While the winter gets to its last days of glory, spring announces its arrival and with it so does the softball season at CCSJ.

With vibes of positivism and determination, the women’s softball team prepares for a new shot of glory.

“I feel that with all the returning experience and pitching we have this season, we have a strong chance to not only win the conference tournament but also the regular season conference championship,” Said Head Coach Dave Lopez, who has been leading the team for two years in a row.

Coach Lopez feels that hard work is really important for the success of this season. According to Lopez the players need to focus on assimilating their roles.

“As far as improving on last year’s results Coach Lopez says, we need to stay focused and keep working hard,” Said Lopez, “Our players need to understand their roles within the team and when they are called upon they need to do their job.”

Couple players of the team think that seniority and returning players are things the team can use in their favor to win, even against their toughest rivals.

“Last year St. Xavier was our biggest challenge because of their senior pitcher. However, now that we have all returning pitchers like Junior Alyssa Sansone, Kali Weyer, Priscilla Aponte and Claire Schapker, it may fall in our hands,” Said shortstop Courtney Spirek.

“I think with so many of us seniors it will be an advantage to our younger teammates, as we will all be leaders to them and to each other. We all have great experiences and talents, which we will all use to work together as a team to accomplish our goals for this coming season,” Said senior first basemen, Nicole Henry.

Senior Shortstop Joanna Drew expressed her opinion about how unity and desire for victory are key for this season.

“Staying hungry is always on our minds and we are here to come out with a bang this season,”  Said Drew, “We have always wanted to go to nationals and compete to make our season last as long as possible and to be together as long as we can.”

According to Coach Lopez, it is crucial for the Crimson Wave to pull round from losing three of its most valuable leaders. To Lopez, playing hard and working hard is key for that comeback.

“It all comes down to how are we going to bounce back after losing our three senior starters Beth Fuller, Sarah Simchak, and Patty Monarrez that brought great leadership on and off the field,” Said Lopez, ” For us to make those strides as a team and program we need to play with confidence heart and believe in one another.”

Up to this point, Florida and Tennessee are the first destinations for the Crimson Wave where they will play pre- season opener games. The team will leave to Tennesse on Feb, 16 through 19 and on Feb, 25 through march five, they will be in Florida.