MILTON, Mass. – The Curry College softball team enters the 2020 season with a core of fifteen experienced, returning players and adds five new faces. Their hope is to finish the 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 on Sunday, March 8.

Strong leadership is expected from the Colonels' team captains: senior Michaela Colleran (East Bridgewater, Mass.), senior Caroline Johnson (Milton, Mass.), and junior Taylor Newcomb (Millville, 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.

Pitching, defense, and leadership will be the key factors in the success of the 2020 Curry College softball team. Newcomb, Cara Costello (Wolcott, Conn.), and first-year pitcher Camryn Willis (Foxboro, Mass.) will all be on the hill for the Colonels. Newcomb and Willis bring a wealth of talent both on the mound and as position players. Costello received the Paula Martin Award last season while Newcomb garnered the Unsung Hero 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 senior Colleran (East Bridgewater, Mass.), junior Jordan Perzan (Burlington, Conn.) and first-year Madison Schwartz (Bridgewater, Mass.). Perzan is a versatile player who can also play in the outfield and is returning after an abbreviated sophomore season. Colleran was the team's Rookie of the Year in the 2017 campaign and earned the team MVP award last season.

The Curry outfield will have several veterans this spring with senior Molly Horn (Buzzards Bay, Mass.), Perzan, sophomores Liana Duarte (Taunton, Mass.), Kaitlyn Pierson (Braintree, Mass.) Marjorie Guerrier (Plainville, Mass.), and first-year Emily Bussiere (Stow, Mass.) all competing for playing time. Duarte was a CCC First Team Selection last spring along with earning the team's Rookie of the Year Award. "All of our outfielders are solid defensively, play aggressively, and possess strong throwing arms," offered Weckworth.

On the infield front, junior Kiana Lloyd (Worcester, Mass.) has demonstrated a solid glove at shortstop along with second year player Sienna Kulpa (Taunton, Mass.). There are several players looking to play first base for Colonels this spring: sophomore Lexi Buckner (Foxboro, Mass.) senior captain Johnson, junior Alex Chase (Biddeford, Maine), and sophomore Julia Price (Islip, N.Y.). Buckner was a CCC Third Team Selection last spring along with earning the Golden Glove Award.  Johnson and Price can also bring their talents across the diamond to the third base bag this season. Junior Jocelyn Diamond (Weare, N.H.) has also looked good at third base and shortstop this spring. Curry has a very talented group of infielders who will be vying for time at second base. Newcomb and first-year players Kayla Georgeu (South Easton, Mass.) along with Karly Estremera (Stoughton, Mass.) 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," Weckworth said.

"This year's team has a great attitude, strong work ethic, and outstanding team chemistry," said Weckworth, who enters his 25^th season. "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 seventh 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 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. 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.

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