MILTON, Mass. – The Curry College softball team enters the 2018 season with a core of ten experienced, returning players and adds eight 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 Fort Myers, Florida with a 10 game slate scheduled.
Strong leadership is expected from the Colonels senior class led by team captain Jessica Saluti (Braintree, Mass.). Returning also for their final seasons are Mikayla Lambert (Blackstone, Mass.), Kevi Oatway (East Hartford, Conn.), Rebecca Black (East Greenwich, R.I.), and Carolyn Lynch (Ipswich, 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 2017 Softball Colonels had a competitive run in the CCC Tournament, but this group of seniors wants more.
Pitching, defense, and leadership will be the key factors in the success of the 2018 Curry College Softball team. Seniors Lambert, Black, and Saluti will all be on the mound for the Colonels this spring. Joining them will be first-year players Allison May (West Bridgewater, Mass.) and Taylor Newcomb (Millville, Mass.). Lambert was an All-CCC Third Team Selection last spring along with sharing the team's Most Valuable Player award. May and Newcomb bring a wealth of talent and both are products of highly successful high school programs. "Our pitching won't give up a lot of runs, allowing our team to stay in every game," says Head Coach Bruce Weckworth.
The catching duties will be shared by sophomore Michaela Colleran (East Bridgewater, Mass), and first-year players Jordan Perzan (Burlington, Conn.) and Mackenzie Hayes (Braintree, Mass.). Perzan is a versatile player who can also play in the outfield. Hayes should also see time in the outfield this spring. Colleran was the team's Rookie of the Year in the 2017 campaign.
The Curry outfield will have several veterans this spring with Lynch, junior Talia Forte (North Scituate, R.I.) along with sophomores Madeline Critch (Halifax, Mass.), and Molly Horn (Buzzards Bay, MA) all competing for playing time. Junior transfer Sophia Marchant (Everett, Mass.) has brought some speed and the ability to hit from both sides of the plate to the Colonels. "All of our outfielders are solid defensively, play aggressively and possess strong throwing arms," offered Weckworth.
On the infield front, Saluti has demonstrated a solid glove at shortstop and should be a notable presence in that position. There are several players also looking to play first base for Colonels this spring: Oatway, sophomore local talent Caroline Johnson (Milton, Mass.) and first-year Hailey Powers (Everett, Mass.). Oatway was an All-CCC Second Team Selection last spring along while earning the team's Most Improved Player award. 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 players Jocelyn Dimond (Weare, N.H.), Kiana Lloyd (Worcester, Mass.) along with May and Taylor Newcomb have made their presence known at second base, shortstop, and third base. "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 23rd season at Curry, 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 fifth 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 Volunteer Assistant Coaches Marissa Bruno '17 and Jacqui Saluti for their first season in the program. 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 CCC 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!
