Cortland Softball ended their season last year by going 24-13 overall and 14-4 in conference play, ranking them seven at the start of this season. The team lost two seniors, one returning as an assistant and gaining seven freshman and one sophomore transfer. Flashing forward to the start of this season, the team has been working tirelessly throughout the fall preparing the upcoming season.
At the end of last season, the team lost only two seniors, one who returned as an assistant coach, Megan LaMont. The team gained seven freshmen and one transfer who is a sophomore.
Head Coach Molly O’Donnell says this team’s mantra is Above the Line. It derives from Urban Meyer, a former college and NFL coach. It means being “Intentional, On Purpose, Skillful.”
Sophomore Elaina Ornstein says, “We hold that to every practice, lift, team dinner, in the classroom, on the field, at home, everywhere, we are always above the line.”
Putting this into practice has helped the team stay focused and on track. It is a guide for the players and a team to evaluate how they are doing individually and collectively. Above the Line will be used throughout the season to motivate them to stick to their training foundations.
In the fall the team put in the time and energy to get “back to basics and foundations and techniques of skills” said Coach Molly O’Donnell. There was a common theme to the team’s training, and this was “attention to detail.”
With putting in all the work in the fall from August to October, with lifts in December it put the Red Dragons in the position to come back from winter break to put the training to use. The Red Dragons “hit the ground running,” said Coach O’Donnell the “foundations were set and now it’s time to implement into game play.”
Looking at this season Cortland Softball as their eyes on SUNYACs and to host home games. Having lost last year, “chip on shoulder” was the phrase used by Coach O’Donnell to describe the determination to win SUNYACs this year. The team is “motivated and energized.”
The Red Dragons are going to into this season viewing their conference competition evenly. All games matter the same, this is how they are going to punch their ticket into SUNYACs.
“Bottom ranked teams are just as important as top ranked teams.” said Coach O’Donnell
Ornstein is excited for conference game days. Having to remember there a championship on the line is the most important aspect.
“I always love conference game days; we always play each opponent as if they are the best in the league because we are constantly fighting for that conference championship.” Said Ornstein.
Coach O’Donnell and Ornstein have some advice for Cortland Fans and Cortland Students.
- COME TO GAMES
Watch one of the fastest growing women’s sports. Maybe you’ll even;
- BECOME A FAN
Follow all the games at cortlandreddragons.com
- Always believe in the Red Dragons.
- Continue to show your support for your Red Dragons.
The first home game is March 27th at 7pm against Hamilton in a two-game series.