ELON, N.C. – With less than three weeks away before the opening game of the 2015 season, spring preseason practice is underway for the Elon University softball team and head coach Kathy Bocock.

The squad began practices with a new level of excitement and anxiousness as the Phoenix prepares for its inaugural season in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Elon will also host its first-ever season-opener at its two-year facility, Hunt Softball Park, with a doubleheader versus USC Upstate and Radford on Feb. 7.

"Our players have been very focused and been trying to get the things down we need them to," said Bocock, who enters her fourth season at the helm of the softball program. "(These practices) are great opportunities to learn from their mistakes to make sure we are sharp and ready to play in the next few weeks."

Elon finished with a record of 24-29-1 a year ago and will face a tough, challenging non-conference slate in preparation for its first foray into CAA competition. The Phoenix will make trips to Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia Tech while welcoming another ACC foe, NC State to Hunt Softball Park.

Despite the loss of center fielder Carleigh Nester, the Phoenix's all-time leader in homers, RBI, doubles and slugging percentage, Elon does return another All-Conference performer in sophomore Alaina Hall. As a rookie, Hall led the team in hits, batting average and stolen bases, earning second team All-Southern Conference accolades.

Elon also set a program record with home runs last season with 53 and returns 35 of those round trippers. Senior Grace Eng (eight), junior Emily Cameron (eight) and sophomore Emily Roper (seven) are among the top home run producers returning to the lineup for the Phoenix.

Statistically, Elon returns 100 percent of its pitching of a year ago from its five-person staff. Senior Caitlin O'Shea headlines the group after leading the team in appearances (35), innings pitched (150.2), saves (two) and became the first player since 2010 to have a sub-three ERA with more than 100 innings pitched (2.97).

Elon opens its season on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Hunt Softball Park versus USC Upstate, 2014 NCAA Tournament team, at 1 p.m. followed by a matchup against Radford. The Phoenix then closes out the weekend with a rematch against the Highlanders on Sunday, Feb. 8, at noon.