After missing the NCAA Tournament last year, the softball team is eager to earn an invitation to the Big Dance this time around. The Jumbos hope to start strong when they travel down to Clermont, Fla. for the annual NTC Spring Games during spring break.
The team been confined to Cousens Gym for the past six weeks, and the Jumbos say they are thrilled to finally get back to playing outside.
"It's been really frustrating playing indoors," said sophomore second baseman Emily Beinecke. "The surface is different, the atmosphere is different — it's just not the same."
Coming off an astonishing freshman year in which she led the team in batting average (0.467) and was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All−New England Region First Team, Beinecke is as eager as anyone to start playing outdoors. However, when a player enjoys the type of success Beinecke did in her first year, concerns of a sophomore slump always rise to the surface.
"I try not to think about it because those kinds of things are all mental," Beinecke said. "You have to focus more on the big picture. Regardless of how I'm doing, the team's success is what matters at the end of the day."
But the spotlight this season will not solely be on the stud sophomore. The expectations for the entire team are incredibly high, after the team compiled a 22−13 record last year — not to mention a 10−2 mark against NESCAC opponents. This year's squad is filled with an all−around talented sophomore class that could fuel an even higher NESCAC finish.
In addition to Beinecke, then−freshmen pitchers Aly Moskowitz and Rebecca DiBiase provided stability in an otherwise shaky rotation last season, pitching for a combined 12−5 record and posting individual ERAs of 3.00 or lower. Coach Cheryl Milligan, who boasts an impressive 176−67 career mark in six seasons with the program, has the experience to lead the Jumbos to a late−season run.
While the Jumbos are sure to get solid contribution from Beinecke, Moskowitz and DiBiase, another critical factor will be the effectiveness of senior co−captain pitcher Izzie Santone. In her sophomore season, Santone was dominant, leading that year's team to the NCAA Tournament. But Santone came back to earth last season, posting an 8−6 record and 3.41 ERA.
As the only senior on the pitching staff, Santone will take on a leadership role this season. If she is able to return to her outstanding sophomore form, the Jumbos might be looking at one of their best rotations in years.
All in all, the pieces seem to be in place for a successful season. There is no shortage of talent, yet what remains to be seen is how well the Jumbos will mesh on the field. With five new incoming freshmen, some growing pains are to be expected. But the team is staying optimistic.
"Our chemistry is better than I could have ever expected," DiBiase said. "I'm sure the initial transition to the outdoor games will be tough, but we have five great new personalities and everyone can't wait to get this thing started. I'm confident that this group is going to be special."
