Women's softball seeks to do better despite losing Pratt

Losing Mackenzie Pratt, a starting pitcher for the Norwich softball team, has made this a rough year for the five-year-old team.

Pratt, a junior from Hyde Park, Vt., died of cancer last year.

The team has struggled in the past, trying to compile a .500 record, but managing to win games in the GNAC tournament.

Last year the Cadets made it through the first round of playoffs and beat Lasell College 8-1 to move on in the GNAC conference tournament.

"This year is going to be different and that's OK," said Greg McGrath, coach of the women's softball team.

The nine underclassmen, six freshman and three juniors have been working hard in the off season. Their team chemistry has been leading them to much success on the practice field, according to Marley Bolasco, 21, a senior from Barrington, R.I., a catcher as well as a senior co-captain.

The team has been practicing for about a month in Shapiro Field House.

"Working a little bit on skills and kind of getting back to the muscle memory part of the game, easing into it really," Bolasco said. "I think we have been moving along [preseason] a little faster than in past years, and I think we are definitely better conditioned at this point than last year, which is a good sign. The energy is there, everyone wants to be here, and it is a completely new team and everyone wants to be here."

According to Bolasco and McGrath, players are enjoying themselves and everyone wants to be here.

The team is split between corps and civilian students, according to McGrath. In the past the team has been predominately civilian.

"Our chemistry is amazing for such a young team," said Erin Vien, 20, a sophomore from Plymouth, N.H.

"Defensively they look strong, several of them look strong at the plate, the one thing we are really missing is pitching," McGrath said. "But we are hoping to get a couple of women from winter sports that are going to come in and help boost our team in terms of talent and numbers."