VIDEO: Alli Webster Interview  

Webster is the lone senior on the pitching staff, and on the roster as a whole. 

"It's something that's out of my comfort zone," Webster said of her role as a leader. "But it's also something I've been working on. I feel like I've learned how to be a leader in positive ways."

Webster was the engine that powered Carson-Newman last season. The Charlestown, Ind.-native had one of the most prolific seasons by a Carson-Newman pitcher ever. With 254 strikeouts, she ranks third all-time in Carson-Newman history for punchouts in a single season.  She went 20-13 with a 2.19 ERA.  She ranked third in the league in wins, sixth in saves (2), second in shutouts (seven), and third in strikeouts.  Her ERA was sixth in the league.  

Along the way, Webster set the Carson-Newman single-game record for strikeouts and was named as TSWA and SAC Pitcher of the Week for her efforts.  She fanned 16, breaking Heather Randolph's 24-year-old school record at UVA Wise.  She came within a K of her own record later in the year in a 10-inning game against Tusculum when she struck out 15.

She has three of the four highest single game strikeout records in Carson-Newman history.  She also K'd 13 earlier in the season against King.  Webster had six double-digit strikeout games on the season.  She struck out eight in 14 of her appearances.  She hurled a no-hitter against Anderson (4/6), a game in which she walked the first two batters she faced before retiring the rest in order.

"It's a little bit of a thrill to be the only senior as a pitcher," Webster said. "We have a lot to offer on our pitching staff, and it's really exciting to get to lead them."

Webster has some arms joining her in the circle this season in freshmen Lacie Rinus (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) and Heather Foreman (Knoxville, Tenn.). 

Rinus comes to Carson-Newman from Oakland High School where she played for Luke Sheppard.  She is the Patriots' all-time leader in strikeouts with 699 career Ks.  She surpassed former Arkansas pitcher Valanna Lyons for that record. 

In her senior season, she batted .411 with three bombs. In the circle, she had a 1.68 ERA. Rinus is a three-time all-district most valuable player, a three-time Daily News Journal MVP Pitcher, a two-time all-state selection and a two-time all-tournament pick.  She helped guide the Patriots to a 2014 district title. 

"Lacie has exceptional command of her pitches," Webster said. "But then she's left-handed. She really brings a different look to the team."

Meanwhile, as a two-year starter for King's Academy, Foreman boasted a .416 batting average with six home runs and 72 runs batted in.  In the circle, she was 16-3 with a 2.10 ERA across 115 innings pitched. She struck out 92 against 29 walks.  She helped the Eagles to a 41-6 record as a senior en route to district, region and state titles.  

For Carson-Newman's catchers, both Katie Pritchett (Ringgold, Ga.) and Cheyenne Boles (Knoxville, Tenn.) have starting experience from a year ago.  However, Pritchett will likely see significant time at third base for the Eagles. 

Boles appeared in 43 games and started 35 or the Eagles.  Boles hit .215 for the year. She had 23 hits with 13 runs batted in to go along with four doubles and three dingers.  She drove in multi runs on three occasions with three-RBI performances against Augusta (2/19), and Queens (3/18).  She drove in two runs against Mars Hill (3/21).  She had five, two-hit performances on the season. 

Webster indicated that freshman catcher KaraLynne Levi (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) could make a significant impact at the position. 

"KaraLynne has taken on a leadership role very well as a freshman," Webster said. "She's always talking. She tells us as pitchers what we need to do to improve, then she communicates well the infield and the rest of the defense where we need to go."

Levi is a fourth generation Carson-Newman student athlete.  She follows in the footsteps of her great grandfather James Newman (football), grandfather Michael Levi (football) and father Jon Levi (football). Levi batted .333 with a .725 slugging percentage as a junior and drilled four home runs.  She was named the 7AAA District defensive player of the year her freshman through junior years and also earned all-district honors those seasons.  She's helped Siegel to the final four in the state her junior year and regional and sectional titles that season as well. 

Carson-Newman softball opens the season Feb. 2 with a home doubleheader at 1 in the afternoon against Lees-McRae. Coverage of the game with be available on the Eagle Sports Network with a free high definition stream at cneagles.com/live.