As spring rolls around, ETSU can expect a renewed intensity from the Buccaneer softball team.
Head coach Stephanie Defeo said that practices were coming together and that the team was concentrating on “the little things.”
The girls are picked to finish fifth in the conference, but Defeo said that with the team this year, she expects them to fight for a position in the top three and she projects that the team will be able to contend for the conference championship.
“We’re not necessarily looking to win the conference outright. It is more important for us to keep playing . we have an automatic bid, so if we win the tournament, we go to the regionals,” she said
Defeo said that the girls are currently taking it one pitch at a time and one game at a time.
“We want to get to the tournament with the confidence and momentum we need, and then we’ll see what comes next,” she said.
“The team this year has a lot of senior leadership,” DeFeo said. “We have two seniors in the infield and one on the mound, so we’re hoping that will help us.”
In addition to senior players, Defeo said that the team will rely on sophomore Tiffany Vander-griff, who had a great season last year and on the other returning players.
“All of our returners are key to our success this year,” said Defeo. “For example, we could put (sophomore) Rhea Holler anywhere and she would contribute.”
Defeo is looking for sophomore Julia Chance to be consistent in the lineup. Further, sophomore Miranda Byrely, who is coming off an Achilles’ injury is working back now and it is expected that she will afford more power to the team.
In regards to freshman players, Defeo looks for Lindsay Lane, Mary Beth Hazlewood and Dani Spetar to play important roles.
“We expect Lindsay to be solid at third base and to contribute in the lineup and Mary Beth to be steady on defense and offense. Dani should give depth to our team. She should see a lot of time in centerfield. Dani can drop a bunt and be safe or hit a home run in the same game . she has speed and power.”
Overall, the girls are expecting a great season.
“We’re looking to destroy every record we set last year,” Defeo said.
“This year is so much different because our team dynamic is so much better. The team is much closer and feels like family; it’s not every man for himself.

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