Bucks’ softball is looking to finally get back on the field for a purpose this season. For the first time in two years, they are back to playing a season with playoff implications, as the team could not play due to the pandemic.

The Bucks Softball Team is looking to rebuild the program after the plethora of setbacks provided by Covid. Coach Meagan Finnerty acknowledged the struggles and how they plan to move on, “We had a lot of setbacks over the past few years due to Covid, we couldn’t field a team for two seasons, and last year we had to be a club team. This year is the first that we have a true roster and girls that want to move the program forward.”

Every coach knows that reaching the playoffs is a must. Coach Finnerty has set the same standard for her team to follow. “We would love to get to the Small College World Series, and this group of girls definitely have the drive to get there.”

Although they couldn’t play for the postseason last year, they do have a handful of players returning that will be crucial for the team.

“Maddy Hower she is an unbelievable catcher and an all-around amazing player,” added Coach Finnerty. “Jess Kepner was first baseman last year but has taken a split role there this season, she’s stepped up and is now splitting her time at second base. Caroline Hansbury was my third baseman last year, but like Jess is taking a split role there, and proving to be a powerful designated hitter during her time off the field.”

It isn’t just the infield that’s loaded with talent, as Coach Finnerty made sure to recognize how Pitcher Jules Winglet has grown on and off the field. “Jules is a good pitcher, and has taken on a huge leadership role.”

Every good pitching staff has an ace that leads the way, and Kat Hastings is exactly that for Bucks softball. Coach Finnerty said this about Hastings: “The top arm in our pitching staff is a transfer, Kat Hastings. If she keeps pitching the way she did against Penn State Scranton, we absolutely can make it to playoffs. She is an extremely good pitcher with speed and movement.”

Bucks softball not only has solid pitching, but they also have girls on the team that can flat-out hit. Lead-off hitter Allison Micklo has developed a knack for consistently starting the game by getting on base. The rest of the lineup does a great job of putting the ball in play to follow up.

Coach Finnerty made a point to mention how well this team is hitting wise by noting, “our power comes from Hower (.538 AVG, .615 SLG), Shana Gugliandolo (.429 AVG, .786 SLG), Maddy Croushore (.400 AVG), Hansbury (.308 AVG) and Hastings. These girls are consistently hitting the ball for extra bases and bringing runs home.”

Practice can be hard work, which makes it easy for a team to become complacent or unmotivated throughout a long season, but Coach Finnerty has everyone working hard, “All these girls are coming to practice, giving 115 percent and it is showing in the field.”

In previous seasons, the team has had position holes mainly in the outfield. However, the team has shown flexibility by adjusting to the position previously seen as a weakness. “Micklo, Rosie Bartolome, Bri Keiper, and Winglet have taken on an outfield role, and they are keeping the ball in front of them.”

Being named the team captain is a prestigious tradition of the sport, and for this season, Bucks softball has two captains. “Winglet and Kepner are our team captains. They both proved to be team leaders through last year’s season as a club team.” With strong leadership, and an exciting lineup, this team has what it takes to compete in 2023!