With the best depth and pitching staff in recent memory, the Southern Maine softball team has begun spring training. The team has not suffered any off-season injuries or surgeries, and has had successful recruiting, adding to the team’s overall depth.
Coach Bonny Brown-Denico describes the infield as “tall,” and the outfield as “fast,” which sounds very favorable for Southern Maine.
The pitching staff has had a very strong showing so far this spring, with Brown-Denico relaying that the women are not only talented but equally so, and choosing rotation spots will be difficult.
Spring training will feature a trip south including a week with two days of triple-headers, seven innings each, so strength of starters to go all seven innings is crucial, but for this team, seemingly not a problem.
Team captains have been announced as senior second baseman/outfielder Tina West, senior starting catcher Beth Fulton, and senior catcher/third baseman Renee Heath.
Sleeper favorite this year will probably be Jamie Wood, freshman third baseman. A soccer goalie last fall, Wood has a solid arm and good bat, and is a welcome addition to the team.
This season Western Connecticut and Keene State will be the teams to beat, with Keene State notoriously having a very strong women’s athletic programs.