• Fury '02 travel team won the 2015 ASA National Championship
Ashlee Jacoway, Fr., Murfreesboro (Oakland High School)
• Two-time Murfreesboro Post All-County Team, All-District; 2018 TSCA All-State; 2019 DNJ All-Area Team
• Fury '02 travel team won the 2015 ASA National Championship
Players Mentioned
OF
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
UT
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
OF/2B
/ SoftballFacility tour – Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center
Wednesday, July 30
Spring Sports Show hosted by The Boulevard – April 21, 2025: Softball and Baseball
Monday, April 21
MTSU Softball vs WKU Recap 4/11-13/25
Monday, April 14
MTSU Softball vs WKU Recap 4/11-13/25 2025
Monday, April 14
