Hoping to repeat the success from its NESCAC championship season last year, the women's softball team officially began practices at Cousens Gym on Feb. 15. Although the weather has been relatively temperate in recent weeks, the team will not get its first taste of field play until it travels to sunny Orange, CA for its preseason tournament over Spring Break.
Last year's 29-11-1 squad advanced all the way to the semifinal round of the NCAA New England tournament after winning the first-ever NESCAC tournament. With seven position players returning from the squad, coach Kris Talon doesn't plan on changing her game plan too much this season.
"We're a solid team all around, and we have four returning all stars," Talon said. "We don't want to do anything different. We are changing out hitting style a little bit, but we don't want to make too many changes."
Captaining this year's team are seniors Jodie Moreau and Emily Ferrazza. Moreau, the starting pitcher, was named to the first team All-New England last year following her 17-5, 1.33 ERA campaign. Ferrazza, the second baseman, was third team All-New England and was named to the All-Tournament team for the New England regional playoffs.
"They have both been an important part of the team, with totally different styles of leadership and that works really well," Talon said. "Being on a team with such high expectations can be difficult for the new kids to jump onto the moving train, but the captains have done a great job at making them feel comfortable."
The two captains began unofficial captain's practices after the team returned from winter break, in order to acclimate the team's freshmen and getting the entire squad up to speed. With a few holes to fill from graduated seniors, some freshmen might get a chance at a starting role. Graduated center fielder Randee McCardle, a second team All American last year, leaves an enormous gap, while outfielder Jenica Spongen, transferred to Pacific Lutheran after her sophomore season for reasons not related to softball. Finally pitcher Rachel Brecher graduated, leaving a hole in the number two spot in the rotation.
The vacancies in the outfield have not been filled yet, but Talon said she' confident someone will step up. She said that sophomore Julie Fox is a legitimate possibility.
"Fox is backup catcher, and is a phenomenal catcher, but unfortunately she plays behind an All-American (junior Lis Drake)," Talon said.
Sophomore Maggie McClory, who saw playing time as a pitcher and outfielder last year, will also compete for the spot, as well as freshmen Courtney Bongiolatti and Katie Smith.
There are also questions as to who will fill out the rotation, as four players are working out from the mound. "As of now there is no other clear cut second starter," Talon said. "Jodie is one of the best pitchers in the nation, so we aren't too worried at the moment."
Playing indoors has hampered the team's ability to prepare for game-like situations. For a slight reprieve from Cousens Gym, the team has practiced in the indoor facility, Strike One, in Danvers. They have also participated in two informal scrimmages against Babson and Lowell.
"We've been using a rotation for the pitching to see who could adapt to the new spots," Moreau said. So far everyone has been pitching well. The scrimmages have helped us get used to some things and come together as a team."
The trip to California, which will feature 12 games in five days, should provide more than enough exposure to nationwide competition. While these games will have no impact on conference standings, they should give the team a chance to shake off some rust and finalize the lineup.
"We want to wins some games, improve, and make sure we get all our questions answered," Talon said. "Hopefully we will find out who is going to be our outfield."
