A new spring brings new opportunities for the womenıs fastpitch softball team.

With a roster chock full of returning players, the Oles look to shake things up in the MIAC this year and improve on last yearıs eighth place finish and 8-14 conference record.

But right now the team is focusing on shaking off its winter woes and the battles for practice time in Skoglund Fieldhouse.

"Weıll probably start shoveling the field off soon," commented senior captain Sarah Cherry.

Things will heat up soon for the Oles when they open competition on March 19 in the sunshine state. Over spring break St. Olaf will compete in the Rebel Games in Orlando, Fla., where they will play eight games against Division III teams from around the country.

"There will be pretty strong competition in the Rebel Games," commented head coach Lori Littleton Cooling. "It should be a really great experience."

The team echoes Coolingıs enthusiasm, especially senior captain Andrea Hatleli. "Weıre really excited to go to Florida, see some dirt, and be outside," she said before offering an addition indicative of the teamıs confidence in the upcoming season. "Itıll be nice to come out strong and get some wins."

Competition will be stiff once the Ole women enter their conference season, scheduled to begin Apr. 4th at Gustavus. The MIAC is one of the most competitive conferences in the nation in Division III softball; last year, St. Maryıs won the NCAA national championship after finishing second to St. Thomas inthe MIAC.

Still, the Ole women recognize their talent and have set high goals for themselves.

"Finishing in the top three would be ideal," said Cherry. "Our top goal is that the team really plays tough and gains some respect in the conference."

Cooling expects the team to improve in all facets of the game this season, with an improvement in pitching seeming most important. "Weıre obviously looking to improve on our pitching from last year," said Cooling. The Oles will look to last yearıs team MVP, junior Grete Christenson, to provide stability from the pitching rubber. "Grete is our go-to pitcher right now."

Senior captain Christy Boraas knows how much rests on a solid hurler. "A lot depends on the pitching‹Greteıs been looking good in practice so far."

Some other aspects of the Olesı game will remain consistent from last year. "Our strongest point will be our defense," said Cooling. "We look really solid in the field right now."

And the Oles will bring some big bats to the plate as well. Cherry, senior Carrie Cooley, and senior Christina Moses are all great hitters and bring other skills to the team.

"Christina has a rocket for an arm out there in center field and is a big hitter for us," commented Cooling.

Moses ranked among conference leaders in runs and RBI last year, in addition to carrying a perfect fielding percentage throughout the season. Cherry earned All-MIAC honors last year, finishing fifth in the MIAC in hits and eighth in doubles.

Sophomore Kelly Frederick shared All-Conference honors as well, swinging her way onto the MIAC leader boards in batting average, RBI, doubles, and triples in her first-year season.

The Oles have also brought in a great crop of first-years this year, some of whom are expected to make significant contributions. Cooling looks to Melissa Ohm and Megan Urbanski to offer Christenson some help pitching once theyıve sufficiently adjusted to differences in the college game.

The women have the talent this year to do great things in the MIAC. If they can come up with some solid pitching efforts and remain consistent at the plate they can compete with any team in the league.

But for now they remain indoors, rotating practice times in Skoglund and yearning for green grass.

While the team works out the kinks before heading to Florida, Cherry remembers that in the end, the key to this season can be put quite simply. "Weıre a really tight team, we really enjoy playing together. So hopefully if we score lots of runs, things will work out."