The wait for Laker softball is over. The Lakers will be opening their season March 17th at home versus Clark State CC. As they head into their season, here is what you can expect from your softball team.

Returners   

Coach McCoy returns four ladies this year, which he believes will provide value to the teams success this season. Sierra Fent, Tiffany Ricketts, Rachel King, and Alexis Schwartz are the veterans on the squad. 

• Sierra Fent is a hard throwing right hander that will bring a lot of experience to the mound. She will also provide strength at 1st base when not on the mound. Fent is also a gifted power hitter, that will bring some pop to the Laker lineup. Last season Fent hit two homeruns and drove in ten runs for the Lakers, Coach McCoy believes those numbers will go up this season.

• Tiffany Ricketts is a hard working infielder, will primarily fill 2nd base this season, and could see some innings as a relief pitcher. Ricketts hit .333 last season for 7 RBIs. She will look to build off that strong freshman campaign in her sophomore season.

• Rachel King is a strong armed outfielder that will bring stability to the Lakers in the field. King had the knack last year to get timely hits, hitting .324 and driving in team high 14 RBIs. Laker squad will need King's consistency at the plate this season.

• Alexis Schwartz will see time at DH and outfield. Last season Schwartz hit .500 in limited number of at bats. Coach McCoy is hoping Schwartz can continue that type of production this season.

Newcomers

Coach McCoy has many new faces this season with the Lakers bringing in four freshman and two junior transfers to the squad. Coach McCoy has high expectations for each of his newcomers.

• Hayley Ring will be the backstop this season for the Lakers. She has high IQ, and does a great job defensively behind the plate. 

• Jordan Leffler will be another Laker outfielder.  Leffler does a great job tracking the ball, and closing the gaps in the outfielder.  She has done a great job in practice to become a consistent hitter at the college level.

• Callie Vogel a local product from Celina, will bring much versatility to the table. Vogel will see time at infield, outfield and catcher.  Vogel will also provide a lot of power at the plate.

• Emma Fifer is hardworking and versatile player for Coach McCoy.  Fifer will play 3rd base and outfield this season.

• Brooke Stout, a transfer from Ancilla College, will be seeing a lot of time at shortstop this season.  She comes into the program with much needed experience, speed, and consistent hitting. 

• Abbey Renner, also a transfer from Ancilla College, is a solid pitcher that brings versatility to the mound.  Renner does a great job of keeping hitters off balance with her arsenal of pitches. When she is not on the mound, Renner will play first base. Renner will be expected to bring power to the Laker lineup this season.

What Coach Says:

Coach McCoy on the expectations for this season: "We want to continue to improve over last year's season.  Learning from our mistakes and growing as a team from game to game.  We need to control the controllables and learn to react to situations in a more positive manner.  Working as a team and staying strong mentally will be extremely important as well as minimizing our mistakes."

On the biggest thing from last year: "We must make better decisions at the plate.  We need to provide mental toughness throughout the entire game and play hard from beginning to end.  We also need to take advantage of mistakes made by our opponents."

Coach McCoy on the Lakers hitting this season: "This year we have solid hitters from top to bottom.  Anyone in the lineup can produce great hits at any time.  We need to be more disciplined at the plate and do a better job with our pitch selection.  Timely hitting is always a plus and I believe that we can put together back to back hits to produce many runs."

Thoughts on the pitching staff: "We have a good deal of experience and versatility with our three pitchers.  Expecting good thing from this group." 

Games to Watch:

Rochester College - Away Double-header, April 16th

Cleary University - Home Double-header, April 23rd