It may not seem like it with the snow still on the ground, but spring is in fact around the corner. In the light that warmer weather is on its way soon, so is softball season. With much of last season’s games canceled due to prolonged cold weather and heavy rains, the girls hope to play a more complete season filled with wins.

As mentioned, last spring’s weather caused a plethora of cancellations in games for both softball and baseball. In the beginning months, the winter’s cold prolonged into late March, and once April arrived, the rain seemed never-ending. Senior Grace Bencivenga commented on the horrible weather conditions.

“All the cancellations due to the weather last season were extremely frustrating because we all wanted to be outside playing games and practicing as much as possible,” Bencivenga said. “All we could really do was stay flexible with the scheduling conflicts. We hope the same thing won’t happen this season.”

Though the season kicks off in late February, the girls have been training before and after school in the batting cages, in the weight room, as well as getting some fielding work in the field house in preparation for the season. Senior Jessica Jelke is one of the many that trains after school with the team.

“Every Tuesday and Thursday, we have open hitting up in the batting cages. Every Wednesday morning, we have throwing practices,” Jelke said. “Although this time is meant to improve our throwing and hitting mechanics, the girls also use this time to build confidence, strengthen our team chemistry, our communication, and set goals for ourselves on what we want to achieve this season.”

But to have a successful team, there must be great leadership on all aspects of the game. Head varsity softball coach Christina Rosin highlights the players that she believes will have a great impact on the team this season.’

“We will have a solid and reliable pitching staff, which includes Kira Hoffman, Chloe Babcock, Maddy Tan, and Dahlia Maxwell. Offensively, Julia Ruth recorded six home runs last season, and we can’t wait to see what she will do this season. Additionally, we will have strong and consistent batters throughout our lineup, which will include Alana Mras, Meghan Ramseyer, and Katie Trail,” Rosin said.

The girls are also hoping to improve their record from last year’s finish, which left them disappointed but eager for another chance. The girls always look forward to facing off against fellow CSL teams.

“This year, our team is working extremely hard to improve our record from last season. The competition is intense and improves year after year, but with the right determination and persistence, we hope to beat Evanston, Maine South, Taft, New Trier, and per tradition, our arch rival Niles North,” Jelke said.

“I am definitely most excited about playing Niles North and New Trier. I know that if we all work together and play our best that we can beat them,” Bencivenga said.

The girls first home game is scheduled for Mon., March 25 at 4:45 P.M. against Lane Tech.