One thing is for sure: the Simmons College softball team knows how to hit.

And if the Sharks' start to the season is any indication, they might have the pitching to go with it and make a run at a GNAC title.

Coming off a 19-17 season (14-8 in conference play), Simmons is led by senior shortstop and captain Ann Talarico, who hit .336 with 10 home runs and team-leading 31 RBI in a GNAC first team all-conference season. Talarico has started the 2008 season in fine form, hitting .441 and knocking in 10 runs during the team's 9-1 trip in Florida last week.

Sophomore pitcher Sammi Letizio - coming off a 12-8 freshman season with a 2.85 ERA that included 134 strikeouts - is off to a flying start, going 7-0 during the Florida trip with a 0.53 ERA.Senior Natalie West and junior Kelsey Hasick will also see time on the mound.

"Offensively I think we'll be able to hit with anybody," says Shark head coach Nick French. "And I expect our defense and pitching to continue to improve as the season goes along."

Freshman Dannie Szabo is penciled in at third base and is off to a terrific start to her college career, hitting .484 with a team-best 12 RBI in Florida. West hit .400 with a homer in Florida, and will see time at first base when not pitching, sharing it with sophomore Leah Derderian. Last year, West led the team in hitting last season with a .350 average and was second on the team with 30 RBI. Derderian had a solid freshman season batting .303 with 22 RBI.

Junior Sam Green is back at second, and she'll be sharing the spot with freshman Annie Thompson, who played six different positions in Florida. Behind the plate this season for Simmons is a pair of newcomers to the program in freshman Emily Nalband and junior college transfer Merri Burr. Both will also see some time in the outfield. Junior Kristen Souza and freshman Stephanie Murray will also be called upon in the outfield for the Sharks.

Simmons advanced to the semifinals of last year's GNAC tournament, and figure to face stiff competition in the league this spring from the likes of Emerson (French's alma mater), Rivier, Pine Manor and Lasell.