The girls’ softball team looks forward to a great year with a talented and well-rounded roster, bringing back several key pieces from last year. 

Senior utility Lizzie Nelson committed to Trinity College to further her softball career at the next level. Nelson has been a varsity starter for four years and captain for three years, bringing knowledge and experience to the team. Nelson has worked hard to make the program better throughout her time here. “Since I’ve been here we’ve gotten new roofs for the dugouts, installed a new batting cage, built shelves in the storage shed, gotten new jerseys and started winter lifting workout sessions for the first time ever,” Nelson said. 

Junior shortstop/pitcher Karen Potts has also been a varsity starter since her freshman year. She has garnered interest from several college programs throughout the past year. Both Nelson and Potts are multi-sport athletes, starring on the soccer field as well. 

Head coach Bridgette Goyne and her father Springer Goyne look to lead the team this year. Both coaches have years of experience with both high school and travel softball. Senior Katie Kerns, Sonya Berlinger, Jamie Reyer and Nelson were named captains by the coaching staff.

Star pitcher Moira Rankin graduated last year and continued on to play softball at Carleton College, a big loss for the team. Rankin was the lead-off hitter and starting pitcher for last year’s squad, leading them to two playoff wins. “Moira’s walk-off hit in the playoffs last year was awesome,”  Nelson said.

Nelson’s season was cut short last year because of a broken finger on her throwing hand, forcing her to sit out the playoffs. “My goal this year is to win multiple playoff games,” Nelson said.

The girls have formed friendships on and off the field and often have team bonding activities and hangouts outside of practice. “I think that we have great team chemistry because we all want to be there and have fun with each other on and off the field, so that really translates into the way we play because we have good communication and are able to trust each other and work well together,” Potts said.

Junior outfielder Kaitlin Mariani has chosen not to play this season after making the decision to focus on basketball full time, a big loss for the team. Reyer and junior Hope Safai will step up to lead the outfield this year.

With the experience of Nelson and Potts, this team looks to make a run come playoffs. “I am trying to teach the next generation because I have put a lot into this team and I want to pass the knowledge on. I’m proud of everything I’ve done and hope it keeps on going,” Nelson said.

The girls traveled to Clarksburg for a scrimmage on Mar. 7. All of the girls got playing time and it was a great way for the coaches to get to see the players live in action. 

The girls played their first game of the season at Paint Branch on Mar. 22. The girls went down early, but fought hard, scoring a few runs. It was not enough as the game ended in a 13-3 loss. With games against Watkins Mill and Clarksburg coming up, the girls look to get their first win.