By Carson Metzker
Elm Staff Writer
Washington College’s softball team hopes to carry the momentum from last year into the 2018 season. The Shore women finished the year with a record of 25-16 and dominated the Centennial Conference in 2017 with an in-Conference record of 13-3. The team ended the year with a second-place finish in the Centennial rankings, falling short to McDaniel by only two games. The team led the conference in batting average, strikeouts, and hits allowed.
This offseason, the Shorewomen have worked tirelessly to promote their standard of winning. With eight freshmen and only 12 returning players, the young team had to come together and understand their new dynamic.
“We did get a lot of new girls,” explained senior pitcher Taylor Harcum. “We had to learn how to work with them on the field. This meant people playing positions they aren’t used to.”
Adjusting to changes in a team’s dynamic can be difficult. During the off season, the team held captain’s practices twice a week and worked in the weightroom.
“We focused on getting stronger and faster in order to last for both games that we play in one day” said Harcum. “This will help us in the long run when we play four to six games a week.”
Strength and conditioning coach Jonnie Jenkins and his staff have pushed the team to new heights, which will allow them maintain their composure through double headers, and tournament play.
The team is led by five seniors: Allyson Meil, Milly Kawabata, Elaina DiPrimio, Gabrielle Edwards, and Taylor Harcum.
“We would have team get-togethers in order to learn more about one another,” said Harcum. “We didn’t want anyone feeling left out. Team chemistry is very important if we want to be successful.”
Chemistry is a factor that often goes overlooked in a team’s ability to be successful. This bond that the seniors have helped facilitate will allow the group to come together in tough situations. The team’s connection is crucial, as it will allow them to remain confident when things do not go their way.
“I think our outlook on the season is the same that it is every season. We have certain goals that we set and aim to get,” Harcum said. “One major goal that our team sets every year is winning our conference tournament. We come so close every year but have come short. We have five seniors this year and it’s our last chance to get a ring, so it’s even more important and personal for us to get it. I think if we go out to every game with a confident mindset there’s nothing our team can’t accomplish. I think it’s our year.”
The Shorewomen begin their season with a doubleheader at Stockton University on March 1. Two days after, they will compete in the Salisbury University Softball Tournament, where they will square off against Clarkson University and rival Salisbury University.