Last season, the Defenders fought through the loser’s bracket and turned the table on D’Youville College and swept them in two games to capture the North Eastern Athletic Conference championship. This season, the Defenders aim to repeat as champions and seek to be the first NEAC representatives to enter the NCAA Division III national softball tournament.
Coach Bill Higley and his staff introduce a very young team this season as they lost six starters or regular players from last year, including four seniors. However, while they find themselves coaching fundamentals during preseason workouts, the staff is encouraged that their athletes work hard and give their best effort every day. This group is not afraid to be challenged and there has been noticeable team and individual improvement. A vital key to their success will be how quickly new players step up and fill voids on the team.
Three assistant coaches will join coach Higley in developing this team. Berry Johnston (8th season) grew up around the game of softball and is very dedicated. He works with the pitchers and catchers and really serves as co-head coach. Elaine Brown (3rd season) brings a wealth of experience and is passionate about seeing young ladies succeed in athletics and always challenges the players. She serves as first base coach and works with the outfielders. Rachel Wiren (2nd season) has been a valuable addition to the staff. She brings college playing experience and high school coaching experience. She serves as team statistician and general assistant, helping wherever needed.
The Defenders will be led by their captains Christel Gould (Fort Plain, NY), Liz Tomasetti (Elizabethtown, PA) and Jill Scherrer (Erie, PA). Christel is a two time NCCAA All-American and was named NEAC player of the year last season. She led the team on the field with a .458 batting average and a .857 slugging percentage last season and with her hard work ethic she leads the team off the field also. Liz is recognized as a top pitcher in the NEAC (3.24 ERA) and a key reason for the Defenders’ success in the NEAC tournament last season. She has the ability to play several positions on the field and leads the Defenders with a positive attitude and encouragement off the field. Jill anchors the team behind the plate. She can also play several field positions but Coach Higley hopes that she will emerge as a top catcher in conference this season.
Key returning players including Holly Walton (Galloway, NJ) and Heather Stamper (Hagerstown, MD) will bring valuable experience to the field this season. Holly has good instincts in the outfield and Heather is a gifted athlete that should continue her improvement and become one of this team’s key leaders this year.
As a sport growing quickly in popularity, softball offers a unique opportunity for women athletes at BBC to glorify God, endure and grow for Him. Within the game, patience and endurance must be learned to stay centered through the victories and challenges just as in our daily lives. Softball is a great tool for Defender athletes to learn to focus on what is truly most important; living for Him, even on the softball field. This team will judge their season based on how they grow spiritually with the opportunities that God gives them. Their theme for this season is “ONE.”
