The Beacons Softball team opens up their season March 13th vs. Babson in Clermont, Florida. The ladies are coming off a solid 2010 campaign where they went 21-18, with a mediocre 5-9 record in the Little East. The team is led by top seniors Christina Polsonetti and Maria Nasta, as well as the program’s all time winningest pitcher, Kara Willis. Another standout the Beacons have returning is sophomore catcher Sue Killilea, last year’s LEC rookie of the year. Killilea was the first Beacon ever taken home that honor. The Beacons have a throng of new freshman talent coming in to boost an already-solid team. New recruits coming in include Erika Vecchiet, a four year letter winning third baseman in her NJ high school, and Sue Killilea’s cousin and four year letter winning catcher Erica Knowles, from Abington.
The Beacons are hoping a combination of youth and experience will turn into a winning formula in a tough LEC. The team is coming off their most successful season ever, setting team records in ten categories including batting average and runs. However, they are still under the radar in the conference, only being ranked 6th out of 8 teams in the preseason poll.
The Beacons have high hopes going into the season. When asked about her expectations for the year, pitcher Kara Willis said, ”For the 2011 season I feel that our team has a better shot at making playoffs than it has ever seen. We are strong offensively and defensively. Returners and freshman alike are working hard to improve. The talent on this squad is much stronger than that of prior years. We have advanced our pitching staff as well as built a stronger line-up. Overall I feel as though we will be very strong competitors in the LEC.”
The Beacons are feeling confident, something that is rare in a team that includes many transfer students. Willis is among them. ”I transferred from Keene State to UMB because I was switching my major and UMB offered me a lot of playing time. I was very pleased with the switch.”
Third year head coach Natalia Ardagna has done a sensational job recruiting. The incoming freshman hope to make an impact on an already good team immediately. According to one freshman, who chose to remain anonymous, “I think our chances are really good going into this season. Since we were only one game away from the playoffs last year, all of the girls are determined to go far into the postseason.”
The team truly believes they can go far in the LEC, and with any luck they have a great chance to make the tournament while improving on last years’ groundbreaking season.
