By Pat Tintle
Contributing Writer
Even though the softball team has not played in the Atlantic 10 playoffs in three years, Head Coach Mike Treehouse is confident in the program’s future.
“If we keep walking forward and get better every day, the wins will start coming,” Threehouse said.
The Bonnies are coming off a 17-27 season (6-14 conference). But with new faces and a solid core of returning players this year, the team looks to return to being serious playoff contenders.
“We know coming in that this group has little experience,” Threehouse said.
Freshman first baseman Katie Sinclair is one new face to watch. Sinclair will play a big role in the offensive production and will provide stellar defense at her position, said Threehouse.
Another new recruit is freshman shortstop Emily McDonough. Contributing with top-notch defense, McDonough will also provide the Bonnies with a much-needed left-handed bat in the middle of the line-up. Freshman second baseman Emily Belfield will complete the young double-play combination.
Outfielders Jessenia Andujar, Hali Enderby and junior Ashley Snider will help provide experience for the team.
“Our strengths are at the plate and with our defense,” Threehouse said. “Our pitching staff will learn as they go.”
Pitching has become a question in the upcoming season. The team is hopeful that freshman pitcher Carly Bilchak and other pitching recruits will benefit the staff.
The Bonnies are looking at the upcoming season as a rebuilding year. The new recruits will have time to show the team their talents as athletes and leaders. Returning players will act as mentors, showing the younger athletes the right way to perform both on and off the field, said Threehouse.
“We want to return to A-10 championship-caliber play,” Threehouse said.
Threehouse is entering his 15th season as head coach. In his time with the team, he is the program’s all-time wins leader with 200. Threehouse also won the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year Award in 2006 for giving the program its best single season record to date (23-22 with 14 conference wins).
As for the rest of the conference, the biggest challenges will be UMass and Fordham. Dark horse teams such as La Salle and Charlotte also present the Bonnies with a competitive schedule, according to Threehouse.
“We can’t take any team for granted,” Threehouse said. “All teams will be a challenge.”
Despite losing some important seniors from last year, the team looks to move forward and play tough in every game, Threehouse said.
“We always miss seniors. But every year is a new year.”
