On the heels of a 46-3 season capped by its first-ever NCAA National Championship, the softball team was unanimously voted No. 1 in the 2014 National Fastpitch Coaches' Association Div. III preseason rankings. While the Jumbos are glad to be in the spotlight again, they know they will be judged by their performance on the field this season.
"After winning the national championship last year, it's amazing to be recognized as the No. 1 team in the nation," senior co-captain Jo Clair said. "However, rankings are just rankings. Every time we take the field, we are going to give our opponent their toughest game."
The Jumbos' toughness set them apart last year, helping the team claw its way through games and overcome adversity over the course of a long season. Their tenacity was on display during the championship game, when Tufts staged a three-run rally to defeat SUNY Cortland 6-5.
This year's squad needs to be even tougher if it wants to realize its goal of winning another national championship. They expect this season will be more challenging with every opponent viewing them as the team to beat. The Jumbos also understand what it takes to win: hard work and dedication.
"What makes this team so special is the commitment every member has for the program," senior co-captain Sara Hedtler said. "We're all willing to put in the work and make whatever sacrifices are necessary for the betterment of the team. Everyone will have to work even harder than we have in the past if we want to achieve the same level of success."
While Hedtler is proud of what she and her teammates have accomplished, she acknowledged that it's time to turn the page.
"The success we have had the past few years should serve as a jumping off point for this season," the outfielder said. "However, it is a brand new season, and nothing that happened last year matters this year."
With a new season comes a new team, and this year's roster includes eight freshmen. Though they feel added pressure of joining the defending champions, they said they are excited and eager to contribute.
"I am really looking forward to the road ahead of us," freshman outfielder Summer Horowitz said.
"I hope that when I am called upon, I'm able to do my best and help my team win," freshman infielder Marissa Heyer added.
The freshmen will join an explosive lineup headed by Clair and Hedtler, both of whom batted over .400 last year. The Jumbos boast quality hitters in almost every position, which is why head coach Cheryl Milligan thinks this year's offense could be better than last year's.
"We are in a position to put a few more runs on the board this year," Milligan said. "We plan to, and have worked very hard to, be a great hitting team."
Junior Allyson Fournier, last year's Div. III Athlete of the Year, anchors the pitching staff. One of the best pitchers in the country, Fournier led the nation in ERA and was the winning pitcher in the championship game. When she takes the mound, Tufts is virtually unbeatable.
The Jumbos' season starts Saturday in Minneola, Fla., when they will play the first two of their 14 spring break games. In the meantime, Milligan still wants to see her players focus on making smarter decisions and executing in the field, but she feels confident they will be ready for the start of the season.
"I'm excited to open up next week and see what this team will do," Milligan said. "I know what they can do."
