Salem, VA - The Moyer Complex won't be a strange destination for Head Softball Coach Terry Martin when he leads his Lady Lions up north to compete in the NCAA National Tournament beginning with a regional appearance this week.  For Martin, the site is the same spot where he took his 2006 squad to when they competed in a NCAA regional, and was also the possible destination for the 2011 Lady Lions who played SUNY Cortland in the regional championship game for a chance to go to the College World Series - something Martin's now current group of seniors remembers all too well.

"It was a great experience for us to be there and get that far in the regional,"  said senior Megan Kesler of her team's trip to the national tourney in 2011.  "Thinking about having a chance to advance to the World Series gives me chills, it would definitely be a great opportunity."

Martin's 2013 squad is now led by this talented class of seniors who have brought him a pair of national tournament experiences and Great South Athletic Conference Championships prior to this season.  The tight-knit group, three of which played travel ball together growing up before arriving in Demorest, now looks to leave their head coach with something he does not yet have to his name - a spot in the NCAA College World Series.

"It would be awesome to get that far as a team, it's something that we could all have to leave our mark on the program," senior Jamie Dennis added. "We overcame alot of adversity in 2011, staved off elimination after dropping our opening game in the GSAC tournament, and our team chemistry really came together then.  We just made a decision that we wanted to go through with the hard work it took to get to this point."

Shortstop Megan McClain and centerfielder Taylor Morgan agreed with their teammate as McClain talked about how their time together has helped them grow as a team: "We've played travel ball together, we've basically been playing together since we were about 13, that's why we've been able to be so close." 

Morgan thinks it's the seniors' close-knit example that has helped the talented youth of the program know what it means to play for Piedmont Softball: "I think our example also helped the younger girls learn how to carry themselves as well, it's something we learned as freshmen from seniors like Michelle Crandall, and we're trying to pass it on to them now." 

Martin has pointed continuously to the depth of his team all year long believing that is a key component for why his team was able to be so successful in 2013 posting an overall 31-8 record including an outstanding 19-3 mark in their first year competing in the tough USA South Conference, earning them a share of the league's regular season championship. 

"We definitely enjoyed the success of this year in the USA South, especially the recognition that our kids received," Martin said. "We had both the Rookie Pitcher and Rookie of the Year in the Conference with Jordin Ellingson and Olivia Duncan.  Those two stepped up in big spots for us including our win over Emory just a few weeks ago and shows the future of our program is bright."

Both Ellingson and Ducan came through in big moments in what will be one of the most incredible games in recent memory at Walker Athletic Complex as the Lady Lions posted a dramatic come-from-behind victory against then #2 ranked Emory University.  Ellingson's day including a trio of strikeouts and a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the 7th to keep Piedmont trailing by just a single run which set the stage for Duncan's 2-RBI double in the bottom of the 7th with bases loaded to give PC the 5-3 decision over its in-state foe who lost just two other games in the entire 2013 season.

Though the praise for the pair of youngsters is deserved, it's not the first time that Martin has seen the younger players on his team step up in big spots as two now juniors were once powerful freshmen as twin sisters Brittney Head and Lauren Head each powered on the scene in PC's last national tourney run. 

Brittney was GSAC Freshman of the Year after not allowing an earned run in conference play during the entire 2011 season.  Sister Lauren, who was Brittney's catcher throughout that freshman year and a key slugger as well, has continued to become a feared hitter as the Lady Lions' now designated player ranking in the team's top five for hits, RBIs, and doubles hitting just under .300 for the year.

"The Head twins are a prime example of how much depth this program has developed over the last couple of years," stated Martin when asked about his junior pitching-catching combo. "Both of them came on real strong in their freshman years for us, and have continued to get better throughout their years here.  Of course they are close because they are sisters, but they are also a good example of how close our entire group really is as well."

Martin didn't just focus on a few single players when asked how his team has been able to get so far as he also brought up two sophomores, both of which were limited in their contributions in 2012 before breaking out in 2013.  "Sophomore Abby Atkinson didn't get much time last season due to injury, but this year she's come on strong in a few key moments." Atkinson hit just shy of .400 as the Lady Lions' second baseman has started almost twice as many games this season as she did her freshman year. "Kristin Hamby has also stepped up after not seeing much playing time in her freshman year, she's started every one of our 39 games and produced at the plate and in the field," said Martin.

Sixth-seeded Piedmont prepares to play #3 seed Lynchburg in their opening game of the 2013 Salem Regional this Thursday, May 9 with game time now set for 4:00 pm Eastern.  Fans can follow the Lady Lions as they compete in the NCAA National Tournament for the fourth time in program history by visiting the official website of the 2013 Salem Regional.

Live Stats | Video