The Troy Trojan softball routed Alabama Southern Community College in two shortened scrimmages to open its fall camp Wednesday afternoon at the Troy Softball Complex.

Coach Melanie Davis was excited with how her team played, especially with not a lot of returning starters.

“We have worked hard this fall, and we have a really good group but we have a lot of young players,” said Davis. “We added some different elements to the team, with the speed game. We have a lot of kids competing for playing time, and want to keep people comfortable at multiple positions.

Davis said that is always good to get back out on the diamond, even if it is in the fall. The Trojan head coach relates softball fall practice to that of a football team’s spring training session.

“We want to get out and get a look at everybody, and see what we need to work on for spring,” said Davis.

“We probably do more hard work in the fall than we do in the spring. We are pounding in the weight room, pounding in their fitness and pounding in all aspects of the game that are so important.”

Though she knows that softball is a team sport, Davis pointed out that several of her players had good individual performances on the opening night of the fall season.

Caitlin Ortiz played the majority of both games at first base for Troy, and had a big day at the plate. Ortiz sent a long fly ball deep to left field in the second game that hit the top of the fence and bounced back in to play.

Davis said that Ortiz has made strides to get better.

“She was a role player last year,” said Davis. “She committed herself and has worked hard to get on the field this year. She has worked really hard to get her swing where it needs to be, and you saw the results tonight.”

Troy newcomer Rachel Rigney also so playing time on Wednesday for the first time. Rigney came on in relief and impressed not only her coaches and teammates, but also the umpires.

Davis was also impressed by Amanda Winters.

Winters gunned out to Alabama Southern runners at first base from right field.

“One of the umpires told me that she has some of the best pitch movement that he has seen in a long time, so we a real pleased.”

One other player Davis singled out for a good day was senior Bailey Blake. Blake started forty games for the Trojans last year, but Davis said that she wants more in 2012-13 season.

“She never reached here potential last year and she will be the first to tell you that,” Davis said. “We put here in the heart of the lineup in the two spot, and to see her have a good night is great.”

Troy hosts the University of West Florida next Wednesday at the Troy Softball Complex. The rest of the fall schedule includes games against Enterprise State Community College, Central Alabama Community College, Shelton State Community College, Southern Union Community College and Chipola College.

The Trojans added nine newcomers to the roster for this season.