Simmons Softball will open the spring 2010 season in Clermont, Fla. when the team competes in a week of games at the National Training Center. The Sharks finished the 2009 season with a 12-12 Great Northeast Athletic Conference record and a 16-23 overall record. As the post-season tournament's eighth seed, Simmons defeated fifth seed Norwich University and third seed Suffolk University to place fourth in the conference playoffs.
Simmons aims to make the tournament every season, and 2010 is no exception. "We believe that we can surpass last year's finish and hopefully win the tournament and Simmons' first-ever NCAA appearance," said Head Coach Anne Hennigan. "Our returners are motivated and dedicated to improving on last year's record and the new additions provide skill, energy and enthusiasm. This team has the talent and the heart to achieve the goals we have set for 2010."
The Sharks graduated five seniors after the 2009 season, but many standouts will return to lead the team to another successful year. Senior Sammi Letizio (Windham, NH) and junior Courteney Collier (Bolton, MA) will both return to the circle. Letizio lead the 2009 pitching staff with a 2.60 ERA with 19 appearances. Collier pitched 151 innings, with 123 strikeouts, and was the team's key to success in the 2009 post-season run. Letizio and Collier will also be joined by senior Katelyn Bourgeois (North Smithfield, RI) in her first season as a Shark and sophomore transfer Samantha Hodgkins (Putney, VT). Bourgeois and Hodgkins will provide relief innings and add to the potent pitching staff. Assistant Coach Hannah Angel will oversee the Sharks' pitchers in her first season with Simmons Softball. Angel comes to Simmons with a great deal of pitching knowledge, having competed at the Division I level for the past four years at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Assuming the starting catcher position will be junior Emily Nalband (Litchfield, CT). Nalband is a smart catcher who knows how to control the game. She is also a valuable part of the Sharks' offense as her short-game skills as well as her power allow her to move runners or produce base hits.
Leah Derderian (Boylston, MA) and Annie Thompson (Pacific Palisades, CA) will be the only returning starters in the infield and the Sharks will look for their leadership on the field. Thompson recorded a team-high batting average of .373 during the 2009 regular season with 9 home runs. Derderian had a .972 fielding percentage at first base and she provides strength and power at the clean-up slot and she is capable of producing the big hits when needed.
Joining Derderian and Thompson in the infield will be junior Steph Murray (Groveland, MA) at second base, sophomore Ashley Wheeler (Nashua, NH) at third base/first base and freshman Cailin Pagel (Dorchester, MA) also at third base. Murray's quick hands and smooth footwork allows her to knock down base hits and she also provides great speed on the base paths. Wheeler reads the ball well and can knock down any ball hit her way. She also provides a strong bat in the line-up and the Sharks will look to her for run production. Pagel's strong arm and quick release will also provide great value to the corner. Junior Emily Colligan (Leominster, MA) will also see some time at first base. Colligan will primarily be used for her powerful, fluid swing and her ability to hit the ball hard. Collier, when not in the circle, will also see time at second base.
The outfield will be lead by sophomore Amanda Gould (Fremont, NH) and sophomore Desiree Bourassa (Rochester, VT). Gould's quickness and athleticism allows her to get to any ball hit her way and her explosive arm is sure to keep runners off base. Bourassa reads the ball off the bat extremely well and can track down anything hit to right field. Freshman Ari King (Westford, MA) brings great athleticism, speed and a strong arm that will add great depth to the outfield. Hodgkins and Murray will also see valuable time in the outfield as they, too, supply speed, agility and powerful arms.
"I am extremely excited to start the 2010 season. I feel that great things lie ahead for this year's squad," said Coach Hennigan. "If we are able to play to our potential and stay healthy, we can accomplish great things. We have great leadership in our three captains – Sammi, Leah and Annie – and all of the returners know what it takes to win games. Our preseason has been productive and we cannot wait to step on the field and show the GNAC what we are capable of."
The Sharks will open their Spring Break competition when they face off against The Sage Colleges at the NTC Softball Complex on Sunday, March 7 at 3:30pm.