The Hogs have a big matchup this weekend against Vanderbilt that will determine the “mythical” SEC regular season champion before the SEC tournament in Alabama next week.
For manager Dave Van Horn, the conference title is just a tiny detail in the bigger picture.
“(Our goals) do go behind that, but obviously, we want to win it,” Van Horn said Wednesday afternoon before the team left for Nashville. “I mean, it’s so hard to win. You can have a great team and be in fourth or fifth place at this time of year. Things have fallen into place for us with the guys that have made it happen.”
The SEC softball tournament had a similar situation happen when a lower seed in South Carolina played in the championship game after knocking off the hosting Razorbacks in the second round. Van Horn understands the SEC is the toughest conference, so it’s better to treat the tournament as an additive to the season and not the main thing.
“We’re going to do everything we can to win,” he added. “I’m sure Vanderbilt is going to do the same thing. I’m sure Florida is going to do the same thing. We’ll just see how it clears come Sunday evening and then go from there. We’ll try to continue to get better at the tournament and then get ready for the next weekend.”
“Our program is one that looks to the future,” Van Horn said Wednesday. “What I mean by that is, two or three weeks down the road, I hope we’re still playing.” – Dave Van Horn
If the SEC tournament is as unpredictable as the regular season, then the fans are in for a treat.