Posted: Mar 03, 2017
MILTON, Mass. – The Curry College Softball team enters the 2017 season with a core of twelve experienced, returning players and adds six new faces. Their hope is to finish the softball season with The Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) championship and a much-coveted NCAA Softball Tournament bid. The team is excited to kick off their season in Ft. Myers with a 10 game slate scheduled.
Strong leadership is expected from the Colonel's team captains. Seniors Marissa Bruno (Milford, Conn.) and Mikayla Korona (Bellingham, Mass.) have created a winning environment with their guidance 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 2016 Softball Colonels missed the CCC Tournament by one game, breaking a 20 consecutive year streak of playoff appearances.
Pitching, defense and leadership will be the key factors in the success of the 2017 Curry College Softball team. Juniors Mikayla Lambert (Blackstone, Mass.), Jordan Lizotte (Rehoboth, Mass.), Rebecca Black (East Greenwich, R.I.) and senior McKenna Barlow (Middletown, R.I.) will all be on the mound for the Colonels this spring. Lambert was a CCC Third Team Selection last spring along with earning the team's Unsung Hero award. Lizotte was the recipient of the team's Fitness Award while Barlow garnered the team's Paula Martin Memorial Award. "Our pitching won't give up a lot of runs, allowing our team to stay in every game," Head Coach Bruce Weckworth said.
The catching duties will be shared by junior Morgan Bogardus (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.), freshmen Michaela Colleran (East Bridgewater, Mass.) and Erika Costa (Seekonk, Mass.). Bogardus is a versatile player who can also play in the outfield. Costa can also play in the outfield, while Colleran has also shown off a strong arm at shortstop.
The Curry outfield will have one veteran this spring with senior Korona roaming centerfield for the Colonels. She was a CCC Second Team Selection last spring while being recognized as the team's Most Improved Player. Juniors Carolyn Lynch (Ipswich, Mass.) Bogardus and sophomore Talia Forte (North Scituate, R.I.) along with first year players Madeline Critch (Halifax, Mass.), Hanna Fleming (Clinton, Mass.), Molly Horn (Buzzards Bay, Mass.) and Costa will all be competing for playing time in the Curry outfield. Forte was the team's Rookie of the Year in the 2016 campaign. "All of our outfielders are solid defensively, play aggressively and possess strong throwing arms," offered Weckworth.
On the infield front, Bruno will be ready to handle the duties at third base, while adding some offensive power to the line-up. Bruno was a CCC Second Team selection in 2016 and earned the team's Most Valuable Player award. Junior Jessica Saluti (Braintree, Mass.) has demonstrated a solid glove at shortstop and should be notable presence in that position. There are several players also looking to play first base for Colonels this spring, juniors Rachel Byrd (Hampstead, N.H.), Kevi Oatway (East Hartford, Conn.) and first year local talent Caroline Johnson (Milton, Mass.). Oatway was the recipient of the team's Golden Glove award last spring. Byrd, Oatway, Johnson and Horn can also bring their talents across the diamond to the third base bag this season. The Colonels have a very talented group of infielders who will be vying for time at second base. Lambert brings a strong arm and steady fielding presence to second base along with classmate Lynch. Both players are skilled infielders with great game sense. First year player Fleming has also made her presence known at that second base spot. "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, who enters his 22nd year at the helm, 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 fourth 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.
Weckworth is pleased to welcome back Volunteer Assistant Coach Kaitlin Berardi for her third season in the program and Pitching Coach Kathy Berardi for her second season. Their enthusiasm for Curry College and the softball program will help lead the team to some great things this spring. 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 joined the Friends of Curry College Softball this season and in seasons past. Your support helps this program in so many ways!
