The SUNY Cortland Club Softball season is underway as the team continues to grow its chemistry and integrate new players into the family.
The team held their first tryout on Saturday Jan. 27 following a second tryout date on Monday Jan 29. The team had a talented group of prospective players attend.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can go this season, fitting in the new talent, and hopefully divisional stuff is in our future,” said Club President Sam Mckay.
Many other players have similar feelings related to the potential success of the team this season.
“We all mesh well together, and we don’t all have the same skill level,” said sophomore Michelle Chiaramonte. “It makes for great teamwork and improvement for all of us, even if we’ve been on the team for years.”
Like most club teams on campus, club softball is student-run, with no coach. Mckay, along with her fellow officers, help to develop practice plans and drills.
“It’s really fun making practice plans and it’s good practice for designing any lesson,” said Mckay. “The team always adapts well. This squad has so much talent, energy, and everyone has basically played their whole life.”
This fall, the team finished with a 6-2-1 record overall. Veteran players would like to redeem themselves this spring, anticipating an undefeated season. As they are solidifying their strong roster, it is accompanied by many returners.
“The attitude and talent the veteran players bring makes practice fun and exciting,” said new player Faith Bauer.
Despite the challenges of practicing inside during the spring until the weather gets warm, it does not affect the team’s experience. Last year, the club baseball and softball teams traveled together to Panama City Beach, FL for spring training.
“I would like to say ever since PCB, talent on this team has evolved because we experienced playing with girls all around the country. It opened my eyes and made me realize that I need to take my training more seriously and there is always room to improve,” said Junior Ela Riccobono.
The Cortland club softball team participates in events off the field, which is beneficial for the team’s chemistry.
“I really love getting to know all my teammates during the spring, new and old, and I’m excited to continue doing that as the season progresses,” said secretary and veteran player, Lillyann Fogarty.
Chiaramonte said, “We all have a love for the sport, and we love to make new memories while we do it. It is just good vibes and fun times.”
The team is scheduled for two game days, each including three games. Cortland will host Syracuse’s softball club and Binghamton’s softball club on March 24 and April 6. They also have a makeup inning against Ithaca to settle a tie that occurred in the fall, and that date is to be determined.
