SAN ANGELO, Texas — The 2023 season for the Rambelles was "frustrating" in the words of head softball coach Travis Scott. Fast forward to this season, Scott is whistling to a different tune now that his squad is 5-1 after the First Pitch Invitational.
"The team chemistry, the togetherness, the ability to go out and fight and compete against people, showed off this weekend and allowed us to win five games. (I am) Just happy as can be with this group. Every year is new, and you get a new collection of people. We have 11 new faces out here right now, and it has just been night and day from last year," Scott said.
This time last season, Angelo State University was 3-3 en route to one of the worst seasons they've had since the 2000s. Finishing 29-25 was something new not just for Scott, but also true senior Torrey Hogan who had not lost more than 14 games since her arrival to the program.
"Last season was a lot. It was hard watching him (Scott) last year, just as much as we girls had to go through some stuff, coaches had to go through that too. It is something we will not forget and we will continue to work to not experience it again," Hogan said.
Starting out the season is just one portion of the battle, but something that both players and staff are buying back in to, is playing what they call, the "Angelo State way" - playing for one another, rather than themselves and holding one another accountable, laughing together, working hard together, but all for the common goal of a national championship. For infielder Tatiana Trotter, it has been the key to their success.
"Holding each other accountable, that is something we have done well this year. Being around each other, I do not feel like we ever get tired of each other. It is always something new, it is always fun (to be around each other). So I think that is why it (keeping to the Angelo State Way) has been so beneficial because we have just been able to go out and play and have each other's backs," Trotter said.
With a new level of trust not just in the coaching staff, but in one another, the Rambelles can now go out and just play. That was something they were unable to do for a variety of reasons last season and these ladies say they are just grateful for this new chapter.
"We are just ready to keep it going. Myself and the other leaders on the team are making sure last season does not happen again and we are solely focused on being successful this season with this team," Hogan said.
The Rambelles will open up the ASU George & Ola McCorkle Challenge Friday with games against Texas A&M International and Regis, concluding with another matchup with both programs Saturday afternoon.