The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford softball team lost six seniors from last year's team, but that doesn't mean the expectations are any different.
Tina Phillips is entering her thirteenth season as the head coach of the Pitt-Bradford softball program and she expects her Panther's to compete for a conference title.
"We have talked all year about how long it has been since we have won the title, despite coming close on many occasions. The team took it hard not making the conference tournament last season and have worked so hard to get back," Phillips said. "On paper, we would be a middle of the pack team, but no games have been won or lost on paper. We still have a pretty young team and we just need to continue to take games one pitch at a time."
Despite losing NFCA All-Region selection Bri Stenta in the outfield along with the powerful bats of Ang Comilla and Heidie Lucke, Phillips is excited about the team she has returning. Many of them are far from inexperienced.
The Panthers return all-AMCC second team selection LeAnn Bell and she is expected to have another big year at the plate. Bell was a force in the middle of the Pitt-Bradford lineup last season, driving in 25 RBI, which was second on the Panthers and 15th in the AMCC. She also posted the second-best batting average on the team (.404) and finished second on the team in hits (40), slugging percentage (515) and doubles (6).
Pitt-Bradford also returns third baseman Amber Fox, who had a strong junior season in the leadoff role. She finished the 2015 season hitting .323, which was third on the team while also racking up a .457 on-base-percentage which was second on the team and posted a .908 fielding percentage at third base.
Both Bell and Fox were named AMCC players to watch this season. Phillips also expects strong season's from Meagan Hillard and Emily Fair who is returning after she was sidelined with an injury in 2015.
"We know Leann will have another strong season at the plate and drive in runs while hitting for a high average," Phillips said. "Amber needs to get on base and I expect Meg and Emily to be consistent at the plate all season."
Jill Fleming returns for her junior season at first base while freshman Maddy Hillery will play second, Fair will start at short and Fox will play third. Natalie Harding and Nicole Nolte will split time behind the plate. Bell and Hillard are the locks in the outfield while the third outfield spot is still up for grabs.
Taylor Collins and Cassidy Lewis return for their sophomore seasons in the circle while Phillips expects sophomore's Liz Dzurisin and Summer Andrews to add some depth in the pitching rotation.
"Cassidy and Taylor got substantial innings last season, I hope with that experience and all that we have been focusing on since the fall will help us in the circle," Phillips said. "I am also looking for more offensive production out of Jill and Natalie." Natalie will be getting more innings behind the plate this season."
Phillips is excited about the freshman on this year's roster as well.
"Liz, Maddy and Nicole bring in strong bats and will be looked to have a lot of swings this season. "They will need to make an immediate impact for us," Phillips said. "Grace and Alexis give us a lot of speed to make us more dangerous on offense and will add speed to the outfield. Jenna adds depth and once she is healthy will add another strong bat to the lineup."
As for the AMCC, Penn State Behrend and D'Youville are expected to lead the pack, but Phillips is excited about her team's chances this season.
The Panthers open the 2016 campaign Tuesday, March 5 against Northland College in Fort Myers, Fl.
