BOSTON, Mass. -- Simmons Softball opens their 2014 season Sunday evening at the Dot Richardson Spring Games in Clermont, Fla. The Sharks, who went 22-13 last season, were defeated in the first round of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference tournament by the University of Saint Joseph, 3-1 and are out for redemption this spring.

Graduating just two seniors, Simmons returns a strong squad of 12, all of whom are armed with the experience and leaderships skills for a successful season. Seniors Emily Cunningham (Cotuit, Mass.) and Christina Mulcahy (Cambridge, Mass.) will anchor the infield and outfield, respectively, while a strong junior class of seven, including 2013 GNAC All-Conference First Team pitcher Lauren Backhaus (Windsor, Conn.) brings depth and composure to the squad.

Joining the Sharks roster are ten new faces including Kat Guillotte (New Bedford, Mass.), MacKenzie Hayman (Veazie, Maine), Janyne Sierra (Everett, Mass.), Alison Gauvin (Whitefield, Maine), Emma D'Arpino (Johnston, R.I.), Danielle LeBlanc (Templeton, Mass.), Tanya Stasio (Revere, Mass.), Katie Nosky (Dedham, Mass.), Carolyn Footer (Wiscasset, Maine), and Brianna Rastello (Salem, N.H.), all of whom bring talent in multiple positions and a burst of new energy and enthusiasm to the team.

"There's been something unique and special about this squad since we first started practicing in the fall. They love to compete and the energy they bring to practice each and every day is fun to watch. They're a committed group who knows where they want to go and they know what they need to do to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. We're excited to get outside, play some games and see all of their hard work pay off," said Head Coach Anne (Hennigan) Forsythe.