Spring Sports Capsule Previews: Softball

Wildcats Softball

Record (as of April 11): 2-0

Head Coach: Johanne Presser, entering 11th year as head coach.

Assistant Coach: Andy Lombard, entering 10th year as coach.

Captains: Kelly Kenney and Alyssa Wagner.

Key Players: Captains Kenney and Wagner, Stephanie Fahey, Emily Forzono, Kayla Hale and Meghan Maliga.

Coach Presser characterized the team's last season as successful, with a 17-6 overall record including postseason games. The team went 14-2 in conference play. The Wildcats shared the NCCC title with Ellington and Granby last year.

Presser said the team is in contention for a strong finish again this year, although she pointed out that there are some strong teams playing and the season will be "tough going" at points.

As for those tough opponents, Presser had this to say: "Last year, the only two conference games we lost were to Granby. But this year Somers, Ellington and Stafford will be tough and there are a couple of sleeper teams who could surprise [us]."

Presser said the team has won its conference for the past four years, so there is "an expectation of success" for the team. The Wildcats graduated their top hitters last year so offense is a priority. The pitching battery is "one of the best in the conference" and the team is strong defensively.

She noted the difficulty of practicing in the school gym, which makes replicating the actual playing field tough, but said many other teams have been practicing under the same circumstances.

Presser said the team is enthusiastic and working hard to improve and that the team is meshing nicely under the leadership of its veteran players.

The Wildcats begin a three-day, three-game homestand today when they play the Granby Bears at 3:45 p.m. SMSA heads to Suffield for a game on Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. and the Tolland Eagles visit Suffield on Thursday for a 4 p.m. start.