The ground has been a little too soggy for the Oberlin softball squad and their first scrimmage against Lorain County Community College was cancelled Wednesday. But the weather hasn’t dampened the team’s spirits or kept the Yeowomen from preparing for the upcoming season.

“Practices have been going great!” said new head coach Adrianne Davis. “Because of the weather, we’ve been practicing in Jones [Field House] since February.  We get better each day in practice and are looking forward to showing our improvement out on the field.”

In her first year at Oberlin, Coach Davis joined the softball team from Beloit College, where she recently graduated and assisted in coaching. Coach Davis is adamant about the team’s potential. “Our team is still very young, but we have a lot of strengths, with our defense leading the way...offensively all the players have the tools and desire to have a very successful season.”

The Yeowomen have several players returning from last season’s lineup. On the infield, look for senior captain Katie Dover-Taylor as she dominates second base. Last season, Dover-Taylor’s .277 batting average was the second highest on the team, and she led the team with a .347 on-base percentage. Also keep your eyes open for junior shortstop Alie Plotsky, who led the team in batting average (.312) and RBIs (10) last year. Another veteran infielder is third base star sophomore Spencer McCaffrey.

The outfield is equally talented with senior captain Miriam Elfstrom patrolling the turf. Junior veterans Cynthia Yanez and Carrie Noel-Nosbaum and sophomore Ashley Gorham will also occupy positions in the outfield.

The Yeowomen pitching staff consists of senior Kate Oberg who will show the ropes to three first-years: pitcher Michelle Zanni and catchers Leah Pine and Ruth Allanbrook.  

Weather permitting, the softball team will play its first official game on March 21 at Ursuline College. The team also hosts a doubleheader against Thiel College on March 23. Over spring break, the team will head to warmer and drier weather as they travel to Fort Myers, FL. They will have an excellent opportunity to practice and plan on playing ten games against schools including Colby, Gustavus Adolphus and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.