MILTON, Mass. –  The Curry College softball team enters the 2019 season with a core of nine experienced returning players and adds nine new faces. Their hope is to finish the softball season with The Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championship and earn a much-coveted NCAA Softball Tournament bid. The team is excited to kick off their season in Fort Myers, Fla. with a 10-game slate scheduled.

Read Head Coach Bruce Weckworth's Season Outlook Below:

Strong leadership is expected from the Colonels team captains: senior Talia Forte (North Scituate, R.I.) and junior captain Michaela Colleran (East Bridgewater, Mass.). They have created a winning environment with their guidance over the years so far. They are dedicated softball enthusiasts who are committed to winning championships. They would like to see Curry improve upon last year's record and move up in those competitive CCC standings. The 2018 Softball Colonels had a competitive run in the CCC Tournament, but these captains want more.

 Pitching, defense, and leadership will be the key factors in the success of the 2019 Curry College softball team. Sophomores Allison May (West Bridgewater, Mass.), Taylor Newcomb (Millville, Mass.), and transfer Carrigan Costello (Wolcott, Conn.) will all be on the hill for the Colonels. May and Newcomb bring a wealth of talent, both on the mound and as position players. "Our pitching won't give up a lot of runs, allowing our team to stay in every game," said Weckworth.

The catching duties will be shared by Colleran and sophomore Jordan Perzan (Burlington, Conn.). Perzan is a versatile player who can also play in the outfield. Perzan was also an All-CCC Second Team selection last spring. Colleran was the team's Rookie of the Year in the 2017 campaign.

The Curry outfield will have several veterans this spring with Forte along with junior Molly Horn (Buzzards Bay, Mass), and Perzan all competing for playing time. A host of first-year players will also be in the mix for outfield time: Liana Duarte (Taunton, Mass.), Kaitlyn Gozzo (Braintree, Mass.) Julia Price (Islip, N.Y.), and Daniella West (Dennis, Mass.). "All of our outfielders are solid defensively, play aggressively and possess strong throwing arms," offered Weckworth.

On the infield front, sophomore Kiana Lloyd (Worcester, Mass.) has demonstrated a solid glove at shortstop and should be notable presence in that position.  First-year player Sienna Kulpa (Taunton, Mass.) has also looked sharp so far this spring at shortstop. There are several players looking to play first base for Colonels this spring, junior local talent Caroline Johnson (Milton, Mass.), sophomore Alex Chase (Biddeford, Maine) and first-year talents Alexis Buckner (Foxboro, Mass.) along with Julia Price (Islip, NY). Johnson and Horn can also bring their talents across the diamond to the third base bag this season. Sophomore Jocelyn Diamond (Weare, N.H.) has also looked good at third base and shortstop this spring. Diamond was an All-CCC Second Team selection last spring. The Colonels have a very talented group of infielders who will be vying for time at second base. Dimond, Lloyd, May, and Newcomb have all made their presence known at second base so far. "We have many solid infielders on the team this year. It gives us so many great combinations," said Weckworth.

"This year's team has a great attitude, strong work ethic and outstanding team chemistry," said Weckworth, entering his 24^th season, adding "we have the ability to do great things this season. We are very fortunate to return our top recruit Lauren Dunn (Hull, Mass.) for her sixth season.  She has joined us through the help provided by the Team IMPACT program. Lauren is a courageous competitor who has inspired all of us with her ability to face adversity. She is a great addition to our roster and to our lives.

I am pleased to welcome back Assistant Coaches Marissa Bruno '17 and Pitching Coach Leanne Tarkanian '00. Their enthusiasm for Curry College and the softball program will help lead the team to some great things this spring. Coach Bruno is actively involved with coaching travel softball and Coach Tarkanian is a member of the Curry College Hall of Fame and is active giving pitching lessons on the South Shore.

Plan to see this team compete this spring for the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Softball Championship. Coach Weckworth is also extremely grateful for the many supporters who have donated to Curry College Softball this season and in seasons past. Your support helps this program in so many ways.

 The Colonels open the 2019 season on Sunday, March 10 against Alfred State (9:00 a.m.) and Nazareth (11:00 a.m.) in the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Fort Myers, Fla.

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