By Julia Craig ’24, associate editor
The LVC softball team is looking to stay hot after last season’s historic run.
Last year, the team went 36-12, finishing in the top 16 in the NCAA tournament, including the first regional championship win in program history. This season has high expectations, as the preseason poll has voted the Dutchmen to win the conference in its first year in the MACF.
“I like being the favorite. Everyone else in the conference has to step up,” Scot Adams, head coach of the softball team, said. “The team still has to put in hard work, and we can’t just expect it to happen.”
A new coaching addition to the Dutchmen softball squad this season will also add a spark to the team. Assistant coach Alyssa Harhigh has joined the coaching staff after playing five seasons for York College softball, winning multiple MACC championships, and earning All-MACC first-team awards in three consecutive seasons.
“Coach Harhigh can connect with the players because she can relate to them, understanding the academic demands of a student-athlete,” Adams said.
The team itself does feel some pressure, as there have been big expectations from the team for a few years.
“I know there are a lot of people relying on us to replicate last season and go even further,” Sam Burns, senior outfielder and reigning MAC Commonwealth Player of the Year, said. “I think we should play every game like it’s the last and make sure we don’t get complacent.”
The team begins its season in Florida for spring break, where it will play a 10-game slate of strong competition. Catch the Dutchmen’s first home game and conference opener on Saturday, March 16, at 1 p.m. against Stevens Institute of Technology!